Pinball pro tips, outlaw history and awesome future: Stern Pinball's Zach Sharpe (Episode 157)

Published: April 21, 2018, 2:23 a.m.

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This week takes us to Stern Pinball, headquartered on a non-descript industrial zone west of O\'Hare in Elk Grove Village.

Jumping in the car for the episode is Stern Marketing Director Zach Sharpe, who\'s also the #1 pinball player in the world. For real. #1.

Here\'s what we covered this week (in an episode sponsored by the fantastic BOOST MOBILE):

  • We got food from Portillo\'s, because... Portillo\'s.
  • Zach\'s dad, who essentially saved pinball as we know it. "You think I\'m an interesting Sharpe? You should talk to my dad."
  • To explain: "Pinball was illegal from the 40s to the 70s."
  • Zach\'s introduction to the pinball tournament circuit
  • The appeal of pinball: "Everyone can play it."
  • The lure of pinball: "It\'s a physical, interactive experience."
  • Stern owner Gary Stern walked past the Mazda 3, but didn\'t stop to chat.
  • The history of Stern as a pinball company, including early pinball games like Sea Witch and Stargazer.
  • Stern\'s work with rock bands: Iron Maiden (best game ever), AC/DC, Metallica, KISS, etc.
  • How do bands respond when they first see "their" pinball games?
  • The Batman \'66 pinball table.
  • Who is the typical pinball client?
  • How do you get good at pinball? What are some pro tips/baseline strategies?
  • Don\'t be afraid to TILT.

Car Con Carne got to tour the Stern arcade after recording. Check out the video here:

https://youtu.be/HnSv_-A9NgE

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