Majors - 1941

The 1941 Majors pinball machine is a rare and significant example of early electro-mechanical (EM) gameplay. As an early baseball-themed pinball, it showcases the growth of sports as a popular subject matter in pinball design. Produced by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company, a prominent player in the industry during the mid-20th century, this machine is notable for its mechanical components and passive bumpers.

The gameplay experience on Majors features 16 passive bumpers, which are relatively simple targets compared to later electromechanical designs. However, their presence highlights the early experimentation with various play elements that would eventually lead to more complex game mechanics. The backglass measures a modest 20 by 22 inches, showcasing the limited artwork and design capabilities of the time.

A notable aspect of Majors is its representation of baseball as a theme in pinball, one of a number of baseball-themed machines Chicago Coin and its competitors produced through the 1930s and 1940s. With little known about the machine's designer or specific historical context surrounding its creation, enthusiasts can appreciate the rarity and early significance of this 1941 pinball.