Grand Slam, released by Gottlieb, is a premier single-player electromechanical tribute to America’s favorite pastime, masterfully brought to life by the legendary design duo of Ed Krynski and artist Gordon Morison. With a production run of 3,600 units, this machine stands as a testament to the golden age of EM design, where physical relays and score reels provided the satisfying soundtrack to every game. Morison’s striking, stylized artwork on the playfield and backglass perfectly captures the sunny, high-energy atmosphere of a packed baseball stadium, while Krynski’s layout translates the strategy of the diamond into a brilliant, tactile playfield.
The mechanical heart of the game lies in its classic playfield geometry, anchored by a pair of snappy flippers, twin pop bumpers, and dual slingshots. Rather than relying on simple drop targets, Krynski utilized a trio of Gottlieb’s famous roto-targets—motorized spinning wheels that rotate to reveal different target values and baseball outcomes when struck. Supplementing these rotating targets are three strategically placed kick-out holes and a pair of standup targets. These elements work in tandem to simulate base runners moving around the diamond, transforming every flip into a calculated attempt to advance the runners and drive home runs.
For tournament players and high-score chasers, success on Grand Slam requires disciplined flipper control and sharp situational awareness. The key strategy is to avoid frantic flipping and instead cradle the ball to aim for the roto-targets only when high-yield values, like triples or home runs, are rotated into view. Coordinating these shots with the three kick-out holes allows players to systematically load the bases before delivering a clean strike to cash in on a massive run-scoring bonus. It is a game that rewards patience and precise pocket-shooting over brute force, showcasing why Gottlieb’s EM-era creations remain highly sought-after by collectors today.