Champion

The Champion, manufactured by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company in 1949, is a significant and rare example of early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball design. As one of the earliest basketball-themed pinball machines, it offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of the sport within the pinball industry during the post-war era.

Key gameplay features of the Champion include its ability to accommodate five balls per game, a generous replay wheel with a maximum capacity of 47 plays, and an array of bumpers that provide players with multiple chances for high-scoring combinations. The flippers on this machine are more accurately described as player-controlled kicking rubbers, which adds a distinct dynamic to gameplay.

The Champion's design and art pay homage to the sport of basketball in the late 1940s. While detailed information about its designer is not available, it is clear that the machine was created with an emphasis on capturing the excitement and energy of live basketball games. The incorporation of two bells and a knocker as sound effects further immerses players into the game's atmosphere. Unfortunately, no additional historical or unique trivia could be found to shed more light on this fascinating piece of pinball history.