“Pure Powerhouse Pinball” is how Gottlieb’s advertising described their latest baseball themed game when it was released in June of 1995. Over the years manufacturers have created literally hundreds of different coin operated machines based on “America’s Favorite Passtime”, ranging from standard pinballs to pitch & bat games, redemption games and even bingo machines. Big Hurt is unique in that it’s themed around a single famous player. Frank Thomas was a first baseman for the Chicago White Sox when this pinball machine was released, but interestingly Gottlieb did not purchase a license for the team name and it does not appear anywhere on the game. They did however make a deal with Reebok, and their company logo can be found prominently displayed on the playfield, backglass and cabinet. The moving baseball glove at the top of the ramp thwarts players by blocking their shots and sometimes even catching the ball!
