It is both a piece of movie history and a timely reminder of actual history. Now, it is also private property. As table tennis players, we have complicated feelings about "Forrest Gump," the 1994 Academy Award winner for Best Picture. On one hand, Tom Hanks' Oscar-winning portrayal of a dim-witted soldier with a preternatural proficiency at ping-pong certainly elevated our sport's visibility. Furthermore, it informed a new generation of the historical significance of Ping-Pong Diplomacy. On the other hand, we who wield the paddle of power have grown accustomed to hearing the name "Forrest Gump" invoked when we mention our favorite sport to non-players. It seems to be the type of conditioned response Pavlov observed in his dog, the tintinnabulation of table tennis eliciting the same unimaginative pop culture reference unconsciously oozing out of their mouths like so much dog drool, time and time again. Now, the paddle which Tom Hanks wielded in front of a green screen (before the ball and his opponents were digitally inserted) has gone from a movie prop to a collector's item. At Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, the red-and-black bat was expected to fetch between $1,000 and $2,000. Like anything, however, it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. In this case, it went to someone who must have invested in some kind of fruit company for a jaw-dropping $25,600. The winning bidder has thus far remained anonymous. While it may seem incomprehensible to shell out that much for an otherwise unprepossessing paddle, it is a testament to the enduring popularity of the critical and commercial smash film, even 27 years later. What's more, the recent and ongoing celebration of Ping-Pong Diplomacy's 50th anniversary adds further historical patina to the rubbered racket. In any case, this piece of movie history which reflects real history is now off the market. And that's all I have to say about that.

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