Former Husky Todd MacCulloch made millions in the NBA playing for the New Jersey Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, but after a nerve ailment forced him into early retirement, he became a star in a new arena.
He went from taking on the likes of Shaq to taking on machines named Dirty Harry. Now it is MacCulloch versus machines on the professional pinball circuit. He is ranked 128th in the world.
"You still get to compete, you still get to feel that pressure and feel the butterflies," said Todd MacCulloch, professional pinball player.
The game has exploded with professional players from 22 countries and 14,000 ranked players in the world.
"In 2006 there were 400 people ranked and now there's 14,000 six years later, so it keeps going up," said Zach Sharpe, Vice President of the International Flipper Pinball Association.
Sixty-four of the top pinball players from around the world will gather on Bainbridge Island this weekend for the World Pinball Championship where reigning world champion Cayle George of Seattle will try and defend his title.
"I'm not nervous, just super excited because it's really fun to play in these big tournaments," said George, reigning world champion.
From the sounds to the artwork, the game can be addicting.
"This is a 3D, tactile, kinetic thing. It's like an amusement park under glass," said MacCulloch. "No one says that they had a terrible day playing pinball. There are lots of good experiences, lots of smiles and lots of good memories, so I think that it's pretty close to the perfect game."
For more information on how to join a pinball league visit www.ifpapinball.com and for more information on the NW Pinball Game Show visit www.nwpinballshow.com.
