Big Ten

The Big Ten pinball machine, manufactured by J. H. Keeney and Company Incorporated in October 1938, is a flipperless, electro-mechanical (EM) example of early football-themed pinball. It reflects the growing popularity of sports-inspired games during this period, though whether it was truly among the very first is not confirmed.

Gameplay on the Big Ten is marked by several notable features for its time. The machine boasts 12 spring bumpers and three trap holes, providing players with multiple opportunities to capture points. The game offers five balls for five cents, a relatively low cost compared to other pinball machines of the era. Additionally, a backglass light animation depicts football moves across the field, while a projection unit in the backbox displays earned replays on the backglass.

Being flipperless, Big Ten relies on skillful plunging and nudging rather than flipper control - typical of pinball machines from the late 1930s. Little is known about the game's specific designer or additional trivia, but as an early sports-themed title, the Big Ten remains a notable piece of pinball history for collectors and enthusiasts alike.