MLB Options When the 'options' page comes up hit one of these computer keys: N - to begin a new game D - For a demo of the game,to stop the demo you must re-boot the computer R - to 're-start' a partially completed game which you saved on a MLB Team Disk Starting a Game Pick the visiting and home teams(The game disk has over 20 teams). After selecting a team hit the RETURN Key if you want to manage the team or hit C to have the computer manage the team. Note: You can manage both teams or have the computer manage both teams. After both teams are chosen,you'll be asked whether you want this to be a "Designated Hitter" game. A "DH" game means the pitcher won't bat. If you choose to use a "DH" the hitter will be placed in the number 5 hitting slot. You'll then be shown the pitcher rosters for the visiting team; then the home team. Follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen to change the starting pitchers if desired. You next pick the starting batters lineups and players fielding positions for both teams,just follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen to make any changes. NOTE: MLB has the typically used lineup in place for each team. To accept this lineup,as is, just hit the ESC Key. Once you hit the ESC Key, the game is ready to begin P: if looking at a batting lineup, and you want to see what pitchers this team has L: conversely,if you are looking at a Pitcher roster, hit "L" to see what batters or fielders are available S: shows additional statistics for players T: flips over to see lineup for the other team ESC: hit this key to return to the game Making Lineup Changes During Game With offense request showing, you can hit keys 7,8, or 9: 7-Pinch Hitter 8-Pinch Runner 9-to see lineup NOTE: with any of these commands you are not required to make a change,you may just view the options to you. Hitting 9 during the game allows you to make changes just as you did before the game. Hitting 7 or 8 shows who is up to bat and the names of any runners on base. After pinchitting for the pitcher, and if another change is made,you can switch the new pitcher from batting slot #9 to another slot. Offensive Strategies When no-one is on base, you may use 0 and 6: 0 - swing away (Batter is on his own) (Return key also) 6 - Surprise bunt With runners on base, you may use 0 and 6 plus these strategies: 1 - swing away with aggressive running. Runner(s) try to take extra base if possible 2 - swing away with safe running. Runners don't take any chances. 3 - steal 4 - hit and run 5 - sacrifice bunt Lineup Keys 7 - pinch hitter 8 - pinch runner 9 - see lineup or roster Defensive Strategies 0 - visit the mound (to check on your pitcher, warm up another or bring in a reliever) 1 - Fastball (RETURN Key also) 2 - Curve 3 - Slider 4 - Changeup/Specialty pitch 5 - Pitchout 6 - In at the corners (1st and 3rd basemen play in) 7 - Infield in (All 4 infielders) 8 - Intentional walk 9 - See lineup or roster Special Features When being prompted in the OFFENSE or DEFENSE request,you can do the following by pressing: R - this stops the players from running to and from their dugouts between innings. This speeds up the game M - This toggles the sound effects on or off S - to save a game in progress Other Options After the game loads, you'll see the N,R,D options as described earlier. Other options available at that time are: Q - for a quick play game. This has no graphics, the computer manages both teams. You pick the teams and their lineups. S - without playing a game this gives you the opportunity to see or printout the stats from any roster or game disk E - this will erase a team you've compiled stats for. Stadium Factors You will be shown the dimensions of the park you will be playing in. Some teams will play differently in different parks. Pitcher Factors When warming up a pitcher,try to let him warmup for 4-10 batters. If you leave him warming too long,he will become tired before you bring him into the game. Likewise if you do not warm him up long enough,he will come in the game cold,and may not have his normal stuff. Fielding Ratings Fielders are rated at the positions they typically played in that particular season. If you put them in a defensive position that they're not accustomed to, they may make more errors.However;most players will not embarass themselves if put in another position. After all they are professional athletes and can handle themselves anywhere on the diamond. Injuries Aches,bruises,all a part of the game. Also unkniown as to when they may occur. You could go several games and everyone is healthy,then ka-baam-one of your players gets hurt. Sometimes he'll be able to stay in the game,sometimes he'll need to be replaced. Just periodically keep an eye on who you have left on the bench. Arguments-Ejections Whether the umpire is right or wrong, players and managers question some calls. That's a nice way to say it- Actually they argue with the ump and once in a while they push too far and get ejected. If a manager gets the heave-ho the team will be handled by a computer coach. Power outage or rain delays A brief power failure in domed stadiums, acts of nature in regular stadiums. Once the rain starts, you can override nature by pressing the space bar.Songs and trivia games will be played during these delays. Box score notes You will be shown the box scores after the game has been completed. You may print these scoress by pressing "P". Other special features On an OFFENSE or DEFENSE prompt you can do: C - turns over to the computer the manager function. This is helpful if you are playing against someone and you have to leave but you want the game finished. E - Arguments with a manager may happen, but no manager will be ejected.