WORLD SERIES MAJOR
LEAGUE BASEBALL* For 1 or
2 Players
I N S T R U C T I O N S
Intellivision (R) MATTEL ELECTRONICS (R)
USE WITH ANY INTELLIVISION* MASTER COMPONENT, COMPUTER MODULE, AND COMPUTER
KEYBOARD
*Trademarks used Under License from Major League Baseball Promotion
Corporation
==============================================================================
----- OBJECT OF THE GAME -----
[Screenshot of the pitching screen. There is a runner on First Base.]
The object of the game is exactly the same as in MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL. Each
team tries to score more runs than the opposing team over nine innings. If
they tie at the end of nine, they play another complete inning until the tie
is broken. The team with the most runs at the end of the game is the winner.
Hear play-by-play announcing when used with your Intellivoice(R) Voice
Synthesis Module (sold separately).
NAMES USED ARE FICTITIOUS AND NOT ASSOCIATED OR INTENDED TO BE ASSOCIATED
WITH ANY PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS LIVING OR DEAD.
==============================================================================
----- YOUR CONTROLS -----
YOUR KEYBOARD
[Illustration of the Computer Keyboard. Arrows point to "SCROLL UP" (up
arrow), "SCROLL DOWN" (down arrow), "YOU PLAY AMERICAN LEAGUE" (A), "YOU PLAY
NATIONAL LEAGUE" (N), and "COMPUTER DEMO" (C). "TWO PLAYERS" is displayed
over the spacebar.]
==============================================================================
[Full-page illustration of an Intellivision II hand controller with the
"National League Right Controller" overlay fully inserted.]
----- YOUR HAND CONTROLLERS -----
Slide WORLD SERIES MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL* overlays into the Hand Controller
frames, so they cover the keypads. Insert cartridge in Computer Module
cartridge slot. (See Computer Module Owner's Guide for equipment connection
details.)
The LEFT Hand Controller controls the AMERICAN LEAGUE* (red).
The RIGHT Hand Controller controls the NATIONAL LEAGUE* (blue).
NOTE: The upper side action buttons are connected. The right and left
buttons may be used interchangeably for the same actions. The same is true of
the lower side action buttons. Steal, Switch Fielder, and Pitch are
controlled by either upper side action button. Bunt, Slide, and Off Mound are
controlled by either lower side action button.
[Close-up pic of a runner.]
==============================================================================
----- GETTING STARTED! -----
A SHORT EXHIBITION GAME
WORLD SERIES MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL is such a visually exciting game that you
may just want to see how the screen looks in various game play situations
before you play it yourself. You'll notice that the angles on the game are
similar to those television networks use in their baseball broadcasts.
Press [RESET] (on your Master Component) to call up the title screen. Press
[C] on your keyboard to tell the computer to play both teams -- Computer Demo.
Press the [SPACE BAR] and see the SCOREBOARD MENU screen. Press the [SPACE
BAR] again to get right into the first inning. Just as quickly as that you're
ready.
The NATIONAL LEAGUE (blue) takes the field and the AMERICAN LEAGUE (red) is up
to bat. The pitcher starts throwing fast balls. Sometimes the batter swings
and misses, sometimes he connects. You can watch a full nine innings if you
want to. As soon as you're ready, try starting a real game -- with you at the
controls.
[Fake screenshot of the title screen. "Computer is AL" is displayed at the
top.]
WORK ON YOUR DEFENSE
Press [RESET]. You're back to the title screen. Press [N] on your keyboard
and you play the NATIONAL LEAGUE -- "Computer is AL." Press the [SPACE BAR]
once to get the SCOREBOARD MENU and press the [SPACE BAR] again to start the
game.
THROWING AND CATCHING
The NATIONAL LEAGUE takes the field while the AMERICAN LEAGUE is up to bat.
You control the NATIONAL LEAGUE (blue) so let's start with some throwing and
catching practice. The pitcher has the ball. Try throwing to the first
baseman by pressing the FIRST BASE button on your hand controller. The first
baseman automatically covers first base and catches the ball. Throw to THIRD
BASE by pressing the THIRD BASE button. The third baseman automatically
covers third base and catches the ball.
Throw it to every player to warm him up. Notice that once you choose a player
to catch the ball, he turns white. Once he catches it, his hat turns red or
blue depending on which league he's in. This lets you know which player you
control and when he has the ball. Once he throws the ball, he turns back into
his usual color.
Throw the ball to the right fielder. Once he catches it, you can move him
around using the direction disc. Every player can be moved by using the disc
when he has the ball. After throwing the ball, the player will return to his
regular position only after you return to the pitching screen. If no one has
the ball, the white player is the one you control. This feature is nice for
run downs and tag outs. When you're finished warming up, throw the ball back
to the pitcher.
[Close-up pic of a runner between the first baseman and an outfielder.]
[Screenshot of the pitching screen. Below is the caption, "You must see the
pitching screen before you can pitch the ball.]
PITCHING
FAST BALLS
Now it's time for some pitching practice. Make sure the pitcher has the ball
and then press the [ON MOUND] button on your hand controller. Press the
[SPACE BAR] to get past the AT BAT screen. You must see the pitching screen
before you pitch the ball. Pitch the ball using either upper side (PITCH)
button on your hand controller. All your pitches for now are fast balls.
Your pitcher's statistics control whether it's in the strike zone or not.
Also the batter's statistics and whether he swings or not determine the number
of balls and strikes. It's best to just throw fast balls using the [PITCH]
button, until your opponent gets good enough to hit curves and controlled
pitches.
[Illustration of the disc. In each of eight directions is the following text:
Right: BALL (Inside)
Top right: STRIKE (High and Inside)
Top: Ball (High)
Top left: STRIKE (High and Outside)
Left: BALL (Outside)
Bottom left: STRIKE (Low and Outside)
Bottom: BALL (Low)
Bottom right: STRIKE (Low and Inside)
A red square is inscribed on the disc. The four corners touch the four
diagonal edges of the disc. Below is the caption, "The RED square indicates
the Strike Zone. The GRAY circle indicates the Direction Disc.
Dotted lines connect the red square inscribed on the disc to another, smaller
red square in another illustration below, drawn next to a batter. Below is
the caption, "The RED square defines the same Strike Zone as the one
superimposed on the Disc in the top diagram."]
CURVES
You can also throw curve balls. Press [CURVE BALL] on your hand controller
BEFORE YOU PRESS THE [PITCH] BUTTON and your pitcher throws a curve. Press
[FAST BALL] on your hand controller and he delivers a fast ball. As you
learned before, you don't need to press the [FAST BALL] button to get a fast
ball. The [FAST BALL] button is there to disguise your pitch to the batter.
Otherwise, he would know that every time you pressed a keypad button, the
pitch would have to be a curve. Every time you didn't, it would have to be a
fast ball.
CONTROL
You can try to position the ball over the plate by using the Direction Disc.
AFTER YOU PRESS THE [PITCH] BUTTON, press the part of the disc corresponding
to the area in which you want the pitch to go. (See diagram.) Depending on
the control and strength your pitcher has at that time, the pitch may be
delivered in that area. If the disc is NOT PRESSED, the pitcher attempts to
throw it right down the middle.
[Fake screenshot of the title screen. "Computer is NL" is displayed at the
top.]
WORK ON YOUR OFFENSE
Press [RESET]. You're back to the title screen. Press [A] on your keyboard
and you control the AMERICAN LEAGUE - "Computer is NL." Press the [SPACE BAR]
once to get the SCOREBOARD MENU and press the [SPACE BAR] again to start the
game. The AMERICAN LEAGUE is up to bat and the NATIONAL LEAGUE takes the
field. This time you control the AMERICAN LEAGUE (red) and the computer
controls the NATIONAL LEAGUE (blue).
[Fake screenshot of the pitcher/batter status screen.]
BATTING
Automatically, the AT BAT screen appears with the pitcher's statistics and the
batter's statistics. You should carefully consider both. Then you know what
kind of pitcher you'll be facing and the type of batter you're controlling.
When you're ready, press the [SPACE BAR] once more and the pitcher goes into
his windup. Swing your bat by pressing the disc. The level at which you
swing the bat is determined by which point on the disc you press.
[Three illustrations, each displaying a disc and a batter holding the bat in a
different position. The top illustration has an arrow pointing to the top of
the disc, "HIGH SWING" is written beside the disc, and the batter is pointing
the bat upward. The middle illustration has arrows pointing to the left and right edges of the disc, "MEDIUM SWING" is written beside the disc, and
the batter is pointing the bat straight across. The bottom illustration has
an arrow pointing to the bottom of the disc, "LOW SWING" is written beside the
disc, and the batter is pointing the bat downward.]
You must press the outside edge of the disc to control the swing level. You
must time it just right to get a hit. You can't possibly hit pitches that are
outside the strike zone, so wait until the pitch is right where you want it.
You can't swing the bat until the ball gets halfway to you. The bat will
shift slightly to indicate when you can swing. If you try to swing by holding
down the disc early, then the batter won't swing at all. Keep practicing
until you hit the ball well enough to get on base. If you don't make it on
your first three batters, restart the game and try it again. Once you get on
base, you can practice baserunning.
BASERUNNING
Now you're on base, so learn to make it count. Press the right side of the
disc to run the next base. Press the left side of the disc to run back to the
previous base. Forced runners automatically run to the next base whenever you
hit the ball. But if you press the disc, it will override the computer to
control the leading runner. Once you decide to use the DISC, you're in
control until the runner reaches the base. Once you stop pressing the disc,
the runner stops. You can't rely on the computer to help out.
PLAY BALL!
You're now ready to start a game. Press [RESET]. Choose your game.
[C] Watch the computer play ("Computer Demo")
[A] You play AMERICAN LEAGUE ("Computer is NL")
[N] You play NATIONAL LEAGUE ("Computer is AL")
[SPACE BAR] Play against a friend ("Two Players")
Press the [SPACE BAR] and the players take the field. PLAY BALL!
==============================================================================
----- THE FINER POINTS OF THE GAME -----
OFFENSE
STEAL
While a runner is on base, press either upper side (STEAL) button on the hand
controller and the runner tries to steal the next base. The STEAL button is
included so you can control more than one runner at the same time. The DISC
only controls the lead runner. So, for a double steal, press the [STEAL]
button twice. STEAL can also be used to extend a base, once you reach it.
SLIDE
Slide into a base by pressing either lower side (SLIDE) button just before you
reach the base. If you use the SLIDE button before reaching first base, you
can overrun first base just like real baseball. This allows you to reach
first base sooner, because you don't have to slow up on the last few strides.
BUNT
Press either lower side (BUNT) button instead of the DISC when swinging your
bat and the batter tries a bunt.
RBI's
Batting with a runner on base is a little different than with the bases empty.
Since the DISC controls your lead runner AND your batting swing, you must be
careful when you use it. The DISC does not control your swing until your bat
appears. Your bat appears once the pitch is about halfway to you. Before
your bat appears, the DISC moves your lead runner. Be careful not to steal if
you don't want to.
[Close-up screenshot of the inset.]
INSET
The INSET only shows the leading runner. It does not show fielders or other
runners. This feature lets you keep track of your runner.
DEFENSE
SWITCH
The computer selects the fielder closest to the ball to pick it up. Push
either upper side (SWITCH) button to switch to the next closest defensive
player. Use the DISC to move the fielder to pick up the ball.
OFF MOUND
Press either lower side (OFF MOUND) button while you're in the pitch screen
and you back off the mound and out of the pitch screen. You must back off the
mound to throw anything but a pitch.
RELOCATE
Use the [DISC] to move a fielder (with the ball) to the position you want and
press [RELOCATE] on your overlay. He will remain there for the rest of the
inning, unless you relocate again. There are limits to where you can move
some players, but a rejection beep tells you when it's not possible.
SECOND BASEMAN VS. 2nd
The SECOND BASEMAN button is used to throw the ball to the second baseman's
normal defensive position. The 2nd button throws the ball to the player
covering second base, whether that's the second baseman or not. Let's say
there's a man on first and the second baseman stops a grounder. He can throw
it to 2nd base which will be covered by the shortstop.
SHADOW
The ball's shadow can help you locate the ball and determine its height.
THROWING HOME
You can throw to the catcher while a batter is there and not have it count as
a pitch, as long as you step off the mound first.
COVERAGE
If a baseman fields the ball, his base will always be covered. For instance,
if the first baseman fields the ball, he can throw it to first base and the
pitcher will run there to make the play.
There is one instance in which this can cause a mixup. If the pitcher has the
ball and you press MOUND, then the shortstop moves to cover the mound. You
won't be able to get into the pitch screen. So throw the ball back to the
shortstop to make him return to his position and then throw it back to the
pitcher. Once the pitcher has the ball again, you can get into the pitching
screen.
ON MOUND
If you can't get into the pitching screen (ON MOUND), there are two possible
reasons. The first is covered in the previous paragraph. The second is that
a baserunner is running, either to a base or to the dugout.
TIME YOUR THROW
In certain situations, you may have to time your throw to a base. If you move
your first baseman in to cover the possibility of a bunt and the batter hits a
chopping grounder to your third baseman, you may not be able to throw to first base the first time you press the first base button. The reason is that if
you did, your first baseman couldn't get to first base in time to make the
play. Wait a moment and try pressing the button again, because your first
baseman IS running to cover his base and make the play.
[Screenshot of the pitching screen. Arrows point to "OUTS," "STRIKES," and
"BALLS."]
GENERAL
SCORE
The score automatically appears after each team bats.
THE COUNT
The exact count is contained in the black scoreboard behind the batter.
==============================================================================
----- SCOREBOARD MENU -----
Every time you start the game, you see the SCOREBOARD MENU. Usually you skip
it and start the game by pressing the [SPACE BAR]. During a game, you can see
it by pressing the [SPACE BAR] while the pitching screen is on. The
SCOREBOARD MENU is shown on the top of the next page.
This menu allows you to keep track of or change the game in a variety of ways.
The definition of each function follows.
[Screenshot of the scoreboard menu.]
BATTER STATS
Press [B] on your keyboard.
This screen shows three batters at a time and their statistics for the best
year of their careers. There are 16 batters in each league. You can move up
or down the list by pressing the arrows on the left side of your keyboard.
The meanings of the abbreviations follow:
BA Displays the BATTING AVERAGE.
HR Displays the number of HOME RUNS.
RBI Displays the numbers of RUNS BATTED IN.
BR,BL,BB Is for Bats Right, Bats Left, or Bats Both.
F This number represents the player's FIELDING ability. The number is
between 1 and 4. A 4 is given to the best fielders.
R This number represents the player's RUNNING ability. The number is
between 1 and 4. A 4 is given to the best runners.
PITCHING STATS
Press [P] on your keyboard.
This screen shows three pitchers at a time and their statistics for the best
year of their careers. There are 9 pitchers in each league. You can move up
or down the list by pressing the arrows on the left side of your keyboard.
The meanings of the abbreviations follow:
ERA Displays the EARNED RUN AVERAGE for the pitcher's best year. ERA is the
average number of earned runs scored against a pitcher per game.
W/L Displays the number of WINS vs. LOSSES he pitched that year.
SO Displays the number of batters he STRUCK OUT that year.
TR Pitches right-handed.
TL Pitches left-handed.
D The number displayed indicates the pitcher's DURABILITY. A starting
pitcher might get a 4 and last 7-9 innings depending on the number of
pitches he has to throw.
C A number between 1 and 4 indicates the amount of CONTROL a pitcher has.
The higher the number, the more control.
S A number between 1 and 4 indicates the amount of SPEED a pitcher has.
The higher the number, the more speed.
[Screenshot of the lineup screen. Arrows point to "POSITION," "DEFENSE," and
"BATTING AVERAGE."]
LINEUPS
Push [L] to see the starting lineup.
It shows you the batting order, each player's defensive position, each
player's batting average, and whether the defensive play is EASY or DIFFICULT.
The first column shows each player's position.
C Catcher LF Left Fielder
1b First Baseman CF Center Fielder
2b Second Baseman RF Right Fielder
3b Third Baseman DH Designated Hitter
SS Shortstop P Pitcher
The second column displays their names. The third column shows their batting
averages.
The upper right corner tells you whether the defensive play (DEF:) is set for
EASY (E) or DIFFICULT (D). E (EASY) means that the computer helps your
players field the ball. D (DIFFICULT) means that you're on your own. It's
recommended that you leave it on "E" until you're really good at playing the
game.
To change from "E" to "D" or back, simply hold down the Shift key and then
press [F].
TOGGLE NL/AL
Once you're looking at a lineup, press [T] to TOGGLE back and forth between
the AMERICAN LEAGUE lineup and the NATIONAL LEAGUE lineup. It also works for
the PITCHING STATS and the BATTING STATS.
AT BAT
Push [A] on your keyboard to see who's AT BAT and what his statistics are.
The current pitcher will also have his statistics listed. A typical screen
looks like this:
[Screenshot of the pitcher/batter status screen. Arrows at the top point to "EARNED RUN AVERAGE," "POSITION," "YEAR OF STATISTICS," "TEAM", "STRIKE OUTS,"
"WINS," and "LOSSES." Arrows at the bottom point to "TEAM," "POSITION,"
"BATTING AVERAGE," "YEAR OF STATISTICS," "HOME RUNS," and "RUNS BATTED IN."]
VISIT MOUND
Press [V] when you want to visit the mound and see whether your pitcher is
still strong. The colored asterisk indicates whether he is STRONG, OK,
TIRING, or BUSHED.
[Illustration of the pitcher status screen. BUSHED is highlighted. Below is
the caption, "This pitcher is definitely bushed. Time for a reliever."]
[Close-up pic of the relief pitcher.]
SCOREBOARD
Press [S] on your keyboard when you want to see the exact scoreboard
information. It looks like this:
[Screenshot of the scoreboard screen. Arrows point to "RUNS SCORED IN EACH
INNING" and "CURRENT SCORE."]
CASSETTE MENU
Push [C] on your keyboard if you have a cassette (not included) and want to
use that option. For more information, see page 28.
{Close-up pic of the batter.]
==============================================================================
----- CHANGING THE LINEUP -----
You're the manager. The team lineup is under your control. If you're playing
the computer, its lineups are also controlled by you. The same rules apply as
in Major League Baseball. You can't take a player out and later put him back
in once the game has begun.
NEW BATTER
First, check your LINEUP by pressing [L] on the keyboard. (Press TOGGLE, [T],
to the other league if the wrong lineup shows.) Look over your lineup. If
player A is just not a fast enough runner for this game, select his name using
the arrows on the left side of your keyboard.
Next press [B] on your keyboard for BATTER STATS and find a player who is not
in your lineup, but can run better than Player A. Let's say you decide on
Player B. Select him using the arrow keys on the left side of your keyboard
until his name lights up. Then hold down the [SHIFT] key and then press [X].
You automatically return to the lineup. Player A's name should already be
selected. Press [SHIFT]-[X] again and Player B replaces Player A in the
lineup. Now you're ready to start the game or are you?
NEW PITCHER
To replace the Pitcher, follow the same steps used to replace a batter only
take the replacement from the PITCHING STATS category ("P").
1. Check your lineup and select the pitcher using the arrow keys on the left
side of your keyboard.
2. Check your PITCHING STATS by pressing [P] on your keyboard.
3. Select a new pitcher by using the arrow keys on the left side of your
keyboard.
4. Press [SHIFT] key and then [X] to start the exchange.
5. You automatically move back to your lineup. Press the [SHIFT] key and
then [X] to complete the exchange.
Remember: If you're replacing a pitcher who's "BUSHED," you can't use another
pitcher whom you've already used in that game.
[Close-up pic of the pitcher.]
DOUBLE COVERAGE
Double coverage is not allowed. If you replace a right fielder with a second
baseman, you will have two second basemen. You MUST reassign positions to one
of them or you will not be able to play on defense. Instead you get a
message: "INCOMPLETE DEFENSE."
To reassign a position, get into the lineup ("L"). Select the player whose
position you want to change using the arrow keys on your keyboard. Next press
the [SHIFT] key and the numbered key that chooses the position you want:
______________________________________________________________________________
KEY NUMBER POSITION
______________________________________________________________________________
1 CATCHER
2 FIRST BASE
3 SECOND BASE
4 THIRD BASE
5 SHORT STOP
6 LEFT FIELD
7 CENTER FIELD
8 RIGHT FIELD
9 DESIGNATED HITTER*
______________________________________________________________________________
*May play anywhere.
EXAMPLE: You have two second basemen. Select one of them using the arrow
keys on your keyboard. If you don't have a third baseman, refer to the chart
for the number key for a third baseman - key number 4. Hold down the [SHIFT]
key on your keyboard and press key [4] on your keyboard. Instantly, the
player you selected will play third base.
==============================================================================
----- CASSETTE MENU -----
Press [C] on your keyboard to see the CASSETTE MENU which looks like this:
[Screenshot of the Cassette Menu.]
The CASSETTE MENU is for use with your cassette tape and a cassette tape
recorder (not included). Check your Computer Module Owner's guide for
cassette recorder hookup. The CASSETTE MENU is used for keeping a game that
you want to finish later or keeping starting lineups that you may want to use
later. A definition of each function follows:
SCOREBOARD MENU
Pressing [M] on your keyboard takes you back to the SCOREBOARD MENU.
KEEP GAME
In order to save a game before it's complete, hold down the [SHIFT] key and
then press [K] on your keyboard. Rewind your tape. Push [PLAY] and [RECORD]
on your recorder at the same time. Press [RETURN] on your keyboard. Wait for
a message to appear on your screen. While you wait, a clicking sound tells
you that the game is being taped. If "Error" appears, start the process over.
If "Done" appears, the game has been recorded. Select OLD GAME to get it
later.
SAVE LINEUPS
In order to save the lineups that you are using, hold down the [SHIFT] key and
then press [S] on your keyboard. Rewind your tape. Push [PLAY] and [RECORD]
on your recorder at the same time. Press [RETURN] on your keyboard. Wait for
a message to appear on your screen. While you wait, a clicking sound tells
you that the lineups are being taped. If "Error" appears, start the process
over. If "Done" appears, the game has been recorded. Select GET NEW TEAM
LINEUPS to get them later.
OLD GAME
In order to finish an old game that you've saved, hold down the [SHIFT] key
and then press [O] on your keyboard. Next follow the instructions on your
screen.
GET NEW TEAM LINEUPS
In order to get a team lineup that you may have saved from a previous game,
hold down the [SHIFT] key and then press [T] on your keyboard. Next follow
the instructions on your screen.
USE THE [ESCAPE] KEY TO RETURN TO THE SCOREBOARD MENU. USE [C] TO GET BACK TO
THE CASSETTE MENU.
GET NEW ROSTERS
In order to get completely new rosters of players to choose from, hold down
the [SHIFT] key and then press [R] on your keyboard. Next follow the
instructions on your screen.
[Close-up pic of the batter.]
==============================================================================
----- 90 DAY LIMITED WARRANTY -----
Mattel Electronics warrants to the original consumer purchaser of any
cartridge or cassette it manufactures that the product will be free of defects
in material or workmanship for 90 days from the date of purchase. If
defective, return the product along with proof of the date-of-purchase to
either your local dealer or, postage prepaid to:
Mattel Electronics Service Center
13040 East Temple Avenue
City of Industry, California 91746
800-421-2826
(In Alaska and Hawaii call collect 213-978-7056)
for repair or replacement. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and
you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty
does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse or abuse.
==============================================================================
----- NOTES -----
[Two blank pages.]
==============================================================================
COLOR TV VIEWING ONLY [Official Licensee Major League Baseball (R) logo]
----- Intellivision (R) MATTEL ELECTRONICS (R) -----
(C) Mattel, Inc. 1983. Hawthorne, CA 90250 4537-0920
PRINTED IN U.S.A. All Rights Reserved. (L001)