Second Base: Organizing and playing your first few games
1. Play the first game (and perhaps one or two more) using only the player cards and generic
ballpark. For an explanation of the symbols used on the cards and park charts, refer to the
accompanying “Description Of The Game” instruction sheet. Disregard the Play Book and
individual ballparks until you are better acquainted with the game.
During this beginning level of play, runners advance two bases on all doubles and two-base
errors. Runners advance one base on all singles (1B*, 1B, SS, TL, or IH). However, 3-5 BR
runners score from second base on a 1B*, 1B, SS, and TL.
The symbols H, T, SM, SF, D, L, and PU indicate chance plays with uncertain outcomes.
Remember to draw another number whenever an outcome is uncertain. To determine the
outcome for any one of these chance plays, consult the park chart.
Finally, control numbers on the bottom of the pitcher's or batter's card (where the outcome does
not specify "all") require another number to be drawn. Control numbers overrule outcomes on the
other card. In effect, they allow pitchers to control certain outcomes on the batters' card and
batters to control certain outcomes on the pitchers' card.
2. Once comfortable in the use of the cards, the individual ballpark charts should be introduced
(and the generic park chart set aside). On the individual ballpark charts there will occur an
additional uncertain outcome when it is indicated that (1) the result of a second number drawn is
“x”, “y” or “z”, or (2) where the number drawn for a “pop up” is 1-20. In these cases, it will be
necessary to consult the Chance Plays part (Section 5) of the Play Book and to make one
additional draw of a number to discover the play’s outcome.
3. When the individual ballpark effects are understood, it is time to introduce the Advancing Of
Runners part (Section 1) of the Play Book. Whenever it is necessary to know what happens to a
runner on base in the unfolding of a play, use this section of the Play Book instead of the simple
formula recommended in the second paragraph above.
4. The next step incorporates the use of the Strategy part (Section 2) of the Play Book, which
allows managers to call offensive and defensive strategy as described in the Play Book. The
game is now being played at an intricate level, just like the real game of baseball.
5. A further refinement incorporates particulars related to various penalties, in the Information
About Fielders and Pitchers part (Section 3) of the Play Book. This section takes into account
playing fielders out of position, a loss of effectiveness by pitchers, the idea of conferences, how
often certain players may be employed, and the out-of-turn penalties for pitchers.
6. Finally, the Special Rules part (Section 4) of the Play Book concerns control numbers, certain
card symbols, rain-outs and pinch hitting/pinch running allowances.
When the cards, individual ballpark charts and Play Book are used together fully, Ball Park
Baseball mirrors more closely than any other simulated game of baseball what actually
takes place on the diamond.