I realised I was not good at Pinball in 1985. My friend Harry had joined me on many grudge matches on a EM Fireball in the 70's.
When a Fireball Classic appeared at a local Biker Bar he made sure I knew about it. There was a Contest for a case of beer for the weekly Highest score.
When I first showed up it was amazing to see a Solid State Fireball. I set out to beat his score already taped to the back glass.
Dropped by every day after work and pounded this machine. Once there was a guy too high on whatever waving a gun around, the Bartender told me to turn around. I simply ignored this jerk and continued playing.
Then, a week later I came in and there was a big sign announcing Harry had turned it over! Sorry can't remember the scores but he had flipped Fireball Classic and scored 50-plus more thousand points.
I have owned 2 Classics since then and never equaled it.
Harry (in 1986) had the main image of the Classic back glass with his score tattooed on his back.
It's been 25 years since then, wonder how the tat is holding up.