http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/very-nice-the-shadow-for-sale

you should try to pickup a baseball themed table

I've donated pinball machines to a couple of charity auctions in the past and have had pretty good luck finding games locally that I can fix up and donate. I've only donated EM games as they are usually affordable and clean up pretty easily.

Maybe someone in your area has a project EM game they'd be willing to cut a deal on for you. I'd also keep an eye out on craigslist. If you find a game that needs repair and you can't do it yourself, maybe someone in your area would be willing to work with you to repair it or it or would give you a break on the cost, knowing it's going to be donated.

If you can find a non-working, dirty game, you can usually get it at a reasonable price and then the cost of cleaning it up is minimal.

I'll be donating a Williams Blue Chip to an auction in a couple of weeks. Not a great game or a great looker, but it cleaned up nice and it plays nice and I don't have a lot into it.

I think you're starting your search early enough that you should be able to find something.

I actually have a game I just finished cleaning up so I'd be ready for my next auction donation (which isn't for a while) and it's a baseball themed game on top of it, but with shipping (I'm in Wisconsin) it would kill the deal for you I'm sure.

Dave

I have a 72 Gottlieb Grand Slam. The cab is bit beat up but the playfield cleaned up pretty well and it plays nicely. The Midwest Gaming Classic is in April. Maybe someone from your area is making a road trip here and could haul it back for you? That would still give you enough time.

If you're interested, PM me and I can shoot you some pictures.

Dave

There is a pinsider Danzig in Arizona with a Silver Slugger, probably about 8 hours away from you, not sure if he would even sell it though.

Long shot but it's an idea..

I'm also not sure where the pinball on the move guy is and whether he'd be heading west any time soon but he'd be another option. Just google pinballs on the move and you should be able to find him. I don't know if he does west coast swings or not but if he does, he'd be an option.

Dave

Could always get a slugfest. They are always a hit for the recreational pinballers

Hi Arn,

No worries...I'm guessing there aren't going to be too many people driving from California to the Midwest Gaming Classic, but you never know. You might get lucky.

Dave

Just keep me in the loop so I know what the plan is...

Dave

I just donated a gottlieb top score to a local charity auction. It brought $1000. I did have them list it as life time maintenance to aid in the sale. Good luck with yours.