Pinball wizard...
Todd MacCulloch spent four seasons in the NBA, three with the Philadelphia 76ers and one with the New Jersey Nets. When he wasn’t averaging 6.1 points and 4 rebounds per game on the basketball court MacCulloch could probably be found in front of a pinball machine honing his skills.
Since being forced to retire after the 2002-2003 season due to a nerve condition MacCulloch has filled the competitive void with pinball competitions. Last year he won a tournament in Chicago and MacCulloch has also participated in leagues in Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Beginning today, and lasting through Sunday, MacCulloch will welcome sixty-three of the top pinball players from around the world to his Bainbridge Island, Washington home for the International Flipper Pinball Association World Pinball Championship.
In what could be described as the ultimate man cave, MacCulloch’s home holds 80 pinball and arcade machines spread over three rooms in the main house, plus three levels in an adjoining building. In addition to the pinball machines, he has air hockey and bubble hockey tables, a miniature bowling lane, and an antique baseball game.
MacCulloch’s personal slice of gaming heaven also includes a Slurpee machine. Because what man cave is complete without one? And because they’re a big deal in his home town of Winnipeg, the Slurpee capital of the world.
“This is like the biggest thing that one person can host,” MacCulloch said. “So it’s a huge honor and responsibility. It’s in my house. Kind of crazy.”
The winner will take home $1,000 and new pinball machine, naturally.
“When I first started competing, I thought I would have a slight edge on some people just with my competitive past and being in pressure situations,” MacCulloch said. “I felt like I could come up big when I need to, and I don’t cringe under the pressure.”
The former standout at the University of Washington, who is currently ranked 129th, will need to come up big this weekend to be crowned king in his own home because among those in attendance will be defending champion Cayle George.
Photo via
