Triple Play 2001 Parent Guide

Imagine sitting in the bleachers on a warm summer night… it’s the bottom of the first inning and you’re chasing a hot dog with an ice cold beverage. At 3 and 2, the count is full. The opposing pitcher goes into the stretch and delivers a 98-mph fastball wide of the plate. Thinking ball all the way, the batter looks it into the catcher’s glove then automatically heads to first. But wait, what’s this? The umpire called him out on strikes! "Hey ump!" you scream through a mouthful of food, "are you visually impaired? If that ball was any farther off the plate, it would’ve hit the third base coach!" Charging from his perch in the dugout, the home-team manager continues the argument you wish you could deliver…

If you’ve ever wanted to be more than just a spectator, Triple Play 2001, allows you (along with the computer or a friend) to control the boys of summer for an entire season (and possibly the World Series). As General Manager you can draft and trade players, sign free agents, or create and edit your idea of Mr. Baseball. Then, assuming the reins of Field Manager, you will set lineups, establish batting orders and pitching rotations, substitute players, and argue with umpires. But the most exciting part of all happens when you lace up your cleats and hear the words… Play Ball!

Stepping into the batter’s box, you adjust your batting stance (try to ignore any hecklers) and decide whether to hit a grounder, bunt, hit to the opposite field, or better yet, give the fans what they’re here to see… your home run swing. Speaking of going deep, have you ever wondered how guys like Big Mac know the ball is heading for the cheap-seats as soon as it’s hit? Well, the answer is in your hand, literally (the controller vibrates).

Okay, so you didn’t hit it over the fence, but at least you beat the throw to first. Now you’ll have to think of some base-running fundamentals: Tag up on a fly-ball, don’t lead-off too far… you’ll also have to decide whether to slide feet- or head-first should you get the steal sign (just don’t stand there thinking when the pitcher tries to pick you off). This realistic action extends to fielders who think nothing of diving for a catch or climbing the fence, and pitchers whose stamina must be monitored closely (throw too many fastballs and their arms turn to spaghetti). With Jim Hughson calling the play-by-play and Buck Martinez providing his catcher-biased commentary, don’t be surprised if a friend walks in and thinks you’re watching a game on TV.