Rock-ola 1937 World Series Baseball
| David Rockola's masterpiece of
form and function is considered by many to be one of the most
collectible arcade games. Its all-mechanical design utilizes one motor
for all functions. The steel balls themselves are used to record strikes, balls, outs
and men on base. Total runs and hits are tabulated by score
reels. The names of real players, including Dizzy Dean, Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig, are featured on the playing field as well as on an "at bat" reel which is indexed for each batter. The umpire, standing behind the pitcher, raises his left and right arms to call balls and strikes. Interestingly, advertising brochures tout the umpire's ability to call balls and strikes "with absolute accuracy," which is ensured by the arm being raised by the ball hitting a lever after it is already on its way to the strike or ball bin. The baseball theme, the beautiful veneered cabinet, the miniature men on the playfield, the clever yet simple mechanism and the elegant interior lighting make this a truly beautiful and remarkable piece of Americana. Production was stopped early due to the war. This machine is extremely rare. |
(click to enlarge)
