Statis Pro Baseball: Difference between revisions

The game set included player cards for most Major League players from the previous season, for all of the Major League Baseball teams, with [[position player]]s and [[pitchers]] receiving different types of cards.  In earlier sets, [[National League]] pitchers were assigned two cards—one for pitching and one for hitting—but this was changed by 1988, when each team was assigned a single card representing all its pitchers.

To facilitate play, a large deck of 98 cards with random results was used.  These were called Fast Action Cards (FACs), and were used instead of dice, which many similar games utilized.  Each card had four results—two per side, one right-side up, one upside-down—which increased the possible number of results.  The random numbers utilized an octal (base 8) system (using 1–8) and ran from 11–88, excluding numbers ending in 9 or 0 (i.e., 11–18, 21–28 ... 81–88), for a total of 64 numbers.  The cards also contained further information used for gameplay (as detailed below).

* Games Pitched (total)

* PB Range (Skill, based mostly on ERA and wins): 2-5 (worst) through 2-9

For example, suppose a PB 2–9 pitcher is in the game, and that the PB number drawn is 6.  This is "in range" (that is, between 2 and 9).  Next, a random number is drawn—assume that number is 41.  Looking at the hypothetical pitcher's card, we see that 41 is a strikeout.  Thus, the at-bat is complete.  If, however, the original PB number drawn was 10, it would be "out of range" and the random number would be compared to the batter's card.  For this hypothetical batter, 41 is a [[home run]].  Using this example, it can be seen that the results depend a lot on whether the PB is "in" or "out" of range—simulating whether the pitcher or the batter controls that at-bat.  Thus, 2–9 pitchers will be more effective because they control more at-bats than 2–5 pitchers.

* G6 = Groundball out to shortstop (double play, if applicable)

From the pitching side, in order to simulate fatigue, every pitcher would be assigned a two Reduction Ratings (one for starting, one for relief).  Each time the pitcher surrendered a hit, walk, run, wild pitch, or hit batsman, his rating would be reduced by one point (e.g., a walk and then a home run would be 4 points - one each for the walk and the hit, and then two for the runs scored).  Once a pitcher's Reduction Rating reached zero, a PB number would no longer be drawn for each hitter—instead, all at-bats would begin with a FAC Random Number draw being compared to the hitter's card.  Because of this, it was usually advisable to remove a pitcher once his reduction hit zero (or even before).

Since Avalon Hill ceased production, many players have resorted to creating their own player cards, using the formulas provided in the game instructions.  Some have even created new FACs to make the Random Number and PB Number draws more truly random.  Others have created new rules in order to add further realism to the game (such as rules for foul balls, special rules for different ballparks, etc.).

*[http://forums.delphiforums.com/StatProBaseball/? Brian Yonushonis - all seasons 1871-2019 - individual .pdf or CD - 160+ seasons]