RIP – Lyman Sheats
It’s tough to find the words at the moment.
Having met Lyman when I was only a teenager, the impact he had on how I thought, lived and breathed pinball (both competitively and the game as a form of entertainment) is impossible to explain.
He played with a weird stance . . . so I played with a weird stance (until my back absolutely couldn’t take it anymore).
He would play without shoes . . . so I played without shoes.
He would play with a towel hanging out of his back pocket . . . so I played with a towel hanging out of my back pocket.
He was my pinball hero. There is that saying, “never meet your heroes”. I’m so incredibly fortunate that I did.
Lyman always had time for me from Junior High School all the way through officially getting to work together with him this past year. I’ll remember the play sessions in his basement. I’ll remember the rounds on the golf course. I’ll remember the countless hours talking about pinball and life and how lucky we both were to have both found something in life to be so passionate about.
I’m thankful for all the times we had together over the past 30 years. I’m also thankful for the joy he will continue to bring me in the years to come anytime I turn on one of his games.
RIP Lyman.
Very well said, Josh.
Generations of pinball players and even those yet unborn will continue to enjoy Lyman’s brilliance through his games.
An Absolute Monster Gentleman. Will be missed/never forgotten.
Thanks for sharing Josh.
He will be missed in so many ways to us all
Josh, you pick a great hero to look up to.He was such a great guy.He will be missed
🥲
Shocking and very sad news… when I began approaching to competitive pinball more than twenty years ago, Lyman’s name was already one of the recurrent names when talking about the relevant people of pinball industry. His legacy in pinball will stand with us as long as we live. He will be deeply missed, may he rest in peace.
Really sad moment to comment. Devastating news and impossible to replace the big loss. Didnt spent a lot of time with him as many of you, but it was so fascinating to watch him playing and I will remember him forever. When people around the world listen to me talking about pinball, many asked me who is the best player in the world. My answer was always: there are many, difficult to pick one, but if I have to say a name I can tell you Lyman Sheats
Thank you for sharing with us Josh. Lyman was someone I admired from afar and saw a man who truly loved his craft and we are all so fortunate he got to share it with the world…
The best tribute I have read so far about this giant of the game. Thank you for sharing it. There will never be another Lyman.
If you know where to send flowers or donations please advise.
A very sad day for pinball.
Thanks for sharing, Josh.
Sadly I never met Lyman, but I have many of his games in my collection. I consider Lyman the greatest pinball designer that ever lived. His rulesets made my favourite games. His gameplay talents were wasted the last few years working on system code, and I was looking forward to enjoying more of his games in his new role. He is a massive loss to the pinball community. Lyman is one of the pinball greats. I feel very sad that he is gone. My best wishes to his wife, family and friends.
From his obituary: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness https://donate.nami.org/give/197406/#!/donation/checkout