PINBALL: THE MAN WHO SAVED THE GAME

“It started as a simple, quirky historical footnote: a long-haired, impressively mustachioed twentysomething “saves pinball” by calling his shot in front of a handful of crusty, skeptical politicians. By proving it’s a game of skill, Roger Sharpe helped lift a ban on pinball that had been on the books for 35 years in New York City. Like a cross between Babe Ruth and Moses, Roger set pinball free. But after talking with Roger for hours, we came to understand a deeper story that had yet to be told. Roger may have saved pinball, but the path he took to get there ultimately rescued him. At its core, this is a coming-of-age story about the value of taking chances and how commitment can be the most rewarding gamble of all. As Roger says, “Life is defined by risk: those you take and those you don’t. The ball is gonna drain no matter what, so find what you want and take a shot.” And, be honest—that mustache is fantastic.”

“I’d recommend not scrutinizing Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game too closely or too promptly, and simply savoring the unusual spectrum of artistic virtues that I found myself admiring—and admiring again, on a second viewing, purely for pleasure.”

“Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game is strictly low stakes. This is part of its knowing charm.”