Features Share Tweet Pin We would be remiss not to make some mention of Steve Kordek’s passing. Mr. Kordek’s wizardry morphed pinball from a shallow diversion into a challenging and thrilling game of skill. Steve was the first person to put two flippers at the bottom of the playfield — where they still remain to this day. He also put the flippers on strong DC power instead of AC. This allowed for more power and control. I also believe Steve designed the first games with drop targets and multiball play. I still cannot get over what almost sounds like divine intervention when it comes to Steve working in the pinball business. As the New York Times put it: “On a visit to his hometown in 1937, he was walking down a street without an umbrella when a torrential rain forced him to step into the lobby of a building he was passing. It was the Genco Company. A receptionist asked if he was looking for a job.” Steve had never even seen a pinball machine before then. Wow that is an amazing story! He was one of a kind and sure made the world a better place — and what better compliment is there? Mr. Kordek will be missed. He was THE real pinball wizard. In the immortal words of Pete Townshend: “Following you, I climb the mountain. I get excitement at your feet.”
