Baffle Ball © 1931 Gottlieb.
This 'pinball' game consists of four high scoring holes and, along the bottom of the table, a row of low scoring pockets.
Released in November 1931. Baffle Ball captured the small change of so many Americans during the depression that it became a national pastime.
The first successful pinball game, Baffle Ball shows where the 'pin' in 'pinball' came from. The game uses a ball, and the playfield has pins, hence the birth of 'pinball'.
Baffle Ball sold for $17.50. The game proved so popular that 50,000 units were sold within the first few years.
Baffle Ball was also distributed by Rock-Ola Mfg. Co.