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Phil Grimaldi

personactive16 mentionsFirst seen Dec 8, 2018Last seen May 9, 2025

Profile

Phil Grimmaldi is a person mentioned in 1 episode(s).

Aliases

Phil Grimmaldi

Relationships

No relationships

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (23)

  • factualhigh

    The sandworm mechanism can rise out of the playfield, grab the ball with a magnet, eat the ball at various stages, drop onto wireform, and function as a bash toy

    Source: Dune rules designer at Barrels of FunCreating Dune Pinball - Meet The Barrels Of Fun Pinball Team
  • factualmedium

    Phil Grimaldi gets credit for the one-handed ball-save mechanic concept, though he noted it came from group brainstorm

    Source: JamieDune Pinball Impressions with Erin Winick Anthony - Episode 59
  • factualhigh

    Phil Grimaldi is retiring from tournament directing and Space City board after founding and organizing Space City Pinball League

    Source: JamieEpisode 3 - Let's Chat About...Space City Open, Houston Arcade Expo, Interstellar Finals and more
  • factualhigh

Recent Mentions (16)

  • Recently acquired Iron Maiden machine and reportedly completed 'Run to the Hills' mode

    Episode 16 - Nationals, Pinmasters, Stern ShowdownApr 12, 2020
  • Visiting pinball player from Texas; competed in Jack Bar final match against Dante Oliva on December 4; scored 914,000 on Pulp Fiction.

    Actually Not SponsoredDec 9, 2024
  • Running Houston pinball show; part of Robert's local pinball group; tournament organizer

    Episode 161 – Bringin’ It From The Top RopeFeb 24, 2021
  • Space City Pinball streaming/rig builder, tournament director for Houston Arcade Expo

    Ep 45: Tag TeamNov 5, 2021
  • Tournament Director for Space City Pinball Tournament

    # 16 - Houston Arcade Expo - The Classic Pinball PodcastNov 21, 2019
  • Ranked pinball player featured as focus subject in Dwight's first Houston Chronicle article about Texas Pinball Festival

    Dwight Silverman – “Retired” Reporter and Pinball Enthusiast- Episode 28May 17, 2024

Contradictions

No contradictions detected

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Phil Grimaldi wrote the initial rules document approximately 2 years ago

Source: Pinball Profile Ep. 378 interviewEpisode 378: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth pinball from Barrels of Fun
  • factualhigh

    The Houston pinball community kept the Barrels of Fun project secret for the entire 2.5-year development period

    Source: Pinball Profile Ep. 378 interviewEpisode 378: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth pinball from Barrels of Fun
  • factualhigh

    Phil Grimaldi is the rules designer responsible for the six modes and difficulty balance

    Source: Bowen Kerins (referencing Grimaldi)Jim Henson's Labyrinth Pinball Gameplay Overview With Bowen Kerins
  • factualhigh

    Phil discovered pinball in 2011-2012 at a newly opened arcade across from his Purdue apartment while a graduate student

    Source: Phil's direct testimonySpace City Pinball Co-Founder Phil Grimaldi - Episode 1
  • factualhigh

    Space City Pinball deliberately maintains a 'no-asshole policy' and actively removes disruptive members to prevent community toxicity

    Source: Phil's explicit statementSpace City Pinball Co-Founder Phil Grimaldi - Episode 1
  • factualhigh

    Houston had essentially no competitive pinball scene when Phil moved there, forcing travel to Dallas and Austin for tournaments

    Source: Phil's historical accountSpace City Pinball Co-Founder Phil Grimaldi - Episode 1
  • opinionhigh

    Modern pinball games have become too complex to learn, particularly citing Avengers as an example during the pandemic era

    Source: Phil's opinion on game designSpace City Pinball Co-Founder Phil Grimaldi - Episode 1
  • factualhigh

    Phil burned out on tournament preparation and competition and realized this during the pandemic when tournaments were cancelled

    Source: Phil's personal accountSpace City Pinball Co-Founder Phil Grimaldi - Episode 1
  • factualhigh

    Phil created custom rethemed machine Felina inspired by Wes Anderson-themed machines he saw at Bar Luca in Milan during 2019 IFBA World Championships

    Source: Phil's detailed account of Felina's originSpace City Pinball Co-Founder Phil Grimaldi - Episode 1
  • opinionhigh

    Mental discipline and ego-management are critical to competitive pinball performance, citing The Inner Game of Tennis

    Source: Phil's competitive philosophySpace City Pinball Co-Founder Phil Grimaldi - Episode 1
  • factualhigh

    Phil is currently ranked 118th in world WPPR rankings but no longer regularly tracks rankings

    Source: Jamie's statement confirmed by PhilSpace City Pinball Co-Founder Phil Grimaldi - Episode 1
  • factualhigh

    This will be Phil's final year running Space City Open as tournament director before transitioning to advisory role

    Source: Phil's explicit statement about upcoming transitionSpace City Pinball Co-Founder Phil Grimaldi - Episode 1
  • factualhigh

    Phil Grimaldi from Houston designed the streaming contraption for Free Play Florida

    Source: Jeff TeolisFree Play Florida 2018 Main Playoffs - Semifinals
  • factualhigh

    Water levels in Midtown Houston reached highest levels since Hurricane Allison in 2001

    Source: Direct statement during interviewEpisode 70: Phil Grimaldi of Houston on Hurricane Harvey
  • factualhigh

    Houston city officials did not issue an evacuation order for Hurricane Harvey

    Source: Direct statement during interviewEpisode 70: Phil Grimaldi of Houston on Hurricane Harvey
  • factualhigh

    Houston's street system is intentionally designed as part of flood management infrastructure

    Source: Direct statement during interviewEpisode 70: Phil Grimaldi of Houston on Hurricane Harvey
  • factualhigh

    Phil has experienced flooding every year during his three years living in Houston

    Source: Direct statement during interviewEpisode 70: Phil Grimaldi of Houston on Hurricane Harvey
  • opinionhigh

    Mass evacuation of Houston is 'incredibly challenging, if not impossible' due to population size and infrastructure constraints

    Source: Direct statement during interviewEpisode 70: Phil Grimaldi of Houston on Hurricane Harvey
  • predictionhigh

    Houston Arcade Expo in October 2017 will serve as fundraiser for Hurricane Harvey victims

    Source: Direct announcement during interviewEpisode 70: Phil Grimaldi of Houston on Hurricane Harvey
  • factualhigh

    Phil Grimaldi finished close to winning Bat City Open main tournament, placing second in Classics division

    Source: Direct statement during interview closingEpisode 70: Phil Grimaldi of Houston on Hurricane Harvey
  • Competitive pinball player; nicknamed 'Dr. Phil' (holds doctorate); longtime friend of Cromwell; met via soccer connection and Main Street Amusements; finished tied 9th at Pinburgh 2018; now residing in Texas contributing to pinball scene

    Episode 106: Farewell with FondnessNov 23, 2020
  • Collaborated with Colin McAlpine and Dick Curtis on TPF hygiene protocols during COVID-19 planning

    Ep 8: Final Round The MovieJun 26, 2020
  • Pinball professional involved with Dune; described by Ian as grounded, sweet, and admirable figure in industry

    Episode 10 - Bug from Spooky Pinball / MASSIVE release week!Apr 23, 2025
  • Pinball expert from Houston, Texas, designed the streaming contraption/gate mechanism used at Free Play Florida

    Free Play Florida 2018 Main Playoffs - SemifinalsDec 8, 2018
  • Rules designer at Barrels of Fun, responsible for Dune rules design and gameplay philosophy

    Creating Dune Pinball - Meet The Barrels Of Fun Pinball TeamApr 17, 2025
  • Involved in Labyrinth game production; hosts express happiness for his involvement

    The Pinball Podcast Episode 221 - Ball is LifeOct 18, 2023
  • Rules designer/collaborator on Labyrinth; noted for science background and learning principles applied to rule design

    The Pinball Podcast Episode 222 - Schaumcago TreadmillsOct 30, 2023
  • Tournament director who assists Colin McAlpine in selecting games for TPF

    Episode 82 – Colin MacAlpine is bigger than TexasMar 4, 2019
  • Rules designer for Labyrinth; described as fairly well-known competitive player

    Episode 204 - Barrels of ActivisionOct 15, 2023
  • Lead rules designer on Dune; collaborated with Kerins on visual design elements

    Dirty Pool Podcast Ep02 – Bowen Kerins on Designing Dune and the Art of Pinball RulesMay 9, 2025