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-------------------
Baseball FAQ
v. 1.0
(c) Pegboy 2003
All rights reserved
-------------------
Welcome to my Baseball FAQ! This FAQ is copyright Pegboy (Derek Kader) 2003 and
should not be copied, stolen in whole or in part, sold for money, or changed
in any way, shape or form. If you want to use it on your website, all I ask
is that you ask me first. E-mail me at
[email protected] if you want to use this
on your site. Do not copy my guide, please, because that’s plagiarism, which
is illegal of course, and you don’t want to mess with that stuff. ;) Also,
don't change the words around and claim it as your own work, because that's
illegal too.
===============================================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
===============================================================================
I. Introduction
II. Version History
III. Controls
IV. History of the Game of Baseball
V. The e-Reader
VI. Rules of the Game
VII. Options
VIII. How to Play
IX. Terms
X. Teams
XI. Tips
XII. FAQ
XIII. Credits and Legal Stuff
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Introduction
----------------
Welcome to my guide on how to play the e-Reader game Baseball! Baseball was a
first generation game released by Nintendo in 1984 as a part of it's Sports
Series on the NES, and now in 2002 for their e-Reader. As it was originally a
launch title for the NES, it is a very simple game with a minimal amount of
options. It may not sound like much fun, but this game can actually be
entertaining every now and then, especially since it has become portable. You
can choose from several teams, but as with most other early NES sports titles,
no teams are better than the others or very different, for that matter. Still,
the game is fun and many later sports games used this game as a basis for
their game engine, but it's about as basic as the game of baseball can get
(on a video game, that is).
The real sport baseball has earned the right to be called "America's pastime".
One of the most popular sports in the U.S., baseball is fun for people of all
ages, from 6 year olds who play little league baseball up to people who do it
as a profession in Major League Baseball (MLB). Nintendo's Baseball is no
different, as anyone can enjoy it. Simple yet fun, Baseball can be a great
game to play especially when your on the road, and even at home.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Version History
--------------------
Any changes, additions, or updates can be found here.
v. 1.0 - First version of the FAQ, and it looks pretty good so far. Once
somebody e-mails me (
[email protected]) with something I believe should be
changed or added, I will post it here and update this guide. For now, though,
there shouldn't be any problems.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
III. Controls
--------------
Okay, the first thing you definitely need to know before you attempt to play
this game is how the controls work. They're simple enough, don't worry ;)
D-Pad:
------
Up - Controls direction of throw, controls what direction your batter runs
Down - Controls direction of throw, controls what direction your batter runs
Left - Controls direction of throw, controls what direction your batter runs
Right - Controls direction of throw, controls what direction your batter runs
Buttons:
--------
A - Swing bat, pitch ball, throw ball
B - Pick-off, throw ball, run to next base
Start - Pauses game, makes selection on menu
Select - Moves cursor on menu
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. History of the Game of Baseball
------------------------------------
For those of you who would like to know a little about the sport of baseball,
I have provided you with information about the sport.
History
-------
Americans began playing baseball on informal teams, using local rules, in the
early 1800s. By the 1860s, the sport, unrivaled in popularity, was being
described as America's "national pastime."
Alexander Joy Cartwright (1820-1892) of New York invented the modern baseball
field in 1845. Alexander Cartwright and the members of his New York
Knickerbocker Base Ball Club, devised the first rules and regulations for the
modern game of baseball.
Baseball was based on the English game of rounders. Rounders become popular in
the United States in the early 19th century, where the game was called
"townball", "base", or "baseball". Cartwright formalized the modern rules of
baseball.
The first recorded baseball game in 1846 when Alexander Cartwright's
Knickerbockers lost to the New York Baseball Club. The game was held at the
Elysian Fields, in Hoboken, New Jersey. In 1858, the National Association of
Base Ball Players, the first organized baseball league was formed.
1845: Alexander Cartwright published a set of baseball rules for the
Knickerbocker Club of New York, and his rules were widely adopted.
1869: The Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first openly-salaried team and
are thus considered the first professional team.
1871: The first professional baseball league, the National Association of
Professional Base Ball Players, was established.
1876: The first major league, the National League, was formed.
1878: Frederick Winthrop Thayer of Massachusetts (captain of the Harvard
University Baseball Club) received a patent for a baseball catcher's
mask on February 12.
History of Nintendo Baseball
----------------------------
Baseball was designed by Nintendo in 1984 and was released that same year. It
is widely considered to be the first "true" baseball game, although it is
really not the first game based on baseball. It is a very common game to find
in stores who still sell NES games, they are used of course, but the game is
worth the $.99 it sells for at GameStop stores.
History of Baseball-e
---------------------
Baseball-e, as the game is actually called, is a re-release of the classic
game Baseball, and was released nearly two decades after the original. A
perfect port of the original, Baseball-e is a very fun title, and it doesn't
really have much history yet, because it was recently released. It requires
the e-Reader and a Gameboy Advance to play. It is definitely worth the $5 most
retail stores sell it for, mainly because it's portible!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
V. The e-Reader
----------------
The Nintendo e-Reader is a piece of hardware for use with the Gameboy Advance.
It was developed by Nintendo in 2001 and released in 2002. The e-Reader uses
new technology to allow older Nintendo games to be played on the GBA by
sliding five cards through the top of the machine. These cards are the size of
playing cards, and just as thin, but with the use of new technology, they can
fit the ROM and RAM into just five cards, allowing you to play your favorite
classics, such as Mario Bros. and Excitebike.
The e-Reader price is $39.99 at GameStop currently. The games, which come as
one game in a pack of five cards, are priced at about $5 per game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VI. Rules of the Game
----------------------
I am no baseball player myself, but I can tell you that the rules in the
Nintendo game Baseball differ a little bit from the rules in the real sport.
Here is a list of basic MLB (Major League Baseball) rules and a list of the
basic rules from Nintendo's Baseball.
MLB Rules
---------
- Baseball is a game between two teams of nine players each, under direction
of a manager, played on an enclosed field in accordance with these rules,
under jurisdiction of one or more umpires.
- If the ball is pitched and the player swings and misses, it is a strike.
- If the ball is pitched through the strike zone and the player does not
swing, it is a strike.
- If the ball is pitched outside the strike zone and the player does not
swing, then it is a ball.
- If the ball crosses the foul line before it leaves the infield, whether on
the ground or in the air, it is considered foul.
- A point is scored when a player has successfully touched all four bases in
the correct order without being tagged out or becoming out by other means.
- When the ball crosses the outfield fence, it is considered a Home Run and
the team whose player hit it gets a point for every man that was on base,
including the player who hit it.
- If a player receives four balls during his/her turn, then he gets to WALK.
- If a player receives three strikes while at bat, he/she is then considered
out.
- If a player hits a pop fly and a fielder catches it, that player who hit
it is out and all runners must return to their bases, or they are also
out.
Nintendo Rules
--------------
- Baseball is a game between two teams of nine players each, under direction
of a manager, played on an enclosed field in accordance with these rules,
under jurisdiction of one or more umpires.
- If the ball is pitched and the player swings and misses, it is a strike.
- If the ball is pitched through the strike zone and the player does not
swing, it is a strike.
- If the ball is pitched outside the strike zone and the player does not
swing, then it is a ball.
- If the ball crosses the foul line before it leaves the infield, whether on
the ground or in the air, it is considered foul.
- A point is scored when a player has successfully touched all four bases in
the correct order without being tagged out or becoming out by other means.
- When the ball crosses the outfield fence, it is considered a Home Run and
the team whose player hit it gets a point for every man that was on base,
including the player who hit it.
- If a player receives four balls during his turn, then he gets to WALK.
- If a player receives three strikes while at bat, he is then considered
out.
- If a player hits a pop fly and a fielder catches it, that player who hit
it is out and all runners must return to their bases, or they are also
out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VII. Options
-------------
Before you begin playing the game, you need to setup several options first.
These options can help customize your experience. To a degree, anyway.
The start screen when you first turn on the game is set up like so:
=========
| BASE |
| BALL |
=========
o 1 Player Game
2 Player Game
1984
Nintendo of America Inc.
Press Start to begin a game against the computer. You can also use Up and Down
on the D-Pad to move the cursor. I am not sure if you can play a two player
game or not (I don't know any friends who have the e-Reader). There may be a
way to play via a link cable, but again, I'm not for certain. The gameplay
would be closely related to Nintendo's ports to the arcade for the VS. Series.
It would be similar to Baseball VS.
Once you've selected to play against the computer, you'll be greeted by a
screen that looks like this:
SELECT YOUR TEAM
A C D P R Y
_ _
|1| |C|
Team Select
-----------
You can choose to be one of six teams, either A, C, D, P, R, or Y. The game
automatically selects the computer's team, so you don't have to worry about
who they will be. Note, though, that you can not choose the team that the
computer has chosen. Basically, the only preference you should have between
teams is the colors (and perhaps your favorite letter) ;)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIII. How to Play
------------------
This is an overview of the field: Second Base
/
_
\ |_| /
\ / \ /
\ / \ /
\ / \ /
Foul Line - \ / \ /
\ / \ /
\ _ / ___ \ _ /
|_| |_|
\ / /
/ \ Pitcher's Mound / \
Third Base \ / First Base
\ /
\ /
\ _ /
Home Plate - _|_|_
| | | - Batter's Box(es)
|__|__|
| |
|___| - Catcher's Box
*NOTE: The field in the game is viewed at more of a slant than from directly
above, as it is drawn here. Also, the lines are supposed to be much
straighter than they are depicted here. Home plate is in the shape of a
pentagon, not square. The bases are supposed to be tilted into more of a
diamond shape. Hey, one can only do so much with ASCII. I admit that this is
a horrible, horrible depiction of a baseball field, but if you've never seen
one before, it's a good enough representation to get you going. Now I'm just
rambling...
Game Overview
-------------
When you start, the game randomly chooses if you are the away team or home
team, and decides if you bat first or field first.
Whenever your team gets three outs, there is a field change and then it's your
turn to field. You run through the same process with the opposing team.
Whenever their team receives three outs, you switch again and you are up to
bat...again.
You run through this process nine times total in a regular game, and each time
is called an inning. An inning is completed when both teams have both been at
bat and fielded.
The team who has the most points at the end of the 9th inning, if there is no
tie, is determined the winner of the game.
Scoring
-------
Scoring is achieved when a runner rounds all of the bases in the correct order
without getting out. It can also occur when a player hits a Home Run, in which
all players who were on base including the player who hit the Home Run, bring
in a point. There is one point per runner.
Batting
-------
While your player is in the batter's box awaiting a pitch, you can move him
around a tiny bit and adjust his position by using the D-pad. When the pitcher
throws the ball towards you, wait until it is within your range and press the
A button to swing. If the ball is inside the strikezone, definitely swing, as
there are no drop pitches in the game or anything like that. If the ball is
outside the strikezone, don't swing, and you will be awarded a ball.
Fielding
--------
The most difficult aspect of the game. It is made difficult by the fact that
you cannot control your players when they are running to get the ball in the
outfield. Besides in the outfield, fielding is not generally too tough. If a
batter hits the ball, it is your job to throw it to the appropriate base in an
attempt to tag that player out.
Pitching
--------
A part of fielding, pitching is quite easy. Press the A button to throw the
ball. You can curve your ball somewhat by pressing left or right on the D-pad
while the ball is traveling towards the batter. To control the speed of your
pitches, press the following:
Down - Fastball
Up - Slowball
Nothing - A regular pitch
That covers this simple game in the quickest way possible. I hope it wasn't
too hard to understand!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IX. Terms
----------
Here are some of the terms used in Nintendo's Baseball that you need to know
(and some that you don't) ;) Oh yeah, these terms are in no particular order,
as I just listed them as they came to my mind.
Ball
----
Occurs when the ball is thrown by the pitcher but it does not cross over home
plate and the batter does not swing. If a player at bat receives four balls,
then he may walk freely to the 1st base.
Strike
------
Occurs when a player swings at the ball, regardless of where it is, and
misses.
Pop Fly
-------
Happens when a batter hits the ball into the air, usually at a sharp angle.
Pop Flys generally do not leave the infield and are relatively easy for
fielders to catch.
Batter's Box
------------
Either of the two identical boxes on both sides of home plate that in which a
batter stands in to bat.
Umpire
------
A game official who makes all the calls and calls all the shots.
Base
----
Any of the four diamonds in the infield in which a batter must try to run to
after he hits the ball.
Out
---
This happens when a player fielding catches a pop fly,
Foul
----
Occurs when a player hits the ball and it crosses the foul line before leaving
the infield.
Home Run
--------
Achieved when the ball is hit over the fence in the outfield. All player's who
were currently on base count as a run, or score, and this includes the batter
who hit it.
Catcher's Box
-------------
The box in which the catcher stands to receive the ball if the batter misses
it.
Infield
-------
The area on the baseball field located inside the perimeter of the lines
connecting the bases.
Outfield
--------
The area on the baseball field located outside the perimeter of the lines
connecting the bases in the infield.
Home Plate
----------
The final base to touch out of the four bases and a run is earned if it is
tagged.
Pitcher's Mound
---------------
The mound in the middle of the infield on which the pitchter stands on and
throws the ball.
Batter
------
He is on the receiving end of a pitch. He must attempt to hit the ball when it
is thrown at him, and he is found in the Batter's Box.
Pitcher
-------
The player who is situated on the Pitcher's Mound. He throws the ball towards
the batter to allow the batter to try and hit it.
Catcher
-------
The player who is situated in the Catcher's Box behind the batter to catch the
ball and throw it back to the pitcher if the batter fails to hit the ball. He
also covers home plate when a player hits the ball.
Run
---
A point; a score. Achieved when a runner tags home plate after successfully
rounding all of the other bases.
1st Baseman
-----------
The fielder who covers 1st base.
2nd Baseman
-----------
The fielder who covers 2nd base.
3rd Baseman
-----------
The fielder who covers 3rd base.
Shortstop
---------
The fielder who covers the area between 1st and 2nd base.
Outfielder
----------
Any of the three fielders who play in the outfield; one covers left field, one
covers center field, and one covers right field.
Left field
----------
The left portion of the outfield.
Center field
------------
The area in the middle of the outfield.
Right field
-----------
The right portion of the outfield.
Walk
----
Occurs when a batter accumulates four balls during his turn at bat. The player
walks to 1st base.
Strikeout
---------
Occurs when a player receives three strikes during his turn at bat.
Hit by a Pitch
--------------
This happens when a pitcher throws the ball and it hits the batter who is
currently batting. The player who is hit then takes a free base i.e. walks to
1st base.
Fastball
--------
The term used for when the pitcher throws the ball faster than normal.
Slowball
--------
The term used for whe the pitcher throws the ball slower than normal.
Curve ball
----------
Term used when the pitcher makes the ball move back and forth on it's flight
to the batter in an attempt to confuse the batter.
Safe
----
A call made by the umpire when a runner reaches a base and the ball is then
received by the baseman covering that base. Nothing happens to the runner as
he got there before the ball did, hence the word "Safe".
E-mail me at
[email protected] if you think there are any more terms that need to
be added.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
X. Teams
---------
There are six teams in the game, none better than the other in any way, shape,
or form, but I just thought I'd list them here anyway.
o-----------o------------------o
| Team Name | Uniform Colors |
o-----------o------------------o
| A | White |
| | Dark Blue |
o-----------o------------------o
| C | Red |
| | Light Blue |
o-----------o------------------o
| D | Grey |
| | Blue |
o-----------o------------------o
| P | White |
| | Red |
o-----------o------------------o
| R | Light Blue |
| | Dark Blue |
o-----------o------------------o
| Y | Grey |
| | Black |
o-----------o------------------o
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XI. Tips
---------
- The computer (AI) is very tough to defeat, but if you practice it and play
for a while, you'll be able to beat them.
- Try not to run around the bases too often. The controls are really bad
actually and sometimes respond too late, resulting in an Out for you.
- The 4th batter is usually your strongest hitter.
- As always, have fun!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XII. FAQ
---------
This is just a list of frequently asked questions that deal with this game.
1. Q: Can you play two player mode on Baseball-e?
A: I don't think so. Maybe with a link cable, but I'm not for sure.
Well, that's all for now. Maybe I'll think of some more later, or better yet,
e-mail me at
[email protected] with some of your questions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XIII. Credits and Legal Stuff
------------------------------
This FAQ is copyright Pegboy (Derek Kader) 2003 and should not be copied,
stolen in whole or in part, sold for money, or changed in any way, shape or
form. If you want to use it on your website, all I ask is that you ask me
first. E-mail me at
[email protected] if you want to use this on your site. Do
not copy my guide, please, because that’s plagiarism, which is illegal of
course, and you don’t want to mess with that stuff. ;) Also, don't change the
words around and claim it as your own work, because that's illegal too. These
things, if you couldn't tell, are not fun for me to deal with, so leave it
alone.
If you have friends who actually need or want this guide, don't be a jerk and
charge them for. Give it to 'em for free, for goodness sake.
E-mail me with anything you feel should be added, such as tips, terms, and
that kind of stuff, or changed, like any spelling errors, grammar errors, or
bad information. I will give you credit if I feel it deserves a place in this
FAQ!
I would like to give credit to the following people/sites/corporations:
CJayC - For hosting this and all of my other FAQs.
Nintendo - For releasing this awesome game on their classic system, the NES,
and now, nearly two decades later, on the e-Reader.
mlb.com - For providing me with some of the rules of baseball, although they
were not as big a help as I had expected... ;)
inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbaseball.htm - For providing me with a
brief history on the game of baseball. I give all credit to them in the
section entitled History of the Game of Baseball-->History, as I got that
completely from them. That is copyright this site, and uh, all that good
stuff.
Also, anybody who helped me develop my writing ability or got me interested in
writing FAQs, guides, and reviews for games.
Stolen property? If you find my guide on any sites other than www.gamefaqs.com
please report it to me immediately by e-mailing me at
[email protected]. Thanks
a bunch!
As always, you can always find the newest version of this FAQ at GameFAQs.
Please, feel free to enjoy this game and use this guide to your advantage (but
don't overdo it). Have fun with it and have a great day!
(c) Pegboy (Derek Kader) 2003
