Hy-Ball

The Irving Bromberg Company's Hy-Ball (1932) stands as one of the earliest recorded pinball machines in existence. As a Pure Mechanical (PM) pinball, it predates the advent of electromechanical and electronic pinballs that would dominate the industry in subsequent decades. Its significance lies not only in its age but also in its innovative design, which laid the groundwork for future machine development.

A closer look at the Hy-Ball reveals several key gameplay features that make it unique among its contemporaries. For 5 cents, players can launch five balls onto the playfield, navigating through a complex network of 12 long ball lanes, six of which lead to trap holes and the other six direct the balls to the lower playfield. The absence of an outlane and the presence of numerous trap holes create a challenging and unpredictable gameplay experience that would be rare in pinball machines of this era.

While little is known about the machine's design, art, or theme beyond its mechanical specifications, it's worth noting that the Hy-Ball was marketed as "Complete with Sturdy Wooden Stand," suggesting a focus on durability and stability. The lack of information available for this early machine makes it an enigmatic figure in pinball history, leaving enthusiasts to wonder about the intricacies of its design and the experiences of those who played it nearly a century ago.