The Southeastern PA Pinball League Spring 2025 season kept the flippers hot and the scores climbing as 47 players packed into the Pinball Gallery for Week 2 on April 3rd. With a clear sky and a perfect 73°F breeze outside, it was the kind of evening that just felt like pinball. The format was one round of five games, which wrapped up in just under two hours—and you know it flew by faster than a multiball on The Getaway.
Pinball Gallery: Where Nostalgia Meets Noise (In the Best Way)
If you haven’t made the trip to Malvern yet, Pinball Gallery is your one-stop shop for a ridiculous range of machines. We’re talking classics from the ‘70s all the way to the latest LCD-drenched Sterns—and yes, they’re all on free play with a time-based admission. $18 for two hours? That’s like 36 fish tales per dollar if you’re fast.
The energy inside is equal parts chaotic and welcoming. It’s noisy, sure, but in that electric, pinball-machine-humming kind of way. You might walk in a newbie and walk out knowing the difference between a Gottlieb spinner and a Williams one, thanks to the friendly local crowd. The only downside? You won’t get through every machine in one visit, but that’s what return trips are for.
A Bar Room Classic Lights Up the Leaderboard
In honor of its April 1981 release, Eight Ball Deluxe got the star treatment during the first round. Bally’s cowboy-and-cue-ball masterpiece still holds up, especially if you’re brave enough to chase that “Deluxe” mode—earned by knocking down every drop target set, then banking the money shot into the 8-ball saucer.
Matt Strzelecki clearly had the touch. Ranked 4th in the state and a seasoned IFPA vet, he rode those tricky stand-ups like a pro, pocketing first place in the round. Denny Panik (State Rank: 161st) played way above his number, banking into second like he had a lucky cue in his back pocket. David Curran and Jonathan Warsaw rounded it out with solid games of their own, even if “Deluxe” proved to be more mirage than milestone for them.
Five Machines That Kept Us Coming Back For More
Batman 66 (Premium) – If there’s a pin that’s part game, part show, it’s this one. With Adam West’s voice, gadget-filled callouts, and episode-based modes, Stern turned a campy TV classic into a fast-paced pinball experience. The turntable toy and crane are standout features, but it’s the deep code and stacking strategy that rewards repeat play.
Fish Tales – One of the quirkiest pins out there, and still a tournament favorite. Fast, unforgiving, and hilariously themed, it’s all about quick reflexes and mastering that boat ramp loop. The fishing rod topper is just the icing on the weirdly satisfying cake.
The Getaway: High Speed II – If this machine had a speed limit, it would’ve been shattered. Redline Mania still delivers adrenaline every time, and that Supercharger loop? Pure pinball joy. It’s no surprise this one still makes appearances in competitive lineups over 30 years later.
Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium) – Elvira is back and this time she brought a full-on haunted house party. Between the campy callouts, holographic projector, and a house with hidden surprises, this machine is equal parts hilarious and challenging. Great for players who love stacking modes and hunting jackpots in the shadows.
Deadly Weapon – The most ‘90s pin to ever 90s. It’s loud, brash, and has all the subtlety of an action movie trailer—but that’s what makes it fun. It’s not the deepest game, but multiball comes fast and frequent, which makes it perfect for a quick burst of chaos.
Big Wins and Bigger Props
Let’s hear it for Frank Egitto, who took home first place despite flying under the radar at 131st in the state. With 65 IFPA events behind him, this win proves experience and composure matter—especially when the lights are flashing and the crowd’s watching.
Matt Strzelecki, always a top contender, locked down second place with the confidence of someone who’s been here 158 times before. Jeff Stuart’s third-place finish was a standout moment, especially considering his lower state ranking—clearly, he’s got ice in his veins when the pressure’s on. And Gabe Patterson rounded out the top four with solid play and nearly 100 events under his belt.
Pennsylvania’s Finest: April 2025 IFPA Top 10
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Gilbert | Trappe | 77.21 |
| 2 | David Schumeister | Philadelphia | 72.46 |
| 3 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 69.65 |
| 4 | Matt Strzelecki | Seattle | 66.66 |
| 5 | Tony Makowski | Lansdale | 62.23 |
| 6 | Bateman Edwards | Pittsburgh | 61.55 |
| 7 | Cliff Albert | 56.81 | |
| 8 | Cryss Stephens | 54.41 | |
| 9 | Bob Choate | Philadelphia | 53.52 |
| 10 | John Thwaite | Washington | 51.5 |
Bonus Multiball Mode
Another week, another excellent gathering of flipper fanatics. Big thanks to organizer Bill Disney for keeping the Southeastern PA Pinball League humming along smoothly. And shoutout to Pinball Gallery for being a place where memories and multiballs are made on the regular.
Whether you hit “Deluxe” on Eight Ball Deluxe or just barely kept your last ball alive, everyone brought something to the table this week. Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament coverage—next week’s got a few surprises up its plunger lane.
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