The Rise and Fall of Marty Reisman: The Man Behind the Ping Pong Hustle

In the bustling streets of 1940s and '50s New York City, a unique subculture thrived around table tennis. This wasn't your average basement game; it was a high-stakes world filled with gamblers, artists, and misfits. Among them, a young Jewish man named Marty Reisman stood out. Known for his sharp style and even sharper skills, Reisman was a ping pong prodigy. His game was so fast and precise that opponents often joked they could lose their eyebrows to his shots. Reisman's life was a mix of talent, rebellion, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. He dressed in elegant suits and hats, adding a touch of flair to the game. His charisma and showmanship made him a legend. But Reisman wasn't just a showman; he was a hustler. He and his friend Dick Miles once tricked the English Table Tennis Association into paying for their lavish hotel stay. When the officials refused, they threatened to skip exhibition matches, forcing the officials to back down. This stunt earned them a fine and a temporary ban from the sport.Growing up on Manhattan's Lower East Side, Reisman's life was far from easy. His father was a taxi driver and gambler, and his parents split when he was young. Reisman turned to table tennis as an escape from his anxiety and the harsh realities of his life. The game became his meditation, a way to focus and forget his worries. He dreamed of being the best, comparing table tennis champions to Einsteins and Hemingways. Reisman's skills and charisma made him a star, but the game changed when a new type of racket emerged. The sponge rubber racket, introduced by Japanese player Hiroji Satoh, revolutionized the sport. Reisman, who preferred the old hardbat, struggled to adapt. He spent years analyzing and complaining about the new racket, feeling it had ruined his game. Despite this setback, Reisman remained a beloved figure in the table tennis world. He even won the United States Hardbat Championship at the age of 67, proving that his love for the game never faded.