“Pinball Wisdom of the Aged”

[roxy]

Yes, today I am 82, which is greater than my scores on the newer pinball games.  I started playing pinball when you got 5 balls for a nickel and a nickel was hard to come by.  It was a grand time.  Flashing colored lights, fascinating sounds, memorable moments, not to be found anywhere else.  The brilliant lights reflecting from your face as you were totally immersed in playing pinball.  The experience was unique.  Add to that - down to my last nickel of my weekly allowance of 25 cents, now that is pressure to perform.  I wish all of you could have the experience.

The real reason I am writing this is to say thank you to the great, worldwide VP community.  You have enabled me to keep enjoying pinball and so much more.  The help and encouragement you have given an old guy has been remarkable.  I now get all the enjoyment of my youth and it doesn’t take my last nickel.

With admiration and appreciation,
Roxy

[I have posted this on VP Forums and now on Rogue Pinball.  I am unsure if this is proper etiquette.  If not, I apologize for my error.  I just wanted to extend my sincere appreciation to as much of the pinball community as possible and Rogue Pinball was always there to help.]

[Petrachini]

Hello, for an 82 -year -old guy, I as a curiosity wanted to know what the first machine you put a record..I have 62 and mine was the Bally Champ.

[roxy]

I can’t say.  Back in the day when I was 7 or 8, it was more about the colorful lights and winning a free game, even if by “matching,” so you could keep playing.  The first game I owned was Gottlieb’s Kings and Queens which I passed on to my oldest son.

[Itchigo]

I don't remember the actual first game I played as there were so many. I'd have to guess Bally's RO-GO. Some of my mom's friends had one in their basement. I remember when pins went from 5 balls 2 plays for a quarter to 3 balls 2 plays, and I was like "what a jip"??

I was very fortunate because my dad was an operator, so it was literally the family business. I used to go to Worldwide Distributors in Chicago every day. Sadly, the 100 year old building is a park now. I've owned several pins over the years but the last game I bought from Worldwide was a Defender video game, which I still have.