I will keep this short.
First pin was a Christmas present from my parents.
It was Christmas of 1976 and my dad surprised the family with a Nip-It.
I was 12 at the time and had not really even discovered pinball.
Fast forward to the mid 90's. I play an Addams Family at a hotel in Orlando while my wife is in a business conference.
I am hooked, and a few short years later find one totally shopped out for $1700.
Still have it with no plans to sell.
(Oh yea, this also starts the run of over 100 machines coming through my house).