1970 Gottlieb Baseball
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1970
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Sports - Baseball
Production : 2,350 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Baseball (1970) is a classic single-player electro-mechanical pinball machine that brings the excitement of America’s pastime to the arcade. Designed by Ed Krynski, this unique themed game features backglass animations that track runners and scoring, offering a fun and interactive twist on traditional pinball gameplay.
Game Features
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Single-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine
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Baseball-themed gameplay with scoring tied to runs and home runs
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Backglass animation displays base runners and scoring progress
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Two 2-inch flippers with classic EM layout
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Two Vari-Targets that retreat when hit
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Four standup targets
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Four star rollovers (early innovation in American pinball)
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Traditional EM mechanics with score motor, relays, and chimes
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Approximately 2,350 units produced
Overview
Gottlieb Baseball offers a unique gameplay experience centered around scoring runs rather than traditional pinball points alone. Players work to advance runners using targets and rollovers, with progress tracked on the animated backglass display—creating a more interactive and thematic experience.
The inclusion of Vari-Targets and star rollovers adds both challenge and variety, requiring controlled shooting and timing. Like many early 1970s EM machines, the gameplay is straightforward but skill-based, making it easy to learn while still rewarding experienced players.
With its distinctive theme, engaging backglass animation, and solid mechanical design, Baseball stands out as one of the more creative and collectible Gottlieb machines from the era.
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View Restoration Details Playfield (Top Side) • Fully disassembled, cleaned, waxed, and conditioned • New rubbers, lane guides, posts, bulbs, and pinball • New flipper bats • Standup switches and rollover switches polished and adjusted • Plastics cleaned and conditioned Playfield (Underside) • Complete flipper rebuilds (coils, stops, switches, links, springs) • Pop bumper assemblies rebuilt • All relays cleaned, filed, and properly adjusted • Stepper units fully disassembled, cleaned, and calibrated Cabinet & Bottom Board • New power cord and fuse holders • Bottom board fully disassembled and cleaned • Relays, step units, and score motor serviced and adjusted • Jones plugs cleaned for solid connections • Cabinet cleaned inside and out Backbox / Head • Scoring reels disassembled, cleaned, and properly adjusted • Stepper units and relays serviced • New bulbs installed Additional Work • Weak or burned coils replaced as needed • Coin door fully disassembled, cleaned, and polished with new coin entry plates • Chime box cleaned, polished, and rebuilt • Shooter assembly polished with new springs installed • Metal trim, side rails, and legs polished • New locks, bolts, and leg levelers/castors installed • New sheet of playfield glass installed • New bulbs installed throughout entire game Warranty ✔ 1-Year Warranty (local sales) ✔ One service visit included within first year (includes playfield waxing, rubber replacement if needed, and full function check)