Play Ball

Play Ball, manufactured by Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO) in June 1935, is a notable early entry in electro-mechanical baseball-themed pinball. As a payout machine that also functioned as a ticket vendor, it reflects the popular pay-to-play arcade format of the mid-1930s, and its playfield layout and lighting animation would later be echoed in Exhibit's 1936 follow-up, Bambino.

The game's mechanics are notable for their simplicity and effectiveness. Players receive 10 balls per play to shoot into a field featuring 10 gobble holes and a kicker that adds an extra level of difficulty. The playfield's lighting animation is a standout feature, recreating the excitement of players running the bases as scored runs are displayed near the ball shooter. The whole experience is punctuated by a single bell for sound, and the machine runs on line power rather than batteries.

The design and art of Play Ball are characteristic of its era, with clean lines and functional simplicity typical of mid-1930s coin-op machines. Little is documented about the specific designer, but Play Ball remains an important piece of pinball history, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the early days of sports-themed pinball and its evolution over time.