Conference rusure::nintendo

    	Who Makes It?
    
    

    I saw it at the Nintendo store at the Burlington Mall.  I did
    not like it very much.  I think RBI and Tecmo are better games.
    
    
    IMHO
    Brian

    	Hey, anyone who has seen this game "WHO MAKES IT!?"  Knonami?
    Nintendo? etc...  The reason I ask is that I've seen Konami's Ninth
    inning game in the Arcades.  Thought it was very much like Bases
    Loaded. (Graphics wise anyway.)  Didn't know if they were planning on
    doing the same game for the NES.

    	Bob

    I bought baseball stars and it is by snk. I've only played it once,
    so far, but i thought it was great. You set up a whole baseball
    league with it and trade, hire and fire players. It is real complicated
    and the instructions are vague in some places.

    Once you set up the league, do you then play the game or just coach it?
    
    Also, can you pinch run? That's something lacking in Bases Loaded.
    
    Jim

    yes, once you set up the game you play it like most other baseball
    games. you have a roster of 18 players so you can have pinch runners,
    hitters and relief pitchers. Also, the game stores all the stats
    and you can keep going as long as you want. It keeps up to date
    stats on players and pitchers.

    re .7:
    
    When you say that "the game stores all the stats...", do you mean you
    can turn the game off and come back later and they are still there?
    
    Thanks,
    Paula
    

    	Are the graphics like the Nintendo/RBI type or like Bases Loaded?
    
    	  Bob

    Yes, it stores the data when you power it off, as long as you do
    it like the instructions say. Looks like SNK may take the lead with
    cartridge development, to me.

    It's been so long since I've played RBI and Bases Loaded that I
    don't remember how they are, but the view is from the batter looking
    toward the pitcher and you can even select pitchers who throw sidearm
    or overhand and there is even a ladies team! Hopefully, my kids
    will give me a little playing time tonight!!
    
    randy

         I think this game is great.  Now this is real Baseball.  Once
    your players start to power up,  it's fun to know that when they
    get up to bat, that they have the power to hit it out of the park.
    Rookies get better with wins and time.   All the players movements
    are just like real baseball.  Climb the wall and stop that Homerun
    shot. Plus you save every coaching decision you make.   I give
    Baseball Stars a 10,  I have all the Baseball games from Nintendo
    this is the best by far.
    
    Coach

    This game sounds like a winner. I'm gonna see if I can rent it. One
    more question though...
    
    Is the computer any good to play against? I rarely, if ever lose
    against the computer in bases loaded. In fact, if I didn't throw
    pitches down the middle I don't think the computer would ever beat me.
    
    How does the computer behave in this game?
    
    Jim

To answer your question about how the computer plays,  at first it's
tough.  All the games are tough.   You need to win a few games and 
earn some money,  so you can increase your players skills.  I lost the
first twenty games.   Finally I beat a vet.  team, earned some cash
and started to make my team a little better.   Still haven't seen
how good a Superstar is.   I've played a league of 20 games and lost
three.  I think the computer is a challenge.  I have all the baseball
games and this seems to be the toughest.  The game updates your
stats,everything you can think of.  You'll have to see.

    
Have fun, this is a fantastic game                                        

    Thanks for all the info on the game. I'm gonna check it out.
    
    JoJ

    I am so impressed with Baseball Stars I was wondering if anyone
    knows of any other sports games made by SNK?  I would really be
    interested in a simular golf game. 

    Oh, one last question on this game....
    
    Does it take a long time to play a game? One drawback to bases loaded
    is that it takes so long between batters...Just curious.
    
    Jim

    To answer your question, no it isn't nearly as long.  A little
    longer than tecmo baseball.  You can push the button and it will
    pass over the little scoreboard screen in between innings.
    Hope this helps answer your questions.
     The batters time between goes by quick. Great Game.  It's
    all I find myself playing now.
    
    Jeff

    
    	I picked this one up a couldple days ago.  Real fun game.  It's
    real hard to beat some of the pre-made teams with a new team you
    made until you get some power.  It's great getting to develop the
    players to make 'your' team.  Started a league with a team I made
    a team my brother made, another new team that a computer mangages
    and the SNK team (the easiest of the pre-made teams).  I'm now
    6-3.  Havn;t beat the SNK team yet but did get it to 13 innings
    the last game.  I figure the next time I see them if I have a couple
    more wins my team should be able to do it.  
    
    mike

    I also bought the game....it is every bit as good as described in this
    note previously. Head and shoulders above Bases Loaded and RBI.
    I haven't got the whole thing figured out yet, but there is no doubt
    that it's the best baseball game available for nintendo.
    
    Also, the computer is good. It took me awhile to get through a nine
    inning game. I kept getting 10 runned. I have a couple of decent
    hitters on my team, but my pitching is suspect. 
    
    Do you have to win to get cash to buy players?
    
    JoJ

    
    
    	Yea you have to win to get cash.  It also has to be a league
    game.   Once you get used to the fielding it gets even better. 
    Diving stops, jumping stabs, robbing homers!  And unlike all the
    other games each players is different.  A guy who has some speed
    may be able to go second to home on the single but the big
    moose has no chance.  A good defensive outfielder may be able to
    get under one that would go to the wall if it was a lesser fielder.
    
    Great Game!!
    
    mc

    
    
    As far as other games by SNK, I believe they put out Lee Trevino's
    Fighting Golf, Guerrilla War, Ikari Warriors, and Victory Road.
    
    They may have some others but those are all I can think of now.
    
    Craig

    re: Author of this note
    
    Have you ever beaten the team "American Dreams"? They have hit back to
    back to back hr's on me several times, and they run rule me every game.
    
    JoJ

    Neither me or my son(who is significantly better than me) can last
    nine with the A.D.'s. more less beat them. We will certainly keep
    trying. I built a team of veterans last night that I hope will
    compete once I get more cash for "powering up". Has anyone earned
    enough for a "Superstar" yet?
    
    Randy

    Mail order company has plenty of "Baseball Stars" in stock for $44.95
    plus shipping.
    
           BEST -  800-950-2378

    A.D. is freakin' impossible....
    
    I don't have a Superstar yet either. I can't win enough money to create
    one. When I play a good team and get decent attendance, I always seem
    to lose. I think I'm gonna just create a few teams I can beat up on and
    get enough money to power up my pitching staff so I can win a few
    games.
    
    Some of my players have gotten pretty good and it takes alot of money
    to power them up. 
    
    Jim
    
    

    Just called BEST (800-950-2378).  They have plenty of BASEBALL STARS
    in stock.
    
        Baseball Stars -     item # 489069    $44.99 plus shipping
    

    We rented it for two days and it's killer! It playes like N.B. and
    the others but the graphics are better and you can jump and dive
    for balls and control the fielding. It has a 10-run game call. You
    set up a league with 1-6 teams giving each a certain strength and
    then trade to equalize strengths. There are attendance figures and
    gate reciepts that are figured in by the star quality of certain
    players. I recomend it, although I have yet to see it for sale.
    
    Al
     

    I also thought the booklet was not as good as it could of been.
    It left alot of things to experimentation.
     Is this 800 number serving the entire US or just the east coast?
    
    AL

    Never mind, I ordered it! I do have one more question- How do you
    change the team name(customize)? The book says it's possible, but
    it doesn't say how. It also says you can customize player names.
    
    Al

    I haven't been able to change a team name, but you can easily change
    the player names.
    
    Wait till you play the AD (American Dreams) team. They 10 run me every
    time. Just about every guy on the team can hit HR's. Also, the LL
    (lucky Ladies) team is tough because of good pitching and GREAT
    fielding. They can't hit though.
    
    JoJ

    
    
    You can change the team name only at the time you create the team.
    Based on the stength surrounding your team, Baseball Stars will
    default to a certain name -- but -- will give you an opportunity
    to change that name.  I think you have two rows of 7 chars.
                  
    Here's an example on how to change a default name to the 1989 American
    League champions name:
    
    
             Default Name                 1989 American League Champion
             ------------                 -----------------------------
    
               TEAM1                             BALTMOR
               SCOUTS                            ORIOLES
                                                        
    
    
    IN THIS WORLD TODAY-- ONE MUST BE WILLING TO MAKE BOLD PREDICTIONS!

    What buttons do you push to activate the cursor? Thats what I had
    trouble with.
      I have played as AD against the LL's and they 10 runned me in
    7 innings. In fact I tried alot of the teams and I did 10 run a
    few teams but mostly I played whipping boy. I'm not sure I like
    the 10-run rule...it doesn't give you a chance to mount a comeback.
    Since I don't have my cartrige yet, somebody make up even line ups
    for the Cubies and Giants and let the computer run a best of seven
    and tell us the prediction!8^)
    
    Al

    Wait till you create a team and play AD. They will pound your pitching.
    Very frustrating....my team is good enough to beat alot of the teams
    now. I just split with the Blacksox...very tough defensive team

    
    The other day I was able to take 2 straight from AD.  I found a way
    to get those "crucial strikouts" to end an inning that works over 75% 
    of the time.  The only problem is that it "burns" out your pitchers.  
    Using this method I was able to strikeout the heart of their lineup 
    virtually any time I needed to.
    
    First of all, you need four above average pitchers with maximum
    stamina, a decent fastball, and a decent curve.  Position the pitcher
    at the extreme corner of the mound that is on the same side as the
    batter.  Throw an average speed pitch that curves hard inside. The
    batter backs off the plate trying to avoid being hit.  Then, throw
    a fastball outside which at the last second curves over the corner.
    The batter will move towards the pitch but will hardly ever take
    a swing.  Alternate pitching inside balls and outside strikes, and
    after taking him (or her) to a 3-2 count, you will strike'em out.
    Since you are throwing a minimum of 6 pitches per batter, your pitcher
    will burn out very quickly.  Maximum 2-3 innings.  I found it very
    usefull to get out of a jam and prevent a "big" inning.
    
    The other part of the equation is that you obviously have to be
    able to score some runs.  One time I beat them 3-2 while using all
    my pitchers and limping to the finish.  The other time was a high
    scoring victory.

re-1
    
    I use this method when playing rbi baseball and it works like a
    charm, however after a while it definetly takes the sport of it.
    
      DAVE

    It's not 100% effective and should only be used when in a "jam".
    You still need to mix up your stuff and try to get more innings 
    from each pitcher.  Otherwise you'll end up with someone throwing
    40 mph at the end of game.  At that point it won't matter where
    you throw the ball -- AD will hit it out of the park.  It can be
    an effective strategy when used in the right situation.  A "brushback
    pitch" is part of the game.
    
    Paul

	I've been using Paul's strategy, and it does work, but if you don't
have stamina you drain your pitchers real quick.  Just use it in jam and
agaist the big threats (which is most of the AD team).  Otherwise just try to 
get them to pop up by not giving anyting over the meat of the plate.  Try to
jam them or have them reaching for pitches.  Also, unlike other teams, you
can;t leave a weak pitcher in there too long against the AD's.  Just too much
power on the team.  

mc

    I've had success with that method against other teams...the problem is
    getting pitchers with maximum stamina, etc...
    
    My team has gotten stronger, although the Blacksocks pounded me last
    night. I'll give AD a shot again soon, but I gotta win some games.
    
    My power hitters are:
    
    Nettles
    Winfield
    JimBob
    Chambliss
    Mattingly
    
    Guess who my favorite team is...ha ha

    RE: -1
    
    Try playing a long series with the "Lovely Ladies".  The attendance
    figures are the highest for any team, and depending on the level
    of "prestige" for your players, you can earn between 60k - 80k per game.
    
    A quick way to find out how strong your team is relative to another,
    is to let the computer play both teams for an entire series.  I
    have let the computer play my team against a computer controlled
    AD team, and have seen AD win at least 60% of the time.  It shows
    I can at least stay with them, and with good pitch selection, beat 
    them an even higher percentage of the time. 
    
    What's your opinion on how the computer pitches a game?  Is  your
    pitch selection better or worse?  Sometimes a computer controlled
    pitcher will be throwing at a very slow speed and will be taken out
    only after disaster strikes.  Not too good of a decision to keep
    him in there.
    
    Paul

>>    What's your opinion on how the computer pitches a game?  Is  your
>>    pitch selection better or worse?  Sometimes a computer controlled
>>    pitcher will be throwing at a very slow speed and will be taken out
>>    only after disaster strikes.  Not too good of a decision to keep
>>    him in there.
    
    Well, the computer seems to throw some tough pitches. On some teams he
    leaves the pitcher in too long, other times he yanks the pitcher after
    only a couple of hits. In fact, I've had the computer bring in a lefty
    to face my righty power hitter after I put a couple of guys on base
    with the score close....
    
    Question: I haven't let the computer play my team .vs. others. If I
    don't watch the game, do I get cash for winning anyway?
    
    Jim
    

    Well I finally did it !  Beating American dreams felt good.  It
    can be done fair and square.  Beat them 12-2, they called the game
    in the second inning.   You want to talk about some great bucks.
    How does $114,000 sound.  Has anyone run into the this? I have
    a player that is at $40,000,  but no matter how much I make I 
    can't power him up any more. Is there a reason I'm not seeing
    why this is.  The instructions are not that good. Any info.
    would be great.  This player is not powered up all the way.
    
    slammer

	The $40,000 player probably can;t be powered up becuase he is at his 
maximum points.  When you view the team it should show points and maximum points
for each player.  

	For naming my team I just pick out an names.  My current one has mostly
cartoon characters.  Fred, Barney, Elmer, Shleprock, Martian. I've been
playing a 6 team leage with 3 buddies.  I'm in second but nobody can beat the
person in first.  he has some sort of nintendo gene and wins every time.ughh


mc

    Mike, Cartoon characters are probably better than trying to think of 9
    famous Red Sox...I don't think there are that many.
    
    JoJ

    But how do you activate the cursor to change team and players names?!
    
    Al

    To change a players name, from the main screen select the "view team"
    option. Then, select your team, then select a player. Once the player
    data is on the screen, push the right arrow on the control pad, and it
    will say "CHANGE NAME"....
    
    You can't rename a team.
    
    Jim

    Hhhmm... I thought I read in the booklet that you could change team
    names, select uniforms n' such. UUUUGGGHHH... I wish the mail was
    faster! 
    
    frustrated and waiting
    
    Al

>    Hhhmm... I thought I read in the booklet that you could change team
>    names, select uniforms n' such. UUUUGGGHHH... I wish the mail was
>    faster! 
 

	You can but only teams that you create via the 'Make Team' selection
on the menu.  ALso once you have selected a team name a a uniform/logo for
a team it can not be changed again.

mc

    I had the same problem.  After fumbling around I finally figured
    out that you need to use the second controller to identify the second 
    team.  It will them become pretty obvious on how to complete the 
    transaction.

    re: .53

     Hey Roy, stop playing the women and start playing some real teams like the
     Ninja Robins and the American Dreams 8^).


								-dlp

    The book says it's possible to give the players a sex change! Anyone
    figure out how?
     I ran a simulation of the W.S. and the A's won in 5-7 games two
    out of three series.....
    
    Al

    I don't know if its possible to give an existing player a "sex change",
    but you can hire female players.  After you create an opening on
    your roster, you select "HIRE PLAYER".  Select a team and you'll
    then see this screen:
    
                 ROOKIE
    
                 BATTER, GOOD HITTER
    
                 RIGHT
    
    Take your cursor (is that what its called?) down from ROOKIE to RIGHT.
    Press down on your controller one more time and the word "MALE"
    will appear.  Press right on your controller and the "MALE" will
    be replaced with "FEMALE".  You can then choose your appropriate
    sex change depending on the bucks you have to spend.  You'll notice
    that the abilities, statistics, and potential are exactly the same for 
    both male and female players.  The only difference is that you have a
    pretty face (?) on your bench.  Come to think of it -- a pretty
    face in your locker room too.  Hmmm..... I'm starting to see some
    possibilities.....
    
    
    Paul

    I've made it 9 innings twice against AD. But no way can I beat
    them....yet.
    
    I'm working on it. I can pound LL every time now.
    
    JoJ

    RE: -1
    I FINALLY BEAT A.D. BY USING THE SUGGESTION OF PITCHING THE CORNERS
    OF THE PLATE, MIXED WITH DROP BALLS. BETTER HAVE A REAL STRONG PITCH-
    ING STAFF THOUGH. I THINK THE SCORE WAS 13-8 AND I WON $110,000.
    I HAVEN'T MADE IT TO THE END OF MY "LEAGUE", BUT I WONDER IF THERE
    IS
    SOME KIND OF PLAYOFF? ANYONE BEEN THAT FAR YET?
    

    No playoff. If your in first at the end, you win it and get a
    tickertape parade.
    
    I've been able to go 9 innings with AD several times, but still haven't
    won.
    
    Jim

    .59
    
    
    
    Why are you shouting?????

    			< HELP!!!>
    
    Can someone please explain how and when to change the different
    players traits (ie.stamina, hitting) when making team? Is this
    done when you first make team or only after your team has hopefully
    won a few games? Can you change all the players traits and if not
    which players can be changed. How does BUY, PASS, and POWER UP work?
    
    All help would be appreciated as the directions have me lost in
    left field.
    
    
    Thanks.
    Drew
    

    
    RE: .63
    
    Thanks for the input. I'll certainly try again tonight.
    Incidently is BASEBALL STARS the only game by SNK with
    a vague instruction book?
    
    
    
    Drew
    

    I just missed catching one. I got there too late and when I climbed
    up the wall I really got some altitude and fell over the top and
    out of the park!
     When I ran a small league, all the champs got was a trophy. Do
    you have to let the program run for a while to get to the parade?
    
    Al
    

    Roy, you're right about that defense. I was losing games because I
    couldn't get the ball to first base quick enough...and a run would
    score.
    
    I powered up Nettles and Horace Clarke (he's my SS) to 15 in fielding
    and it was well worth it.
    
    Have any of you hit an inside the park HR yet? I have about 6 of them. 
    Clarke and Roberto Kelley are both powered up to 15 in running, and if
    they hit a ball that the outfielder tries to come in for, but misses
    and it goes to the fence, they can get the inside the park HR.
    
    It's great, especially when you are heading to third, and the throw
    comes towards third from a weak throwing OF'er, you just keep going and
    end up scoring.
    
    I love this game. I'm gonna save up for a superstar. 
    
    I had 171,000 at one point but spent it all.
    
    JoJ

    
    I created a team and played SC(the computer) in a league game. Should I get
    money if I win a game? The book said that you can only win money in a
    league game if you play against another player (does this mean human or
    computer?). 
    
    thanks
    eric

    I fired Tommy Tresh last night, and hired the Scooter.
    
    JoJ

    
    	While attempting to make team (one that I would be able to
    	beat my 10 yr old with), I see under view team all the pitchers,
    	fielders and the batters. What are the purpose of the batters?
    	I thought when I was buying the fielders they had the bats?
    	Are they one in the same? Also what if i fire a player, will
        I than have more money to hire a replacement?
    
    	Drew
    

    First of all, I beat AD last night for the first time. Got some big
    cash for doing it. I ten runned them 13-2 in 3 innings!
    
    re: .71
    
    >>	I thought when I was buying the fielders they had the bats?
    >>	Are they one in the same? Also what if i fire a player, will
    >>  I than have more money to hire a replacement?
    
    If you fire a player, you free up some cash. The thing is, the cash you
    get may not be enough to buy another player. You may still have to win
    some additional cash.
    
    As for fielders having bats...the fielders are batters. Are you
    referring to the characteristics of the new team? I'm not sure I
    understand what you're asking.
    
    Jim

    
    re: .72
    
    Are you sure you get cash when you fire a player? I didn't think I got
    any extra when I gave Goose his walking papers..
    
    Steve
    

    re: .72
    
    	Just to clarify what I mean about the batters, I am referring
    to the option VIEW TEAM. It list PIT_A1, PIT_A2 ...CF_1, LF_1....
    BAT_A1, BAT_B1..... What are these BAT_ used for? 
    
    By the way, I did finally manage to save up enough money to hire
    another Rookie pitcher. I inadvertly fired the old one and I was
    NOT given any cash back when I fired him. I suppose I had to make
    good on his contract!
    
    Drew

    BAT_A1, BAT_B1.... These are your pinch hitters, pinch runners and
    defensive specialists.  Use them in the late innings when a situation
    calls for a substitution.  View these players and see what their
    strength's are.  You may want to use some of them in your regular
    lineup.  The only downside is that their overall potential for
    improvement is lower than most other players.  Since you can't view
    the players during a game, I change their name to reflect their
    individual strengths.
    
                  BAT_A1  ---->  H8B9    (HITTING RATING 8,BATTING 9)
    
                  BAT_A2  ---->  D12R10  (DEFENSIVE 12, RUNNING 10)
    
    This way you will know which player is appropriate for the given
    situation.

    re: Marz
    
    You're right, no cash...I "Walton'd" it.
    
    re: .75
    
    I like that idea of calling them descriptive names like D9H5 or
    whatever. But right now I have Munson, Sax, Mantle, Gibbs, and Randolph
    on my bench...who would want to change those names?  8^)
    
    JoJ

    I beat A.D.'s twice this week-end and bought my first superstar.
    A pitcher. It appears to me that you are better off however, powering
    up the people you already have though, as I spent $400,000 on this
    pitcher and I don't see he is much stronger than my powered up 
    pitchers.  I shut out the A.D.'s yesterday 6-0. The key is very
    powered up pitching and fast running offensively and defensively.
    Also, I've always chosen to power up batting before hitting. I've
    beaten A.D.'s five or six times, so I guess i must be doing something
    right. I think Baseball Stars is the best Nintendo game I've ever
    played!

       I was lucky enough to pick up a copy of this game over the 
     weekend.  It is all that everyone has said it is!  BASEBALL
     STARS is light years better than RBI or NES BASEBALL. Don't
     know about BASES LOADED or TECMO since I haven't had the 
     chance to play them.  

       Without a doubt the memory feature adds endless possibilities
     for game play, but I was pleasantly surpised with how responsive
     the controller was for hitting, fielding, throwing etc. Having
     the fielders jump, dive and leap over fences was a nice touch.
     The background music can be irritating, but not nearly as bad
     as RBI was.  

       For those who are looking, I bought the last copy at the
     Nintendo store at the Burlington Mall on yet another unsuccessful
     search for ULTIMA.  They said they got 30 copies of BASEBALL
     STARS only the day before.  It went for $44.99  .  Couldn't
     find it in any other store at the mall.  Looks like another
     one of "those" games where you have to look high and low for
     it, meanwhile you keep seeing hundreds of copies of XENOPHOBE,
     GALAGA, or SKATE OR DIE on the shelves.  8^(

-rick

    I also beat AD again. In league play. Only got 37,000 for doing it...
    You get more when you beat them in .vs. mode.
    
    However, I had a bad game against the NB. They beat me, but they lost
    all five to AD, so I can still win the league. Of course I'll have to
    beat AD 3 out of 5....at least.
    
    JoJ

     I've tabulated all the player points for the computer teams so I'd
   have measures of team strengths and weaknesses at one glance instead
   of using the "view team" option all the time.  Team totals by category
   will be shown after the formfeed, since some of you may think this
   is spoiler info.


     If anyone is interested and with moderator approval, I'll post points 
   by category at the player detail level. There would be a separate reply 
   for every team (8 alltogether).

-rick


                    Hit Bat Run Def Lck Pre Sta Spe Lcu Rcu Drp    Tot

American Dreams     137 136  90 154  86 139  45  72  44  40  54    997
Ninja Blacksox       95  91 184 149  79 127  41  64  43  35  33    941
Brave Warriors      146 107  87 119 114 106  43  64  45  41  24    896
Japan Robins         93  75  93 160  87  95  42  56  49  51  45    846
Ghastly Monsters     61  75  92 203  69  66  47  52  37  27  34    763
Lovely Ladies        59  57  60 111  40 202  40  55  34  38  12    708
World Powers         77 129  51  94  82  53  49  52  28  44  14    673
SNK Crushers         43  62  53  81  23  59  37  38  38  24  22    480

       def = defense  lck = luck        pre = prestige     sta = stamina
       spe = speed    lcu = left curve  rcu = right curve  drp = drop pitch

    

    	I would like to know how to have computer VS computer with out
    having to watch it. It siad in the book that this can happen, but
    haven't figure on how to do it. Thanks
    
    Mike

    re: .83
    I believe that is only an option in  the computer generated league
    and not an option in the new leagues generated by the user.
                                        

    
       You have the option *not* to watch Computer vs. Computer only in
      League Play.  Once you have set up the teams that will play, the
      game will prompt you whether you wish to see the game (yes or
      no).  In  VS mode, if you kick off a computer vs. computer game
      and you don't wish to see it, you have to hit the console reset
      button.  Doing this, will not destroy any of your league data.
      Hope this helps.
    
    -rick

    Anyone figure out how to turn off that stupid music without touching
    the TV volume?8^)
    
    Al

    I know what ya mean, the music is aggravating after awhile. If you
    didn't need to hear the pop-ups (that is, when they start coming down),
    I'd turn off the sound completely.
    
    JoJ

    here is a spoiles for getting or i should say for not having to
    take only 2 bonuspoints.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    (sorry i don't know how to do form feed)
    
    
    
    
    
    
      when you select BUY and then the game tells you that you only
    have 2 bonus points or 3 or whatever. don't proceed any further.
     hold in the reset button while pushing in the start button, then
    power up the game again go to view team and this time you should
    get 5 bonus points.
    
      also a batting hint follows
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    always leave your batter right up against the plate and take a strike
    this will eventually help to wear the pitcher and if it is a weak
    batter he will sometimes get hit by a pitch.
    
    
    
               dave

re .88
 
or you can just type <cntl> l and get <FF>

- George

     I just got this game and it's GREAT! (excuse the shout).

     I've played a dozen or so games, haven't won, but did take
     the SNT Crushers to 11 innings before losing 2-1!

     For those of you that are more experienced than I, I have
     2 questions...

     Q1:  I can't seem to figure out how to get 1p vs computer
          in league play.  I select league play, the 2 teams,
          and then get prompted whether I want to watch or not.
     	  Is this the way it is supposed to work?

     Q2:  Is there a way to change the sex of an existing player?
     	  I know how to get female players by firing/hiring, but
          that method doesn't seem desireable once players start 
     	  getting "powered up".



     Thanks (in advance) for any help...

     Frank

     I've had my NES Advantage controller for such a long time that
     my "regular" controllers are almost new.  The Advantage has
     helped my scores in every other game....but NOT this one.

     I've switched back to my regular controller for Baseball Stars
     because it gives me much better control defensively.  With the
     Advantage, joystick control wasn't as exact & I'd throw to the
     wrong base, send fielders chasing in the wrong direction, etc.
     ...with the regular controller I can be sure where I'm throwing!

     I'd be interested to hear if anyone prefers the Advantage controller 
     for this game, and if so, why?

     Frank

    	I had the same problem. So This game I put down my Nes advantage
    and used the old way. the regular controller is easyer trying to throw
    someone out. You can't use any turbo controls. so the NES advantage
    finaly takes a back seat in this game.
    
    Mike

    	I Can't stand it!  Saw this game at K-Mart the other day and bought
    it!  Started playing a team I made up against the SNK Crusher's and
    actually won a few games.  My son played the teams which had already
    been created and was not faring so well.  Obscenities and so forth.... 
    I told him to make his own team and play against the lower teams the
    computer offered to improve his team.  Well he did make his own team. 
    He also figured to surpass any amount of money I had earned and has his
    team to almost maximum strength in a short period of time!  I told
    him he cheats!  No way he said,  I just figured out how to beat the
    game!  Razzle,  Frazzle,  Dazzle.... I'm still going to go the long
    way!

    	For those of you who are interested in gaining money fast here's
    a SPOILER on how it's done;

    *****************
    

    He chooses a two player game against the AD team;

    	He allows the AD team to bat first and either strikes out the side
    or controls each batter to bunt out.  If he messes up he makes the runner
    lead off and he picks them off first. 

    	He then gets his team up and scores enough runs for a called game.
    Quite a sneaky trick!

    Now he is into making teams up and trading for players who have many
    MAX points available.

    So the game Goes.  Is the commissioner out there?

    	Bob

    re: Advantage
    
    I also had that problem and have switched back to the original
    controllers. 
    
    (Hey Marzulla, are you reading this..you'll never beat me now 8^))

    
    
    
    re: JoJ
    
    
    Yawn!!!!!!!!!! My thumbs are awaiting.......
    
    
    

    For those of you who are looking for Baseball Stars... I saw 5
    copies at K-Mart in Acton yesterday with at price of $42.99 I
    believe.
    
    Happy shopping...
    
    

    I'm not trying to brag or anything but at one time my team had 5 $2
    million dollar players. The team known as the Madmen were the best.
    They were so good that they even could even beat the Dreams in the
    first inning. Hard to believe? It's not that hard to beat the Dream's
    when you have a team with 5 players with 90 max points. 
       Unfotunately, there came that day. I put in the cartridge and
    everything was gone. My kid had erased the whole team. Has anyone else
    out there had simular happenings? Hope not.
      
    Rebuilding a new dynty,
                 Jeff
    
    
    

    I've had this happen too. It might be the number of at bats. That's the
    only thing I can think of.
    
    
    Jeff

    Does Baseball Stars designate the proper winning pitcher?  Here's what
    happened:
    
    We were playing a league game last night.  Our team was leading by 8-0
    in the 4th inning.  When the computer (I think it was the Monsters)
    began to rally, we pulled the starting pitcher and retired the side
    with the score about 8-3. The game ended in the 5th or 6th when we
    10-runned them at 13-3.  Now check this: the winning pitcher was
    declared to  be the reliever!  Is that right?  I thought the reliever
    should get a save, with the win going to the starter.  Is there a
    minimum number of innings that the starter needs to finish in order to
    figure in the decision?  (excuse my ignorance - I probably knew more
    about this when I was 12)
    
    Given the stamina of most of the pitchers, how can they ever get a win?

    
    re:-1
    
    Yes there is a minimum number of innings a starter must go to get the
    win, it is five.. I know what you mean about not enough stamina at
    first for the pitchers. Once you start making the big bucks and start
    powering them up, they'll be ready for the Cy Young award..
    
    Steve
    

    
    re:-1,-2
    
    Stamina is not the only way to pitch a full game.  As in real baseball,
    throwing speed is not the key, but control, inside and outside.  I
    noticed the computer beating me with one pitcher, and after paying
    attention to how it hit, I learned a few tricks that will get your
    pitcher through "all 9", even without alot of stamina or "stuff",
    although that helps.  Spoiler follows:
    
    
    When I get in a jam, or when I'm really alert the whole game, here's
    what I try to do.  Throw a curve outside.  Depending on your pitcher
    and who the batter is, make it on the corner or just outside his reach.
    The computer batter will move toward the plate (think outside).  Then
    throw a fastball, or drop right own the inside corner.  99.5%
    probability of no swing or a miss. I can beat better teams pitching
    this way, and I'm terrible at video games.  WARNING:  Don't just pitch
    in and out and expect to win, you've GOT to pay attention to your
    pitcher and the hitter.  You can throw 8 innings of shutout, give up a
    hit or two each innings, and then relax and get burned in the ninth.  I
    find that when I do that, it doesn't matter how much speed/stamina/drop
    the pitcher has, you gotta outsmart the batter!
    Monte

    Someone mentioned a way to gain $$ in a less than honorable two player
    mode.  Well, if you're not willing to "stoop so low", the following is
    an even less than honorable way to get $$ by beating the computer...
    
    
    Start a new team, I call mine the BAD Dudes.  Fire all their players. 
    You're not supposed to be able to fire more than one, but after you
    hire a few rookies and run out of money, you can get a lot of blank
    places built up on the VIEW Team screen.  When you fire someone, the
    player exists as a no-name, no-talent player (like me).  Name the guy!
    Now, fire everybody!  Use that two-player low-down method to beat the ladies
    a few times.  Build up the team's last quality (I forget what it's
    called - how much people will pay to see them pay).  When every player
    has 15, you'll get max $$ in league play.
    
    Now you'll no long have to feel guilty about building up you favorite
    teams with any less than honorable method, just beat the computer fair
    and square. And believe me, if you're as cordinated as I am, you need all 
    the help you can get with a new team...!
    
    Monte (Play Ball!!)
                 

    	I've played this game a couple of times and have'nt won yet,
    so far. The computer played teams are very good in terms of defense.
    For the veterans out there, I have a couple of questions:
    	1.  If I'm playing defense, how can I know where my outfielders
    	    are so that the ball can be caught, or move my fielders
    	    so that they will be able to catch the ball?  I seem to 
    	    have more problems in the left and right corners.
    	2.  Also playing defense, If a line drive is hit towards my
    	    first baseman, and he moves from the base so he can catch
    	    the ball, is there a way to move to first base again so
    	    that the runner will called Out?  In my limited playing
    	    time, the runner is always safe when this happens.
    thanks in advance  for any help.
    
    			bobby c.

>    	1.  If I'm playing defense, how can I know where my outfielders
>    	    are so that the ball can be caught, or move my fielders
>    	    so that they will be able to catch the ball?  I seem to 
>    	    have more problems in the left and right corners.

       You kinda have to have a sixth sense about this.  The position of
     your outfielders will vary according to who the batter is.  If the
     batter is a 15 for both hitting and batting, then your fielders will
     automatically be positioned deeper than normal.  Fielding the corners
     becomes easier when your left and right fielders can run like the wind.
     Get them up to a 12-15 on the running meters and you will have greater
     success getting to the balls in the corners.  I'm assuming your
     team is a team that you can power up and not one of the computer
     teams. 

>    	2.  Also playing defense, If a line drive is hit towards my
>    	    first baseman, and he moves from the base so he can catch
>    	    the ball, is there a way to move to first base again so
>    	    that the runner will called Out?  In my limited playing
>    	    time, the runner is always safe when this happens.

         For line drives to any base, simply press the arrow key corresponding
       to the base you wish to run to, then press the B button. For
       line drives to 1st, just press the B button.  All fielders by
       default will run to 1st base.

        Hope this helps.

-rick
    

>    	1.  If I'm playing defense, how can I know where my outfielders
>    	    are so that the ball can be caught, or move my fielders
>    	    so that they will be able to catch the ball?  I seem to 
>    	    have more problems in the left and right corners.
    
    Also, it helps to practice a while, after a while you just sort of
    "know" where your fielders are and can start moving them before the
    ball gets out of the infield.  It helps to play the American Dreams
    (AD) against the SNK Crushers, gives you a better team, but the
    computer will still beat you until you start to get the feel of it. 
    This is the one game that will keep me from selling my Nintendo.
    
    Monte
    

    	I've been playing this game a lot, and starting to win, too.
     It's nice to get some bucks after a win a build a winning team.
     	This has happened twice already, and I'm not sure if it's a
    bug with the game, or I just don't know the rules for baseball.
    Here it goes:  The computer team hits a foul ball over to the left
    or right corner. I'm able to catch the ball, and hang on to the
    ball, not throwing it to the infield.  If a runner is on base, 
    he tags and proceeds to the next base.  Any ideas?
    
    	thanks in advance,
    
    			bobby c.

    That's a rule of baseball. A runner can advance on a foul ball as long
    as he tags up first.
    
    Randy
    

Anyone understand the following entry from the nintendo hints newsletter that
was copied to this file?  When do you do it?  I tried during "POWER UP", and
all around, but can't get anything like this to show up...


Baseball Stars
  Power Up (at strength select) : D, R, L, D, R, U, A, then change
    "WHEN ISNT IT?" to "WHEN IT IS."

Monte
(My team makes over $145,000 beating the American Dreams now)
    

    re: -1
    
    When you make a team start on the first strength selection and   put in
    the code.  Then the name will read WHEN ISN'T IT? you change that to
    WHEN IT IS. (make sure the period is there).  BTW, if the code is put
    in right you should end up on balanced team. All the code does is give
    the players more points not max points.
    
    Hope This Helps,
    Jeff
    

    
    Has anybody else tried this code yet? I did and compared it to another 
    balanced team I had just created and there wasn't much if any
    difference.
    
    Steve
    

     I'm using a running technique that pretty much guarantees that a runner
     will score on any clean hit.  No...it's not a cheat, but since it may 
     be considered a spoiler, I'll hide it behind a <FF>.


     This should be tried when a player has a running strength of at
     least 12.  I highly reccomend run=15 to guarantee success.
     Here's a step-by-step example...

     1. Single, make it to first base.  The defense throws the ball into 
        1st base (from the outfield -or- wherever you hit it).
 
     2. Take off for 2nd base JUST BEFORE the 1st baseman catches it.  
        Immediately the 1st baseman will throw to 2nd.  

     3. As soon as the throw is made, run back toward first base (This
     	is a "fake" to keep the 2nd baseman from walking the baseline
        to tag you out)  When the ball is almost about to be caught by 
        the 2nd baseman, run for 2nd base.  The 2nd baseman will now
     	throw to first.  By the time the firstbaseman catches it and 
     	throws back to second, you'll be there!  This can be repeated
        all the way around the bases...till you slide into homeplate 
        and score.  The basic idea is to force the defense to throw 
     	back and forth.  You can always run faster than a double 
     	throw.

     Notes...	

     * Sometimes the ball is thrown a base ahead of you instead of
       to the one you're on.  If that happens...just take off!

     * Sometimes an outfielder will hold onto the ball.  A quick
       move off/on the base will cause a throw to be made.

     * Watch out for 'cutoff' men in the basepath.  Rapid back and
       forth movements by the runner often cause cutoff men to throw
       the ball away (error).  Practice!

    The reply in -.1 is also a good way for a man on third to help a batter
    get to base on a ball hit to the infield...

    I am having a problem buying a new pitcher.  When I scan through
    the choices of players to buy (either Rookies, Vets, or Superstars)
    all I get is batters.
    
    How does one buy a pitcher ?
    
    Thanks,
    Brian
    
    P.S.  I would like to retract my review of the game in .2, a friend
    of mine showed me the game and I really like it, I give it a 9.5

    Brian,  
    
    You have to FIRE a pitcher, first.  Seems it won't let you 1) be more 
    than one player short on the roster and 2) have only 5 pitchers on the team.
    
    So, hire a batter, fire a pitcher and then you'll be able to hire a new
    pitcher.  (I ALWAYS buy rookies with MAX potential and "grow em"
    myself).
    
    Monte
    

     I was playing AD last nite, leading 17-0, AD batting with 2-outs in 
     the bottom of the sixth.  I had pitched a perfect game so far, and
     the pitcher came to the plate.  TIME!  AD went looking for a pinch
     hitter, and looped!  The arrow kept cycling through the pinch-hit
     roster endlessly.  After a few (frustrating) minutes I hit reset.

     I've played this game a lot, and never had this problem before.
     Too bad it happened during one of my team's best games vs. the
     Dreams.  Anyone else experienced this bug?

     YER OUT!

     Frank (Star Pitcher)

    
    
    Re -1.
    
    
    the sme thing happened to me with Bases Loaded. Leading 19-1. It
    wouldn't go to the next inning. Tell me I wasn't T'd.
    
    Jeff

I got this game 2 weeks ago and it is by far the best nintendo 
game that I have ever played.  I do have a problem though.  Has 
anyone experienced this:  

While playing defense, the other team his a blooper that doesn't 
go past the pitcher.  My pitcher doesn't catch it, but runs over 
to the ball and proceeds to do what looks like a Mexican Hat 
Dance all over the ball.  Meanwhile while, the base runners have 
recognized that my pitcher doesn't bend at the waist, and keep on 
trukin'.  A base or two later my pitcher finally picks up the 
ball.

If I bring in an infielder, he picks it up soon as he gets there, 
but doesn't have a chance to make the play.  Why won't my pitcher 
pick it as quickly?  

Dave

    You'll notice the same behave during a pop-up near home and a
    ground-ball up the middle.  The "computer" seems to like to decide
    which player is the right one to make the play, and if you try to get
    creative, it doesn't know what to do...  It IS annoying, but it's
    probably the same code that pre-positions your outfielders on long fly
    balls, so I'm not too unhappy.
    
    Who cares about the lock-out when you have BASEBALL STARS??
    
    Monte

    re:.112, etc. on hint
    
    If done properly, this technique will create a balanced team that is at
    or near MAX points (most players MAX will be between 60 and 85).  You
    can create a team capable of beating the American Dreams in their very
    first game.
    
    The critical variation on the instructions was discovered accidentally
    (Nintendo Power actually shows it wrong!).
    <correct way behind formfeed>
    When prompted for the TEAM NAME, the default name will look like:
    
    	WHEN ISN'T
    	IT?
    
    Change it to:
    
    	WHEN
    	IT IS.
    
    If you've done it correctly, the system will prompt you for another
    name (which is great because you don't want your team name to be WHEN
    IT IS.)  Nintendo Power shows the pattern as   WHEN IT
    					           IS.
    This will result in the non-results that most people observed.

    
     I THINK THIS GAME IS GREAT TOO, BUT HOW DO YOU GET TO WIN A GAME
    EVERYTIME I THINK I'M GONNA WIN IT BURIES ME IN THE NINTH INNING.
    
         THANKS FOR ANY TIPS OR SPOILERS IN ADVANCE.
    
                                DICK

Dick,

I've had this gave for about 3 weeks, so I am fairly new as 
well.  I was in the same boat that you are in.  Other may 
disagree, but this worked for me.  Possible spoilers follow:



I assume that you have made up your own team.  If you are playing 
against a computer team forget it.  You're still in the minors 
(so am I).  I can just now play with the Crushers.  I rarely win, 
but they don't mercy me often.   Make up another team to play 
against, so that you can get some cash and power up.  Use the 
other teams $35K starting money to power up their prestige.  This 
will make them worth more when you beat them.

Use all 5 pitchers at first.  Once you get powered up, you 
won't need them.  A tired pitcher can kill you.  Pitch you best 
two for maybe 2 to 3 innings each and finish with the rest.  If 
they start to loose their stuff, pull them out.  

If you pitcher is fading, but you make it through the inning, 
pinch hit for him if he gets up to bat.  You will then have to 
bring in a reliever in the next inning.  

Once I won a few games, I found that the most important thing to 
power up was my pitcher's curves.  Give a right handed pitcher a 
right curve and left handed pitcher a left curve.  If you have 
this, the computer won't get as solid a hit.  You'll put more 
guys out, and strike out more batters.  My 2 staring pitchers 
have curves that are at 8 now and they are pretty capable.  

Once your pitchers are competent, get some speed in right and 
left field, and some defense on 3rd base.

Good luck!

Dave

    re: -.2
    
    Dick,
    
    It took me a long time to get a time up to speed.  If you look at my
    replies in .105 and .106, you'll see what worked best for me.  I've
    built up three teams now, but you really need a way to "bootstrap" when
    you get started...
    
    Now my three teams can beat the AD's every time I don't forget to pay
    attention to what I'm doing.
    
    Monte

     I've studied notes .112, .113, and .123 but I still can't get
     "WHEN ISN'T IT" to appear as a team name.  I power up, go to
     Make Team, and enter the code.  The only thing that happens
     is the cursor zips around and ends up on Vetrans.  What am I
     doing wrong?

     Thanks in Advance,

     Frank

          Is it important to play lousy teame until your good?  What
    I mean is, is that the best way to build up your team?

    	Re .127
    
    	       I too could not figure out the sequence to be able to enter
        the password, however after experimentation I determined that 
        the correct sequence that must be entered is D,R,L,D,D,R,U,A.
    
     	       Also during my experimentation, not sure of the sequence,
        I ended on the ? selection and then the TEAM NAME displayed was:
        
                                WHAT IS
                                A WREN?	
    
        I was able to reproduce this many times but I am not sure of the
        significance. Does anyone know whether this is another secret
        password selection?
    
    
    Mike K. (A Big Baseball Stars Fan!!!)

         Today I went 8 2/3 innings with a no hitter against the LL
    and a pintch hitter hit a triple off me.  I know it's no big deal
    to have a good game against the LL but I'm trying to build up a
    team by playing lousy teams.  Now I know what Nolan Ryan felt like
    when a couple of his no hitters got broken up in the 9th.
    

    re: .129
    
    the answer to "WHAT IS
                   A WREN?"
    
    is:  "A BIRD."
    
    
    It will then prompt you for "WHEN 
    				 ISN'T IT?"
    
    and you reply:  "WHEN
    		     IT IS."
    
    and you get yourself a powered up, veteran LADIES team!
    
    
    bye,
    Matt

	re: .129 (or thereabouts...)

>     	       Also during my experimentation, not sure of the sequence,
>        I ended on the ? selection and then the TEAM NAME displayed was:
>       
>                                WHAT IS
>                                A WREN?	
    

	I've tried several times to no avail - do you remember what the
	'password' sequence is for making this type team?

	/thanks - tp

    re: -.1
    
    The sequence to create the powerhouse ladies team is:
    
    Select "MAKE TEAM" option
    
    Move cursor Down, Right, Left, Down, Down, Right, Up, Up, Down, Up,
    Down, Up, then press A

    I have just rented this game and find it very hard to set up a team at
    the beginning. When you people got your game what steps did you use in
    order to make your team.

    What? Charlie Schnare had trouble with a Nintendo game?
    
    I'm disappointed - aren't you the person who usually finishes a game
    within one or two nights? 
    
    :-)
    
    jack

    Has anyone seen or heard of "BASKETBALL STARS" BY SNK? If so, is
    it on the same idea as baseball? (i.e. stats, player names, etc.)
    I don't think any company has put out a worth while basketball game
    yet, and I think I have tried tham all. 
    
    Steve
    

Does anybody know the "save" rule in this game?  I know that in 
order to get a win, a starter must complete 5 innings.  I have 
brought in a reliever to pitch that last 2 and 2/3 innings 
and not got a save.  I have also brought in a pitcher in the 9th, 
pitched to 2 hitters, and got a save.  I don't understand the 
rule.  

The following is a fairly common occurrence for me.  My starting 
pitcher pitches 5 innings and is ahead.  I pull him in the 6th 
and put in a reliever.  That reliever goes 2 innings and gets 
pulled in the 8th.  My second reliever then comes in and 
pitches the last 2 innings.  9 out of 10 times, nobody gets a 
save.  Sometimes the last pitcher gets a save.  

I have never had a pitcher other than the last pitcher get a 
save.   A friend of mine claims that he has had a middle pitcher 
get a save.  Is this possible?   

If anyone can clarify the "save" rule, I would appreciate it.  
Thanks.

Dave

    
    Re:-1
    
    Dave,
    
    There is no way in real baseball for a pitcher to get a save if he
    dosen't complete the game. Maybe there is a bug in this game..
    From what I understand a pitcher must pitch to the same amount of
    batters as runs ahead. For example a reliever that comes in and starts
    the ninth inning would get a save if his team was up by 3 or less runs.
    If a pitcher game into the game to start the 7th inning, the team would
    have to be ahead by 9 or less runs in order to get the save and he must
    finish the game.. 
    There is probably a better way to explain this and if still confused
    I'll try again. 
    
    Steve
    
    
    

Steve,

If I understand this correctly, if I am ahead by 7 in the 8th, 
I put a releiver that gives up 3 hits pitching to 9 batters, 
and finishes the game, he should get a save.  Right?  

Does it matter if I score more runs in the 8th and 9th?  Does 
the winning run have to come to the plate?  If the answer is no, 
do you know if "Baseball Stars" follows this rule?  I think that 
I have tested this in the past and found that sometimes it works 
and sometimes it doesn't.  I will check agian over the next few 
days.  Thanks for your reply.  

Dave

    I've been playing BB Stars for less than a week, but I noticed that it
    didn't give some saves when it should have.  They must have given it a
    different set of rules than major league baseball has.
    
    Dan

    
    re:.139
    
    Dave, 
    
    I would think in your senario that he should have gotten a save. I'm
    not sure if there is a question on the reliever himself putting the
    tying or winning runs on though, but I don't think that matters.
    I don't think the winning run has to come to the plate but the
    tying run does. I was playing yesterday and brought a reliever in to
    start the ninth inning with a three run lead. He did not get the save 
    after retiring the side in order. I agree that this game does appear to
    have a different set of rules or there is a bug where it sometimes
    works and sometimes not. I will try and dig up the ruling on saves if I 
    can find it and will keep a closer attention of it when playing this
    game.
    
    Thanks,
    Steve
    

Steve,

I tried it out last night.  I was leading by 5 at the end of 8 
innings.  In the 9th I put in a releiver.  I let a couple of hits 
go, so that I pitched to 6 hitters.  No save.

However, nobody scored, so the tying run did not come to the 
plate.  In .141 you mentioned that the tying run must come to the 
plate.  This would say that a pitcher must risk tying a game in 
order to get a save.  Is this what I am missing?

If this isn't right, I would have to go along with Dan in .140.  
Maybe saves aren't saves.  That would be too bad.  They've done 
so much with this game, you'd think that inputting a save rule 
wouldn't be that tough.  Maybe saves are different in Japan?

Dave

    
    I'm still trying to track down the exact save rule. I called the
    Gazette Telegraph (Colorado Springs) sports dept. and they told me a
    pitcher will get a save if the tying run comes to the on deck circle or
    if the pitcher pitches 3 full innings of good relief.
    
    I don't think this is correct since I think the tying run needs to be
    at bat or on base. I really wanted to see if they had a rule book but
    they didn't. Maybe I have the rule wrong but also think Dan maybe right
    from a few replies back.. 
    
    Steve
    

Steve,

That's helpful.  I think that what has happened to me in the past 
is that I may pitch 2 to 2 2/3 innings, but I stay ahead so that 
the tying run never gets to the on deck circle, at bat or on 
base ( whatever the rule is).  It sounds like what I am missing 
is the tying run factor.  would you agree Roy?  I am sure that I 
get the save if I go 3 innings no matter what.  

Thanks to all the replys.  I will check out the tying run factor 
this weekend and post what I find out.

Dave

    
    Here is the official rule from the baseball notes.. Thanks John.
    
    
    Rule 10.20 Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three
    of the following conditions:
             1. He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club;
    and 
             2. He is not the winning pitcher; and
             3. He qualifies under one of the following conditions:
                a. He enters the game with a lead of no more than three
                   runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
                b. he enters the game, regardless of the count, with
                   the potential tieing run either on base, or at bat,
                   or on deck (that is, the potential tieing run is
                   either already on base or is one of the first two 
                   batsmen he faces); or
                c. He pitches effectively for at least three innings.
             No more than one save may be credited in each game.    
    
    
    

    
    So to sum this save thing up, Dan was right in .140 that Baseball Stars
    does use different rules to record a save then major league baseball.
    Oh well, just a small flaw for an otherwise good game..
    
    Steve
    

Great!  At least now I know the rule.  Thanks for your help 
Steve.  Thaks  to Dan and rjk for your replys also.  My 
frustration has been lifted.  At least temporarily.

At the risk of draggin this out, do we know that BBS does not 
follow the rule provided in .146?  The times that I thought that 
I should have got a save but did not, were for a pitcher pitching 
something less than 3 innings, but having enough of a lead, and 
pitching well enough so that the tying run never got on deck.  
According to the rule in .146, that is not a save.  Based on the 
rule, I'm satisfied.

Dave

    I haven't been observant enough to test this out, but I think that
    Baseball Stars save rule only works if you pitch two pitchers - the
    starter, and the reliever who earns the save.  I've use a starter, a
    set-up man (typically Whitey Ford), and a reliever (Sparky Lyle) and
    I'm pretty sure that Lyle is regularly gypped out of saves he's earned. 
    using the extra pitcher in between seems to violate BB Stars save rule.
    
    Dan

I think that it is becoming obvious that BBS has a save rule, and 
we don't know what it is.  Dan, last night I played a game in 
which I experienced the opposite of your situation in .149.  My 
starter gave up alot of hits, and was loosing his stuff in the 
4th.  I pinch hit for him in the 5th.  At the end of 5 I was up 
8-6.  I brought in a reliever to start the 5th.  At the start of 
the 7th I was ahead 14-6 and decided to finish with another 
reliever.  I figured that if this pitcher went 3 innings, he 
would get the save.  At the end of 8, I had mercied the other 
team 18-7 on a 3 run homer.  

I expected that my second pitcher would get the win because the 
first pitcher didn't go 5 innings, but that there would be no 
save because the finishing pitcher only pitched 2 innings, and 
was always ahead by at least 7 runs.  My second pitcher won, but 
to my surprise, my finishing pitcher was awarded the save.  Just 
When I thought I had it figured out.  

I guess that this really doesn't fit with Dan's scenario because 
I ony had 1 reliever pitch after the winner.  However, I know 
that I have had a starting pitcher go 5 innings and leave with 
the lead, brought in a reliever in the 5th, and then another with 
1 out in the 9th, pitch to 2 batters and get the save.  This was 
a 1 or 2 run game however.

The only thing that I can think of is that BBS may use a number of 
batters rule.  I wish I had been counting.  I know that my 
finishing pitcher started the game up by 8 runs.  He gave up alot 
of hit, but only 1 run.  As near as I can figure he pitched to 10 
to 12 batters, but the game was never in jeopardy.  I give up.  
Maybe I can find out on the Nintendo hot line or something.

Dave

    Never used to pay much attention to Saves, but this got my curiousity
    up.  BBS regularly rewards a 3-inning closing performance with a Save
    regardless of how many runs ahead your team is - this is consistent
    with the number of batters rule:  you can't be ahead by more than 10
    runs, and you'll pitch to at least 9 batters over 3 innings.  My
    pitcher has been awarded a Save after a 10-0 win, pitching the 7th thru
    9th innings.  I've also gotten the Save pitching the last 2 innings
    when the game was called in the bottom of the 8th at 11-1.
    
    However, the BBS criteria for the short reliever closing the game in 
    the 9th is not clear (to me).  Ahead 3-2, my 9th inning reliever
    retires the side in order, and gets the Save.  But when he was brought
    in ahead 6-3, he did not get a Save.  Okay, maybe the tying run needs
    to get to bat.  Nope.  Ahead 6-2 he coughs up a lead-off homer: 6-3.
    He procedes to give up 2 more hits before retiring the side, leaving
    the potential tying run at the plate.  Final score 6-3; 6 batters came
    to the plate in the 9th; No Save!  You figure it out.

    Maybe some baseball-rules expert will correct me, but my understanding
    is that meeting the save criteria doesn't necessarily mean that a
    pitcher will be awarded a save; the final decision is always up to the
    Official Scorer.  I believe the reason is to avoid situations where,
    eg, a reliever comes in with two outs and leading 10-0, gives up 9
    runs and walks the bases loaded, then gets the last out to win 10-9.
    
    If my 'judgement-call' theory is true, then BBS is being no less
    arbitrary then some Official Scorers *I've* seen  :-).
    
    -- Paul

    Re: -.1
    
    Oops, you're right; I went back in the notes and re-read the rule, and
    the operative words are "He enters the game...," which I neglected.
    
    Does anyone know if the Official Scorer can elect NOT to award a save
    even if the pitcher meets the requirements?   I'm sure I heard that
    once, although it may have been false information.
    
    -- Paul

    >Does anyone know if the Official Scorer can elect NOT to award a save
    >even if the pitcher meets the requirements?   I'm sure I heard that
    >once, although it may have been false information.
    
    I'm sure that one of the save requirements list "pitching effectively"
    which yields to the official scorer's judgement.  I seriously doubt
    that such a thing is programmed into BBS.
    
    Dan

OK, it's been a while, but I think that I have figured out the 
BBS save rule.  At least partially.  I have tested this about 18 
times and it seems to hold true.  

We know that if your relief pitcher comes in with the lead, 
pitches at least 3 full innings, doesn't give up the lead, and 
your team wins, you get the save.  However, if the relief pitcher 
comes in sometime after 1 out in the 7th doesn't give up the lead, 
and your team wins, the winning run must come to the plate in 
order to get a save.  If the tying run comes to the plate, no save.   
This rule also holds true in the 9th inning.  If you are up by 
1, 2 or 3 in the 9th, and start with a fresh releif pitcher, you 
don't get the save unless the winning run comes to the plate.
This has worked for me many times.  I would like to know if anyone 
tries this and finds that it doesn't test true.

The only problem that I have run into is that I have sometimes 
received a save when I am winning by alot, my relief pitcher comes 
in in the 8th, my team wins, but  the winning run does not come 
to the plate.  This has happened twice since I have been counting.  
It may have something to do with the number of batters.  I know 
that I pitched to quite a few.  

I called Nintendo and they had no idea what the rule was.  They 
referred me to SNK.  I have called there 20 - 30 times, and get a 
recording each time.  Useless and frustrating!

Dave

    ANybody else have the problem of your team oryour team being erased. I
    follow the process of turning it off but after a few days it erases.

    I read through the first 50+ replies, and didn't see mention of what I
    want to know. Do you only play the computer, or does this game have a
    two player feature? 
    
    I'd like to have a baseball game that two people can play, so if this
    one doesn't, does anybody have any recommondations? 
    
    Thanks, John D.

Baseball Stars is indeed a two player and vs computer game.  

One can play in either mode.  In fact, two player against someone who has the
game is really intense.

t

    Hello fellow BBS fans!! Me and a few of my friends have been having a
    bunch of 25 game leagues for the past 8 months. These things are
    intense!!! We've just started over with teams made from scratch and
    it' s even better. You get to a point where you will have a homerun 
    hitting marathon. We in particular had a game where we had 25 HRs!!
    Now its a battle of getting a base hit! We've got playoffs and
    everything! It sure is the best sports game on the market!!
    
    Chris M.

   I've been looking for Baseball Stars for a month in most of the 
   available stores near my home (around Worcester, MA) but I can't
   find it anywhere.  I even heard a rumor that its not being made
   anymore.  Can anyone give me some info on where I can find it.  
   I'm also willing to buy a used one if someone is willing to part
   with it.  Thanks  /marc

    RE: .161
    
    Join the club 8^). I've searched in vain, and also offered in here
    several times to buy a used cartridge, all with no luck.
    
    The kid down the street from me wants $35.00 for his copy, the little
    thief! 8^(
    
    John D.

    Gee John,
       I thought you wanted that game ! What is 35 bucks to a highly
    paid customer service rep ?
    
    Coop

    $35 doesn't sound too bad... but I just saw four new copies of the 
    game at the music store in Chestnut Hill Mall (across from Brooks 
    Brothers on the 1st floor).  It's going for $49.99.
    
    I heard a rumor that SNK stopped making the game because of Neo Geo
    (or read it here), but later heard that Neo Geo was such a flop that
    that policy has changed... any confirmations?
    
    Paul
    

    RE: .164
    
    What's Neo Geo?
    
    Just wondering,
    
    John D.

    Neo Geo is a game machine that SNK was trying to market.  I heard that
    it was excellent... but the cost was around $800.  I wouldn't surprise
    me if it never made it at that price!
    
    Paul
    

    Well after a long search, I finally found it.... BASEBALL STARS!!!

    Yes, for a mere $27, I purchased it at a local Pawn Shop (BTW: ACME
    Pawn here in the Springs has lots of NES games).

    I guess the next thing to say is...

    PLAY BALL!

        Mike

    I had (notice I said had) a great team created and have been real
    successful at beating (most of the time) all the game generated teams.
    I turn it on one night last week and PUFF! My team is gone. Thinking
    it was a fluke I create a new team and slowly build their strength,
    than last nite PUFF! My new team is gone again. 
    
    Does anyone know if this is possibly a bad battery within the game
    cartridge itself?  Has anyone else experienced this kind of problem?
    
    The game is probably almost 3 years old. If it's possibly the battery
    is there a way to replace it?
    
    Any input is appreciated. I Wanna play ball!
    
    Drew 
    

    
    
    
               I have that problem alot. I have lost numerous leagues. I
    don't know what causes it but it P(&*^^&* me off.

Sounds like the battery is fading.

Note 520 of this conference has a how-to-fix it by yourself.  If you don't
want to do the work, I'm sure you could call Nintendo or SNK and they'd be
able to steer you to someone who can.

t

    I'm inclined to beleive it is the battery that's fading and I can
    figure out how to open the case. However where does one purchase a 
    battery for this. Will I have to call SNK? Would it be cheaper to
    purchase a NEW game? Are they still available.
    
    Thanks,
    Drew 

    
    Out of curiousity ... is it possible to replace the battery w/out
    losing the stored data ... ?
    
    -rjk_who_doesn't_want_to_lose_his_superior_teams

RE: -1

  No, at least not in the majority of the games with batteries.  They
provide constant power to the memory when the cart is not powered by the
NES unit itself.

  These batteries are of the "watch" type, i.e. flat and the size ranges
from the size of a dime to the size of a quarter.

  Most that I've seen are soldered in...but not difficult to replace.

  Too bad that these carts aren't equipped with NiCads.

    I don't think BS employs a battery, that's why you have to be very
    careful to hold in the reset key when shutting off the NES.   It's best
    to hold the key in a full 30 seconds, a pain, but I have taken this
    policy and have never lost my team.   I think the true battery-backup
    carts don't require you to hold in the reset key when powering down.
    
    	Cheers, -Brian

    You're right Mac, the games with a battery do require the reset-button
    trick.   But the point remains that you should hold the button in for
    about 30 seconds, or there is a chance you will lose your settings.
    
    Incidentally, Super NES games do not require the reset button to be
    held for memory retention.   -Brian

    SNK BBS does have a Battery. I Pryed up on one end of the cartridge
    enough to peek inside and I did see a Battery the size of a Quarter.
    Looks easy to get to once I opt to open the cartridge all the way. I
    don't know about the opening procedure in 520. The so called screws are
    actually what appears to be rivets. I May just to try and pull the
    battery out with a thin tool and leave the rivets in place.
    
    Has anyone with an older BBS game had problems? 
    
    By the way I have always followed the end game procedures called for in
    the game instructions.
    
    Drew
    

    cross-posted from the "Best Baseball Games" note...
    
    In scanning all the notes on baseball-related games, BASEBALL STARS by
    SNK seems to generate the greatest number of favorable responses, so
    I tried to find one to give to my nephew as a Christmas gift.
    
    I was unable to locate it (apparently it's no longer in production),
    but I came across a game called BASEBALL STARS 2, manufactured by a
    company called Romstar (or Ramstar?) Nothing on the packaging indicates
    any connection to SNK, and only gives a passing reference to the
    original version: "if you liked Baseball Stars, you'll love BASEBALL
    STARS 2 (tm)..." or something to that effect. There isn't even an
    acknowledgement such as "Baseball Stars is a registered trademark of
    SNK".
    
    What's bugging me is whether or not this is truly an enhanced version of 
    the original, or whether Ramstar (Romstar) is taking advantage of some
    copyright loophole with the original BS. 
    
    Is anyone familiar with this 'new' game and able to clear up my
    confusion?
    
    Thanks in advance.
    
    Freddie
    
    Freddie