Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters pinball machine, released by Bally in 1979, represents a significant moment in both pinball and popular culture history. This machine capitalized on the massive popularity of the world-famous exhibition basketball team, who were at the height of their mainstream appeal with their own cartoon series and frequent television appearances in the late 1970s.

The machine's design captured the showmanship and athletic wizardry of the Globetrotters, featuring artwork of team members performing their signature moves. As one of Bally's early solid-state machines, it incorporated innovative electronic sounds and scoring features that were cutting-edge for its time. The playfield design included basketball-themed elements such as ramps and targets arranged to simulate the flow of a basketball game, with special scoring features triggered by hitting specific shot combinations.

Gameplay emphasized the theatrical nature of the Globetrotters' style, with various modes and bonuses named after famous team members and their signature moves. The machine included multiple player features, skillshots, and various scoring multipliers that kept gameplay engaging and competitive. Special attention was paid to the audio elements, which included both electronic representations of crowd cheers and the Globetrotters' famous theme song 'Sweet Georgia Brown.'

Approximately 14,000 units were produced, making it a moderately successful release for Bally during a robust period in pinball history. Today, the Harlem Globetrotters pinball machine is considered a collectible piece that represents the successful fusion of sports entertainment and pinball gaming, marking an important milestone in themed pinball machine design.