Norm Clark
Norm Clark was a pivotal figure in the pinball industry, best known for his design work at both Williams and Bally from the 1960s through the mid-1980s. Under the mentorship of Steve Kordek, Clark contributed to iconic titles like King Pin (1962), 8 Ball (1966), and Spanish Eyes (1972), often integrating innovative features such as the pop bumper between the flippers. His creations helped Williams dominate the market, and later, as head of Bally’s design division, he guided the shift to solid-state pinball.
Beyond his prolific output, Clark nurtured and mentored future designers. He supported new talent such as Ward Pemberton and John Popadiuk, fostering a culture of camaraderie and creativity. His influence also extended to pinball’s larger technological evolution—he championed unique gameplay mechanisms (like timed play and early game-state memory) that would become core elements of modern pinball.
Ultimately, Norm Clark’s career spanned pivotal decades when pinball transitioned from purely mechanical to electronic. His inventive ideas, willingness to experiment, and passion for mentoring helped shape the pastime’s direction, ensuring that new generations would carry forward the fun and spirit of the silver ball.
