Frank Thomas' Big Hurt

The 'Frank Thomas' Big Hurt' pinball machine, released by Data East in 1995, represents a significant entry in the sports-themed pinball market of the 1990s. It capitalized on the immense popularity of Chicago White Sox slugger Frank Thomas, who was at the peak of his career and widely known by his nickname 'The Big Hurt.' This release coincided with the aftermath of the 1994 MLB strike, as baseball was working to rebuild its relationship with fans.

The machine featured advanced DMD animations of Frank Thomas and incorporated numerous baseball elements into its gameplay. Notable features included a batting cage mechanism, baseball-themed ramps, and multiball modes that simulated different baseball scenarios. The playfield design emphasized power hitting, mirroring Thomas's playing style, with various scoring opportunities representing different baseball achievements like home runs, RBIs, and batting averages.

Sound effects included authentic baseball crowd noise, play-by-play commentary, and custom callouts by Frank Thomas himself. The machine's artwork prominently featured Thomas in his White Sox uniform, with dynamic baseball action scenes decorating the cabinet and backglass. The game incorporated statistical elements from baseball, allowing players to 'build' their batting average and other stats during gameplay.

While not among Data East's highest-producing titles, the 'Big Hurt' pinball machine remains a sought-after collector's item, particularly among sports memorabilia enthusiasts and Chicago White Sox fans. It represents one of the last sports-themed pinball machines from Data East before the company's exit from the pinball industry, marking the end of an era in pinball manufacturing.