Originally published by Statis-Pro, this is yet another addition to Avalon Hill's Sports Illustrated line of sports games. It was designed by Statis Pro president James Barnes. While it has some common features with AH's Superstar Baseball (SB)-reviewed here last issue (I want to get 'em in before baseball season is over) -it is also considerably different in many respects.

The most obvious difference is that, while (SB) simulates play between famous stars of all eras, this game (ML) is concerned with contemporary teams. Cards are provided for all regular players of all major league teams based on their 1978 season statistics. Over half of the rules folder is devoted to explaining how you can rate teams and players yourself, if you wish, to keep your teams up to date.

There are two 8"x22", mounted board sections (which can be held together by two plastic clips provided) displaying a baseball diamond, numerous charts and sections for placing the player cards and "fast action" cards.

As in SB, there is a card representing each player (that's 25 players times 26 tearns!). This card shows their position(s) and rates the player's ability at base running, base stealing, clutch defense, sacrifice bunting and hit-andrun, and his likelihood of making errors or getting injured. It also gives statistical probabilities for the player for various hits to various fields, walking, striking out, etc. Pitcher's cards show their ability to sacrifice, error rating, a "P-B" rating (I'll explain later), starting rating, relief rating, batting card number and their statistical probabilities of giving up various hits, walks, strike-outs, etc. When pitchers bat their batting card number shows which line to use on a sheet of 10 different batting card equivalents.

Players first pick their teams and then select their line ups, being sure to have one player designated for each position, writing these down on a score sheet-a pad of which is providedin the batting order desired. Then they arrange their cards in the same order and place these on the board, with the pitchers on separate spaces. The Fast Action Cards (FACs) are shuffled and then placed on their space. These cards provide all the randomizers necessary for use with the after and pitcher cards. The first FAC is consulted to find a number in the area called "PB" (pitcher/batter).

This number is then compared to the PB rating on the pitcher's card. If the P13 number on the FAC is within the range of PB numbers on the pitcher's card this means the results of' this play will be determined by the pitcher's card- if it's not within that range the batter's card will be consulted. For instance, last year's National League Cy Young Award winner, Gaylord Perry (of the San Diego Padres) has a PB rating of 2-7. If the FAC gives a PB number of, say, 5 Perry's card will be used to decide this batter's fate. A PB number on the FAC of', say, 10 would mean the batter's card will be used. Then the next FAC is drawn and checked for a number labeled "random." This number is then compared to the appropriate card (pitcher's or batter's) for the result. Using Perry again as an example, if the pitcher's card is consulted, a result in the range 25-36, for instance. would be a strike out, 37-41 would be a walk. etc. Many times the result, on either card, will just be "out." Another FAC is compared to how the batter hits (left power, switch normal, etc.) to see just how the batter was put out and whether or not an error is possible (if it is, yet another FAC is consulted to see if the error was actually probable, and if it was another FAC shows what error rating would actually result in an error). There are charts for all possible combinations of base runners to show what the runners do--advance, hold, etc., depending on their base-running rating.

Occasionally the PB " number" will be a code causing you to consult the Clutch Batting, Clutch Defense or "T' (special play) charts. This is where the really long-shot probabilities are incorporated, such as injuries, players thrown out of the game, unusual fielding plays. etc. There are also charts for such things as stolen bases, sacrifice bunts, bunting for a base hit, the squeeze play and hit and run. When one of these plays is planned the PB number is skipped. A random number is obtained (from a FAC) and applied directly to the appropriate chart. There is also a chart for trying to advance runners an extra base on base hits, which can be used, if desired, after the usual procedure has resulted in a hit.

That's the meat of it. As with SB, the player control of the game and opportunities of strategy are in the timely use of these special plays, and, of course. in choosing his line up ar making substitutions. Also like SB, this game ideally suited for solitaire play as almost i decisions are made for the team at bat. It is more detailed and thus more realistic system than SB. but the rules are not well written leaving a lot to be figured out from experience. And, as with SB, the player is assumed to know most of the important rules of baseball itself', is absolutely none are provided with the game. Nevertheless, I find the game very interesting and enjoyable, having proved my managerial smarts (to myself, anyway) by successfully piloting the Padres through a best two-out-of-three series against the World Champion New York Yankees! ML sells for $15.00 and you're a big baseball fan and would be manager, it's worth it.

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