Championship Baseball

Championship Baseball
Championship Baseball Manual Cover
Publisher(s)	Milton Bradley
Original Retail Price	$59.95 (USD)
Programmer(s)	Dwayne Jeffery & Dave Winzler
Part#	PHM 3148 & MB 4341
Format(s)	Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module
Release	1983 (4th quarter)
Genre(s)	Sports, Baseball

Championship Baseball is a sports/baseball video game created by Milton Bradley for the TI-99/4A home computer system. It was programmed by Dwayne Jeffery and Dave Winzler and released on Solid State Software^TM Command Module cartridge. It was released during the fourth quarter of 1983 and oringally sold for $59.95 (USD) and released as part number PHM 3148 (TI version) or MB 4341 (Milton Bradley Version). Championship Baseball requires the Milton Bradley MBX System to play and can be played using optional voice commands.

Gameplay

Championship Baseball is a two-player game only (there is no one-player vs. computer option) that requires the use of the Milton Bradley MBX system to play. The batter takes control of the MBX joystick and uses the trigger button to swing the bat. The batter also uses the control knob to control the strength and speed of the swing. The 3 buttons on the back of the joystick control provide options while running the bases like sliding. The batter also has other options like leading off, steal bases, and run back to a previous base.

The player on defense (i.e. in the outfield) controls his/her players using the MBX keypad with the Championship Baseball overlay. Using the MBX keypad, the outfield player can select a specific player on the field and then chose what that player will do such as throw or catch the ball. The MBX keypad also gives the outfield player the ability to select the type of pitch to throw. This offers multiple options including the speed of the pitch (slow, medium, or fast), and where the pitch is to be placed (inside, middle, or outside). The game itself plays just like regular baseball.

Advertising Blurb

From Front of Manual

The most realistic Major League Baseball game ever.

Triton Catalog - Spring 1985

The most realistic major league baseball game ever devised. Listen to the cheering crowd and watch the teams take the field. Your pitcher can choose from 12 different pitches, even a curve ball. Field by voice commands, calling programmed players' names into action by speaking into the headset microphone. Or field by pressing appropriate keys on the MBX console. The MBX joystick lets you control batting swing and speed, base running and sliding.

Review

Here it is! The game that you hear people talking about all the time when it comes to the MBX gaming addon! This was the cartridge that Milton Bradley advertised with the MBX system and demoed most actively at the various CES shows that they attended. Championship Baseball was without a doubt the MBX's flagship game! It received lengthy reviews not just back in 1983, but also in the 1990s when people were starting to get into collecting classic video games. In my opinion, if there was one type of game that could best implement the voice recognition, speech synthesis, actioninput keypad, and special joystick the MBX had to offer it would be a baseball game. Speaking along those lines, I should mention that Championship Baseball was the only game to actually use all the features of the MBX to their full extent. This was because most of the other titles were games where it wouldn't make sense for them to use all of the bells and whistles the MBX had to offer. Anyway, enough of my rambling, lets get on to the review!

At first glance, it may seem that Championship Baseball is just your run-of-the-mill baseball game. However, screen shots can not portray just how involved of a baseball game this title is since most of the frills come from external devices (similar in a sense to the Colecovision driving controller used with Turbo). First and foremost, this game requires the MBX system to be plugged in (so if you don't have an MBX system, you will have to get one if you want to play this game) and is actually one of the few cartridges that require it. As with most baseball games, the game takes place inside a baseball stadium and features two teams (each team must be controlled by a human player, since there is no computer controlled team). When the game starts, the players rush out onto the field and get into their positions. The person up to bat is controlled by the MBX joystick and this is where what makes this game stand out from the rest begins. On the joystick the trigger button will simply swing the players baseball bat, but the control knob located on the top of the stick allows you to actually adjust the speed of your swing! Turning the control knob a little towards the right allows you to hit the ball deep while turning it completely to the right provides a faster, more powerful swing. If the knob is turned a little to the left on the other hand, it allows you to bunt the ball while a full turn to the left provides a slower and less powerful swing. These additional options provided by the MBX joystick help add more strategy to the game.

In addition to the control knob on the joystick, the 3 buttons on the back of the controllers also provide the player with a few options while running the bases. By pressing "Button 1" on the joystick while pushing up on the lever, you can actually make the player slide into a base. There actually is a purpose behind sliding into a base, as doing so speeds up the player which can be the difference between being safe or called out on a close call. Other options also available in the game are the ability to overrun first base by pressing the trigger button when near first, being able to "lead off" from a base, steal bases, and also run back to the previous base you were on if needed. As demonstrated by all these options, there is a a lot being offered here and I've only covered the team up to bat!

Before continuing I should make note of the great calls the umpire makes throughout the game, phrases like "Yer out!", "Steeerike!", and "Ball!" all sound realistic and add to the appeal/addictiveness of the game. All you have to do is listen to the umpire to hear how the game is being called, which is much more fun than if the balls, strikes, etc were all simply just tallied on the board at the bottom of the screen without the voice. Now as to the players in the outfield (which again must be controlled by another person as there is no option to play against the computer), they are controlled through totally different means than one might think. Instead of using a joystick of any kind, the action input keypad on the MBX unit itself is used to control which players you want to move to catch/throw a ball and also how you want the pitcher to throw. An overlay for the MBX membrane keypad is included with the game which uses pictures to show which buttons perform which functions. The use of the actioninput membrane keypad really makes selecting which players you want to catch/throw a ball to very easy. In addition to being able to select someone on the field, there is also the option for tagging a player where the person with the ball will go after the runner if he's not on a base. It's just another feature that helps recreate the whole baseball experience more accurately on your TV set.

Another important aspect of the game is how the pitching is controlled (I know, this is a fairly lengthy review but believe me in that I am not trying to ramble on all that much. It's just there there is so much in this game to talk about!) . As mentioned earlier, selecting your pitches is all done on the actioninput keypad on the MBX itself. However, there is not simply just one or two or even three ways to pitch. You can select from a variety of options to try and strike your opponent out. On the keypad you first select the speed of your pitch (slow, medium, or fast) and then where you want your pitch to be thrown (inside, middle, or outside). There is also the option to throw a curve ball which is a nice way of catching your opponent off guard. As you can see, there are a wide variety of pitching combos to choose from which again just adds more elements to an already great game. As a matter of fact, it almost feels like you are playing at an arcade because of the ability to use the keypad and fancy joysticks for controlling the players on the field!

In the final segment of this review I just wanted to comment on the speech recognition capabilities of the game, which is available on most MBX video game cartridges. The neat thing about Championship Baseball though is the ability to train the game to recognize the players by name. For example, instead of voice training the game to call the Shortstop by its position ("Shortstop"), you can actually train it to go by the name "Bill". It's just another feature that really makes the Championship Baseball all the more entertaining. As with a number of other MBX games, Championship Baseball also stands up there in the TOP 10 video games for the TI99/4A system and definitely is recommended to all sports video game fans. What really sets it apart from even modern baseball games is the voice recognition capability, which probably will be a coming attraction in a few years (still!). If you're interested in seeing what the future of baseball video gaming holds you might have to take a step back 22 years! The only downside to the game though is the lack of a computer to play against, but hey bring a friend over and have a hot dog since this one is definitely a home run!

by Bryan Roppolo

Manual

How to Play Championship Baseball

The Championship Baseball cartridge can only be played with the Texas Instruments Home Computer and the MBX Expansion System. The MBX Expansion System adds new dimensions to your Texas Instruments Home Computer. This booklet contains complete instructions for playing this cartridge with the MBX Expansion System and the Texas Instruments Home Computer. For additional information on the use of the MBX Expansion System, refer to the MBX Expansion System booklet.

Using the MBX Expansion System with the TI Home Computer

The MBX console plugs into your Texas Instruments Home Computer. Ref er to the set-up instructions in your MBX Expansion System booklet to properly connect the systems.

Here's What the MBX Expansion System Includes

• MBX console with built-in action keypad
• Triple-axis analog joystick
• Headset microphone
• Power supply
• Fully-illustrated instruction booklet

Playing Championship Baseball with the MBX Expansion System

• Triple-axis analog joystick allows you to control a multitude of batter functions such as swing, bat speed, lead-off and stealing bases, sliding, and sprinting past first base.
• Action-input keypad allows for quick response and flexibility in the fielding team.
• Speech Synthesis allows you to hear phrases, prompts, and sound effects that are true-to-life, well-modulated, and full of inflection.
• Voice Recognition allows you to control object movement and positioning with your voice.

Introduction

Play Ball! Now you can experience the most realistic video baseball game ever designed when you play Championship Baseball. In addition to its unique Voice Recognition element, it also features Speech Synthesis. You can hear computer-generated sounds of cheering crowds, umpire calls, and "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" theme music.

Watch runners speed around the baselines, and slide into bases, as umpires decide their fate with realistic hand signals and verbal calls. Use the Texas Instruments Home Computer keyboard to sign-in the team names of your choice and watch as they flash up on the scoreboard in center field.

You can pitch curves, screwballs, fastballs, and much more when you're on the mound. Just press keys on the MBX console to throw the pitch of your choice. The MBXjoystick lets you control batting swing and speed, base running, and sliding.

Getting Started

After the title screen appears, you see a short demonstration of game play. This is the DEMO MODE. Watch all the action on the baseball diamond. Then read these start-up instructions.

Actions in the DEMO MODE

Actions in Demo Mode Screenshot

1. After viewing the DEMO MODE, press any key on your TI computer keyboard to start the game. The computer automatically replays the title screen and the DEMO MODE until a TI computer key is pressed.
2. Next, type the name for player 1 on the TI computer keyboard pressing the appropriate letter keys. Then, press ENTER on the computer keyboard.
3. Next, type the name for player 2 on the TI computer keyboard pressing the appropriate letter keys. Then, press ENTER on the computer keyboard.
4. The voice training option screen appears.

Voice Training the MBX System

The MBX Expansion System allows you to control all the fielding in Championship Baseball by the sound of your voice. To do so, you must train your voice. There are nine words that the MBX system must be trained to recognize. Each player speaks all nine words, as prompted by the screen, and repeats the sequence again to be sure the words are properly recognized.

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There are nine words to repeat because there are nine fielding positions. If you prefer to program a pitcher's name, like' 'Catfish, rather than the word "Pitcher," then say "Catfish" whenever the word "Pitcher" appears on the screen. Voice training is optional.

Here's what the voice training option screen looks like.

Championship Baseball MBX Voice Training

If you press NO or GO on your MBX console, you can bypass voice training and field with the MBX action-input keypad.

If you press YES, you can voice train and field by using Voice Recognition and the headset microphone.

Note: Before starting the game, be sure you and your opponent have decided who is the Horne (Blue) team, and who is the Visiting (Red) team. The Horne team is in the field first, and last to bat at the end of a game. The voice training option, of course, is presented to both players (Horne and Visiting). Player 1 selects voice training first; player 2 selects voice training second.

Preparing for Voice Training

When training the computer to recognize your voice, try to pronounce the programmed word as you would say it during frantic play. The tone you use as you train the computer should be the same tone you would use during play firm, but somewhat faster and more excited than a normal tone. See the MBX Expansion System Booklet for important details on voice training.

Player 1 now puts on the headset microphone, adjusting the earpads, and locating the microphone boom so it is just to the side of his or her mouth and not more than two inches from his or her mouth.

Five Easy Steps for Voice Training

Voice training is a simple procedure. Follow the five steps listed below to learn how to voice train.

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When you voice train successfully and your headset microphone is ready to take commands (the MIC is on), a symbol appears on the screen.

There is also a symbol to show you that your headset microphone is inoperable. See the MIC Key section in the MBX Expansion System booklet or the Fielding with the MBX Console section in this booklet for more details.

Voice Training Sequence

Player 1 begins voice training first; player 2 begins voice training second.

1. When the microphone is correctly positioned, press YES on the MBX console.
2. Repeat each word into your headset microphone as it appears on the screen.

The following words are programmed:

• PITCHER
• FIRST
• SECOND
• THIRD

• HOME
• SHORTSTOP
• LEFT
• CENTERFIELD
• RIGHT

Repeat the sequence again, as the words reappear on the screen.

3. This completes player one's voice training session.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for player two's voice training.

Playing the Game

Championship Baseball follows the general rules of baseball as defined originally by Abner Doubleday. Players complete nine full innings of regulation play, the winner being determined by the amount of runs he or she has scored over his or her opponent. If at the end of nine innings one player has a run ( or more) advantage over the opposing player, the game officially closes with "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" music. If, after nine full innings the score is tied, the game continues into extra innings until one player has scored a run and the inning has been completed.

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Starting the Game

Player 1 is the Visiting (Red) Team and player 2 is the Home (Blue) team. The Home (Blue) team is in the field first and uses the headset microphone and keypad first, so place these within easy reach of player 2. The Visiting(Red) Team uses the joystick first, so keep the hand controller in a convenient location to player 1.

Press GO on the MBX console. The teams take the field amid a rousing chorus of Take Me Out To The Ball Game.

Selecting a Pitch

You can choose from 12 different pitches. There are four types of pitches, each having three speeds. The chart of the MBX overlay explains the keys used for specific pitches. To select a pitch, press one speed key and one pitch key.

Championship Baseball MBX System Inlay

Watch the screen to see your pitch delivered.

Batting

Player 1 is at home plate. The batter swings as the ball reaches the strike zone. To swing the bat, player 1 squeezes (pushes in) the TRIGGER button on the joystick.

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You use the MBXjoystick to make each batter swing.

MBX Joystick

Controlling Your Swing

Control the speed of your swing by turning the control knob left or right on the top of the MBX joystick.

Turn the knob clockwise for a deep hit. Turn the knob to the right to its full extent for a faster, more powerful swing.

If you wish to bunt, turn the knob counterclockwise. If you turn it all the way to the left, your swing will be slower and less powerful.

Getting a Runner on Base and Scoring a Run

Player 1 squeezes the TRIGGER button on the joystick to hit the ball. Once the ball is hit, the computer automatically advances the player to first base.

Overrunning First Base

Championship Baseball lets you overrun first base, just as in Major League Baseball. To do so, press the TRIGGER button just before the batter reaches first base.

Guidelines for Successful Base Running

• To make the first runner lead off, push the joystick slightly forward. Only the first, or lead runner may lead off.
• Pull the joystick backward (toward you) to send a lead runner backward along the baseline. Pushing the joystick forward or backward only affects the lead runner.
• Base runners can use the slide feature on running to second and third base, as well as home plate. Press Button 1 on the MBXjoystick as you're pushing the joystick forward. This action causes your lead runner to slide into the base.
• Stealing is legal in Championship Baseball. But don't get caught or you're out. Push the joystick forward to advance the runner, just as you do to make him run the bases. Watch out for the pitcher, who can "pick you off," as in a real baseball game.

Scoring a Run

You score runs in Championship Baseball just as in real-life baseball play. Each time your runner safely reaches home plate, you receive one run.

Fielding By Voice Recognition

Player 2 must react quickly if player 1 gets a hit. Watch the ball's shadow and decide whether the hit is a pop fly or a line drive. Move the fielder who is nearest to the ball by speaking the name of the position or the fielder's name into the headset microphone clearly and consistently.

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When you call a fielder, its figure on the screen changes to the color black to let you know that the fielder will catch the ball or that the ball has already been caught. If you wish to' 'send the ball to another fielder at this time, quickly call out the other fielder's position or name.

When fielding by Voice Recognition, give only one position or name at a time. Wait for the called" fielder to change black before calling out another position or name. The fielder who is the color black is always the player who has the ball.

What happens if you make a bad call? If a ball is hit into shallow left centerfield and you call Catcher, the catcher will not field the ball. Instead, one of the three closest players to where the ball is hit will field the ball. (In this example, either the left fielder, the center fielder or the shortstop.) When you use Voice Recognition, the computer will correct your fielding error!

Note: Balls are caught automatically if the fielder is in range and if you send the fielder to the position nearest the ball.

Fielding from the MBX Console

You can also field the ball using the MBX console instead of Voice Recognition. Notice that the MBX console has nine field-position keys. You may call your fielders into play by pressing these keys rather than by using voice control.

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If you wish to field using the MBX console, press the MIC key on your console. This turns your headset microphone off. The following indicator appears on the screen to show that you are not using Voice Recognition.

Press any of the field position keys to call the fielder of your choice. When a fielder has been called, its figure changes to the color black, just as in Voice Recognition play.

Stringing Commands

You can string commands together when you field from the console. For example, to stop a runner you may press several keys in a row to cause your fielders to carry out a routine. You do not have to wait until the ball is actually fielded to press your next command.

Note: You may want to use a combination of fielding systems. If you do combine systems, you can press the MIC key to deactivate your headset microphone and then press the MIC key again to reactivate Voice Recognition. This symbol on the screen indicates that Voice Recognition is in play.

Other Fielding Keys

In addition to the nine field-position keys, the console also has a TAG key and a STOP key. Press the TAG key to run down a base runner that is too far off the base. Press the STOP key to stop a rundown.

Making an Out and Ending the Game

As in Major League Baseball, there are several ways you can make an out. An out can be made when you're fielding, catching a pop fly, tagging a runner out, or throwing a runner out. Or if you're a really skillful fielder, you'll be able to turn a double play resulting in two outs. When you're pitching, you can strike out the batter for an out.

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• If the batter hits a pop fly, quick anticipation allows your fielder to catch the ball for an easy out. • You can tag a runner out when he's off the base. • You can throw a runner out by throwing the ball to first base before the runner gets there. • You can catch base runners in a double play by quick fielding in the following situations: tagging the base ahead of the lead runner and throwing the ball back to the base ahead of the next runner. This results in two outs. Two outs also will be made if you catch a fly ball and then either tag or throw out a base runner leading off the base. • You can strike out the batter successfully by throwing three pitches past him in the strike zone, or by getting him to swing at three pitches without him hitting a fair ball. Foul balls count as strikes for the first two hits; then each foul after that is not counted.

Ending the Game

Regulation play calls for both teams to play nine full innings; the team with the most runs wins the game. The exception to this would be if the Horne team was ahead by one or more runs at the completion of the first half of the ninth inning. In this case, the Horne team would not have to come to bat and the game would be over.

Game completion is accompanied by the' 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game music.

If for any reason players wish to end the game prior to the official ending, they should turn off the power on the MBX console and then the Texas Instruments Home Computer.

Note: Once the system has been powered down, play cannot be resumed where it was interrupted.

Starting a New Game

Any time you press the GO key, you start a new game bypassing name entry and voice training.

Any time you press the RESET key, you start a new game returning you to name entry and voice training.

Special Features

Championship Baseball includes many special features. These include umpire calls, theme music, scoreboards, and a pause option.

Umpire Calls

The umpire behind home plate calls all plays and gives legal hand signals, backed up by audio calls. Watch and listen to his ball and strike calls.

Theme Music

Each time you start the game, you hear Take Me Out to the Ball Game. During the game, you might even hear a' 'roar from your cheering fans!

Scoreboards

There are two scoreboards on the screen. The top scoreboard shows players' names and scores. The bottom scoreboard lists the number of balls (B), the number of strikes (S), the number of outs (OUT), and the current inning (INN).

Pause Option

If you wish to curtail play for a few minutes, press the PAUSE key on the MBX console. Play can then be resumed by re-pressing the PAUSE key with no loss of game score or batting sequence.

Strategy Hints

Championship Baseball is the most realistic video baseball game ever developed. The following hints can help you to become a top-flight player.

Fielding Team Topic	Hints
Pitching	Always mix up your pitch selection, trying slow curveballs, fastballs down the middle, or an outside blooper' '(slow) ball.
Pickoffs	Keep your eye on base runners. You can keep them "honest" by an occasional throw to the specific baseman instead of pitching.
Double Plays	If a base runner starts to move out on the baseline, and the batter gets an infield hit, you have a good chance for a double play, especially if the hit was a short pop-up.
Run Downs	Use the TAG key on the MBX keypad to run down a base runner that is too far off the base.

At-Bat Team Topics	Hints
Hitting	The bat speed is variable, so use the slowest speed for a bunt when you have a man on second and want to advance him to third. Typically, don't hit to short left field when there is a man on first. You'd be a sure candidate for a double play.
Stealing	You can taunt the pitcher by edging up the baseline. He might try to pick you off, but if he doesn't, wait for the moment the pitch leaves his glove-then run!
Sliding	The SLIDE button (Button 1) on the MBX joystick allows you to slide into second, third or home. It should be used carefully, because a premature slide can cause you to be caught before you hit the base.

Maintenance and Service

Cartridges are durable devices, but they should be handled with the same care you would give any other piece of software media. Information concerning use and service can be found in your User's Reference Guide.

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Caring for the Cartridge

Keep the cartridge clean and dry.

Caution: The contents of a cartridge can be damaged by static electricity discharges.

Static electricity buildups are more likely to occur when the humidity of the air is low (during winter and in area's with dry climates). To avoid damaging the cartridge, touch any metal object (a doorknob, a desklamp, etc.) before handling it.

If static electricity is a problem where you live, you may want to buy a special carpet treatment that reduces static buildup. These preparations are usually available from hardware and office supply dealers.

In Case of Difficulty

If the cartridge programs do not appear to be operating properly or if the cartridge is removed from the slot while the cartridge contents are being used, the computer may behave erratically. Turn off the computer. Withdraw the cartridge, align it with the cartridge opening, and carefully reinsert it. Then turn on the computer and press any key to make the master title screen appear.

Downloads

• 

  Championship Baseball Cartridge

• 

  Championship Baseball Manual Front Cover

• 

  MBX System Inlay for Championship Baseball

• 

  Championship Baseball Manual Complete (pdf format)

• 

  Championship Baseball MAME/MESS Rom (rpk format)

External Links

• Every Game Going: Championship Baseball
• MobyGames: Championship Baseball (TI-99/4A)
• TI-99ers On-line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing
• TI-99/4A Video Gamehouse: Championship Baseball