Play Ball

Play Ball, manufactured by Bally in April 1941, is an early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine with a baseball theme, tapping into the sport's popularity in the United States at the time.

Key to Play Ball's gameplay is its use of five balls for a single 5-cent play, a common arrangement in pinball machines of the era. The 17 passive bumpers add to the machine's challenge and provide players with multiple opportunities to score points. Additionally, the backbox light animation, depicting players running the bases, adds a visual element that immerses players in the baseball theme.

The design and art on Play Ball are characteristic of Bally's style during this era, featuring a large backglass measuring 22 inches high and 19 inches wide. While not much is known about the designer or any specific inspiration behind the machine, its baseball theme and electro-mechanical gameplay make it a notable early entry in Bally's history, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the game from its humble beginnings.