The Pinball Beat - part 1

This is the start of my 8 week long Pinball Beat, specifically focused on Portland's Pinball Gang: CFF. Enjoy...

Some gangs deal drugs and guns, others loot and steal, and some pull drive-bys in low riders. In Portland, the CFF gang plays pinball. Crazy Flipper Fingers is their name, and instead of packing gats, they pack quarters. They don’t flash gang signs, yet the CFF members do flaunt their colors by wearing an emblem of a skull with two flippers and a pinball on vests, jackets, or shirts making sure they’re visible to possible opponents.

The recognized trio of letters is strikingly evident on many pinball games throughout the city representing exceptionally high scores. At the mighty arcade known as Ground Kontrol, practically every pinball machine has the CFF initials posted on its digital display. Star Trek, CFF, five billion plus. Road Work, CFF, 8 billion plus. The list endlessly continues as if the gang showed up like the Hells Angels in Hollister, California and slaughtered every pinball game with merciless flipper control and heavy endurance.

CFF is more than just a local pinball gang claiming numerous victories in various competitions, they have been involved in the annual pinball tournament at Shorty’s in Seattle and even the national pinball championships in Pittsburgh held every year drawing upon pinball zealots from around the world.

Portland is actually known across the states for its pinball decadence that inhabits the city in a cloak of flippers, fingers and initials. “The city is a Mecca for pinball,“ says John Wray, the President of CFF who goes by “Tilt“.

It continues to frequently draw on outsiders while initiating friendly frenzies between fellow CFF members whose demeanor reflects wild hyenas on a kill with vigorous chants.

Whether it be dives, pubs, or sports bars, pinball is alive and well thriving in the Rose City while the CFF increases its membership to almost 30 locals, driving home the impression that they are a notorious pinball gang to be reckoned with. “Once your in, your in. CFF til’ death!” declares John.


* there will be plenty more action and updates. I'm rollin' with the gang for the next 8 weeks, so don't sleep on this shit!!