Today is The First International Pinball Day

In early 2019 I had the idea to start a petition on change.org for the US Senate to recognize August 1st as National Pinball Day. At first there was a little skepticism from the pinball community, but eventually the petition gained widespread support and received over 1,700 pledges! While I still want to always recognize that pinball is a uniquely American invention and has been a cultural touchstone for generations of American players and collectors, I think this year it's time we recognize this hobby's reach on a global scale.

Pinball unites our community beyond language, beyond sexual orientation, or gender identity, beyond politics and beyond borders. It's a deeply democratic game that can be enjoyed by anyone of virtually any level of physical ability or age. 

We need a day to appreciate the fact of pinball's resilience to survive in the modern era of digital entertainment and to celebrate the man who was so instrumental in saving pinball from total cultural obsolescence. That man is Roger Sharpe and I asked him to say a few words about the launch of International Pinball Day.

“We live in an extremely fractured world separated and divided by cultural and social mores, distance, language and philosophical differences, but there is one undeniable truth that bridges us all. It is the beauty and wonder of pinball which transfixes us every single moment we are absorbed in the challenge of controlling that simple silver ball. And so, maybe it is fitting to embrace a new beginning this year when we celebrate the first International Pinball Day on August 1st. Across the globe it is our day!!!!”

Granted, most of us celebrate pinball in our own private way almost every day! But marking a special date to make that passion a public celebration is important in any hobby.