Grand Slam

The Grand Slam, manufactured by Williams in 1964, is a notable addition to any collection — though strictly speaking it is a bat game rather than a conventional pinball machine. In this two-player electro-mechanical baseball game, players swing a bat at pitched balls, aiming for the eight hanging targets and the single unpainted metal ramp on the playfield.

Spelling out the name of the game awards two or five replays (operator adjustable), giving players a clear goal to chase across innings. The game's showpiece is its mechanical backbox animation: miniature men run the bases as players rack up hits, a charming piece of electromechanical theater that defined Williams' celebrated line of baseball games.

The Grand Slam's design is straightforward yet engaging, and its craftsmanship reflects the artistry of mid-1960s Williams. One example pictured on IPDB even carries a silkscreened "1964" date on its backglass, matching the game shown in the original flyer and suggesting an early production run — a small detail that delights collectors seeking insight into the genre's development.