Courtesy Cleveland Pinball League

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Crazy flipper fingers. Eyes for lights a flashing. A pocketful of quarters.

Are you ready for some pinball?

Cleveland Pinball League will kick off its 15th season on Monday at the Happy Dog, 5801 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland.

Story by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer

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Courtesy Cleveland Pinball League

Over eight weeks, CPL will host competitions that double as parties for pinball lovers regardless of the skill level. It will hold events at three locations in the area on a weekly basis:

8 p.m. Mondays at the Happy Dog; 8 p.m. Wednesdays and 1 p.m. Sundays at Superelectric Pinball Parlor, 6500 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland; and 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Southland Lanes, 6800 West 130th Street, in Middleburgh Heights.

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Grant Segall, The Plain Dealer

The league has grown from a leisurely get-together for pinball junkies to a competitive league of seasoned players and fans celebrating an arcade game whose roots go back to the 18th century France.

“Over the past 10 years, pinball’s popularity has been blowing up, with Northeast Ohio boasting one of the largest competitive scenes in the country,” said Cleveland Pinball League commissioner John Delzoppo, in a press release.

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Courtesy Cleveland Pinball League

The league has grown from 30-some participants in its debut season to more than 70.

"Cleveland Pinball League is a fun group, with members ranging from those who just want to socialize and flip around to world-class players willing to share their tips and tricks," added Delzoppo, who is ranked the 43rd best pinball player in the world, according to the International Flipper Pinball Association.

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Courtesy Cleveland Pinball League

Aspiring pinball wizards need not attend each of the weekly events, says CPL spokesperson Rob Townsend.

“Players who compete in at least six of the eight weekly competitions are eligible to play in the finals," says Townsend. “You don’t have to play at the same venue on the same day each week.”

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Courtesy Cleveland Pinball League

Registration is open and costs $15 for the full season. All ages and skills are welcome.

CPL will host a pre-season Halloween-themed party at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Southland Lanes. It features a costume contest and a free tournament that will give new and veteran players a chance to mingle and play with one another.

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Courtesy Cleveland Pinball League

The season concludes with a finals competition on Saturday, Dec. 21. Players at all levels will compete for trophies and prizes. The finale also features a raffle for a pinball machine.

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Courtesy Cleveland Pinball League

Delzoppo might be an internationally-ranked pinball wizard, but he sees the league as a chance to socialize over games, drinks and food.

“As Clevelanders, we’re lucky to have some excellent locations to host the league,” he says. “Come join us for some friendly competition and meet new people who share a love for the silver ball.”

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Courtesy Cleveland Pinball League

For more info, go to facebook.com/groups/ClevelandPinballLeague.

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Courtesy Cleveland Pinball League

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