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MLB '98 Manual

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MLB '98 Manual

Table of Contents

PLAYSTATION SET-UP                      2
CONTROLLER DIAGRAM                      3
GAME CONTROLS                           4
PLAYING MLB 98                          6
 Defense                                6
 Offense                                7
 Pause Menu                             8
 Rosters                                10
SETTING UP EXHIBITION PLAY              11
 Main Menu                              11
 Game                                   11
   Exhibition Game                      11
   Starting Lineup                      13
   All Star Game                        17
   Home Run Derby                       17
SETTING UP SEASON PLAY                  18
 Season                                 18
 Schedule                               18
 Continue Season                        20
SETTING UP PLAYOFFS                     20
SETTING UP ROSTERS                      21
   Create Position Player               21
   Trade Player                         22
SETTING UP GAME OPTIONS                 22
MLB '98 CREDITS                 23
PlayStation Set-up


Memory Card/Saving Data
You must insert your Memory Card before you start a Season, Playoff,
change a Roster, or Create a Player to save your progress. MLB '98 saves
user-defined options and all data for a Season, Playoff, Roster Change, or
Created Player. Four blocks of memory must be available on your Memory
Card in order to save any MLB '98 data. During a Season or Playoff, the Save
Screen will appear before and after each game. You must save at both Save
Screens to retain all game data. A Save Screen will also appear after chang-
ing a Roster or Creating a Player. You must save at this screen to retain all
Roster and Created Player data. Only one file can be saved at a time. If you
save to a Memory Card with previously saved MLB '98 data, you will be asked
if you want to overwrite your existing MLB '98 data. If you choose to overwrite,
all old MLB '98 data will be replaced with your current data. If you don't have a
Memory Card, all MLB '98 data will be lost after turning off your Sony
PlayStation.

3
Game Controls
Batting
 Swing                                          X
  Power Swing/Normal Swing Select               Square
 Steal Lead Runner                              Triangle
 Steal Specific Runner                          Triangle with D-Pad
  Bunt                                          Circle
  Lead Off (Forward)                            L1 Button
  Lead Off (Back)                               L2 Button
 Hit & Run                                      R1 Button
  Move Batter in Box                            R2 Button with D-Pad
 Open/Closed Stance                             R2 Button with L1/L2 Button
  Pause Start Button                            Start Button

 Veteran and All Star Levels            
   Center Bat Cursor                            Select Button
   Move Bat Cursor                              D-Pad

Base Running
 Advance Specific Runner                        Triangle with D-Pad
  Return All                                    Circle
  Return Specific Runner                        X with D-Pad
 Advance All                                    Square
 Speed Burst                                    R1 Button
 Stop Runners                                   R2 Button
  Head First Manual Slide                       L1 Button
  Feet First Manual Slide                       L2 Button

4

Fielding
 Move Fielder                                   D-Pad
 Throw to 2nd/Jump                              Triangle
 Throw to 1st/Speed Burst                       Circle
 Throw Home/Dive                                X
 Throw to 3rd/Change Fielder                    Square
 When fielding in pitcher's perspective Triangle is home Square is 1st base etc.
 Throw from Knees/Throw from a dive catch       In the dive, press base button.
 Rob a Home Run                                 When near the wall, press Triangle.
 Throw to a Cut-Off Man                         R1, R2, L1, or L2 Buttons
 Throw to the Cut-Off Man in a pickle           R1, R2, L1, or L2 Buttons

Pitching
 Select Pitch Type/Pitch in Pitcher's Perspective       Triangle
 Select Pitch Type                                      Circle
 Select Pitch Type/Pitch in Default View                X
 Select Pitch Type                                      Square

 Hold the pitch button longer for more pitch speed.

 After selecting a pitch, pick off base runners using the following:
 
 PickOff to 1st                                         Circle
 Pick Off to 2nd                                        Triangle
 Pick Off to 3rd                                        Square
 Display and Hide Pitch Menu                            L1 Button
 Adjust Infielders                                      R1 Button
 Adjust Outfielders                                     R2 Button
 Adjust View                                            Select Button
 Adjust Pitch Location                                  D-Pad

5

PLaying MLB '98
Playing baseball involves decision making skills that could win or lose a
game. When to pull a starting pitcher, when to pinch hit, when to make a
scratch from the lineup, and how to position your infield can all be decisive
factors. The more you play MLB '98, the better you'll become at making major
game decisions.

DEFENSE
Defense is the key to any successful team. A good defense can carry a team
into the playoffs.

Pitching
The key to pitching successfully is knowing your opponent. Stamina can
also be an issue, so locate your pitches and hit the corners while throwing
as few pitches as possible. See the pitching Control Codes for more details.

NOTE:   The longer the pitch button is held, the faster the speed of the
pitch.

Fielding
Learn how to position your players on the field. To get to the ball, use the
G button to switch to the fielder closest to the path and destination of the
ball. Press the Speed Burst ~ button to get your fielder to the ball quickly.
Infield
Use the Infield Shift to adjust your infield to a strategic defensive set.
* A Normal infield places it in a position on the field for regular situations.

* An infield set to DP (double-play depth) gives your infielders the best
  chance at turning a double play.

6

* Bring the infield in Shallow to try and get a force-out at home and keep a
  potential run from scoring from third on a ground ball.

* Bring the Corners In to try and stop a run from scoring from third on a
  ground ball to first or third, and still have a shot at a double play if the ball
  is hit to the middle infielders.

* Set the infield to Bunt if you think the opposition will try to advance a run-
ner or attempt a suicide squeeze.

Outfield
Use the outfield Shift to adjust your outfield to a strategic defensive set.
* A Normal outfield places it in a position on the field for regular situations.

* Place your outfield in a Deep set if someone of Albert Belle's home run
  ability comes to the plate.

* Move the outfielders in Shallow to snag a liner or stop an important run
  from scoring from second on a base hit.

OFFENSE
The best way to beat a good defense is
with a potent offense. Pay close attention ..~.
to the setup of the defensive players and
learn how to use the bunt when the infield
is drawn back. Use the hit & run or bunt to
advance a runner safely, or steal a base
to reach scoring position.

Batting
When a pitcher delivers the ball, a yel-
low ball marker box appears indicating the location of the ball.
* Use the D-pad to move the white bat cursor over the ball marker. When
  the ball is in range of the batting area, the white bat cursor will turn red.

7

NOTE: The batting cursor is a feature of the Veteran and All-Star levels only.

For late inning punch, switch the batter's swing from normal contact to
Power by pressing the 0 button before the pitcher delivers the ball.

PAUSE MENU
During the course of the game, you can make changes to the setup and fur-
ther customize your game. Use the D-Pad Up/Down, Left/Right to cycle
through to menu selections and their options.

Fielding View
View the plays in the field from a High, Medium, or Low view.

Batting View
View the batting from a High, Medium, Low 1, or Low 2 view.

Point of View (Always Batting/Always Fielding/Alternate Home/Alternate Away
Use this option to view the game from
the offensive or defensive point of view.
Alternate Home will always view the
game from the Home team's perspec-
tive. For Alternate Away, the game is
viewed from the Visitor's perspective.

8

Options
See the options section of the PreGame screen for details of most of the
game attributes. Other options not available in the PreGame section are
shown below.

SFX Volume
Use this option to adjust the sound effects volume.

Announcer Volume
Use this option to adjust the volume of the play-by-play announcer.

Crowd Volume
Use this option to adjust the volume of the crowd noise.

Auto Leadoff (On/Off)
Use this option to have your base runners automatically or manually take
a lead from the base they occupy.

Auto Sliding(On/Off)
Use this option to have your base runners automatically or manually slide
when approaching a base.

Scoreboard
Use this option to be able to view the scoreboard during the inning. Press
the Start button to return to the game or the 0 button to return to the previ-
ous menu.

9

Rosters
Use this option to make changes to the lineup and in the field during the game.
* Highlight Rosters and press the X button.

* Highlight the player to be replaced and press the X button. This will
  bring up the reserve roster.

* Highlight the reserve to be inserted into the lineup and press the X button.

* Press the Select button on your controller to return to the Pause Menu.

* Press the Start button on your controller to return to the game.

You can view the complete team rosters as well as player statistics of both teams.
* From the Team Roster, press the Square button for a list of the entire team.
* Press the R2 button to view the opponents roster and statistics.
* Press the R1 button to toggle between the 1996 season, stats and
  today's current stats of either team. 

To pinch-hit for a pitcher:
* Select the pitcher in your lineup and press the X button to to bring
  the Reserve Roster.

* Select a pinch hitter from the roster and press the X button.

When your team returns to the field, the Select a Pitcher option will
automatically appear. Select a pitcher to continue the game.

10

Setting Up Exhibition Play

MAIN MENU
From each menu, use the directional
arrow pad (D-pad) to highlight the menu
options. Use the X button to accept your        
menu choice and to bring up the next
menu. Located on the bottom of the setup
screens are guides that match the buttons
on your controller. Use these guides to
help direct you for each selected menu. 

GAME
Use this menu option to play an Exhibition Game, enjoy the mid-season cele-
bration of an All-Star Game, or show off your power and strength in a Home
Run Derby. Each of these games can be played in a two-player format.
* Left/Right to cycle through the choices of this selected option and
  press the X button.

* View the stats at the completion of a game:
  Press the X button, highlight a team, and press the X button.

Exhibition Game
Use the Exhibition games to prepare yourself for a lengthy regular season
or the intense pressure of competing in the playoffs.

Exhibition games are not recorded in the season standings and cannot be
saved to the memory card.
* Highlight Exhibition Game and press the 0 button to bring up the Team
  Select screen.

11

Team Select Screen
Use this screen to choose the Player Mode, as well as the league and
teams for competition.

Player Mode
* D-Pad Left to set your controller for Team 1, the Visitors.

* D-Pad Right to set your controller for Team 2, the Home Team.

* D-Pad Up/ Down to change the difficulty level.

* To play the computer, leave one controller image in the center on the
  screen. The computer's team will automatically play at the same level 
  chosen for your team.

Team Selection
Notice the team rating system in the middle of the screen. Choose the
team with attributes you deem necessary to win the game. If you want a
team that will hold the opposition to a minimal number of runs, select a
team with good ERA and Fielding rankings.
* For Team 1, press the L1/L2 buttons on your controller to cycle
  through the available teams for the Visitors.

* For Team 2, press the R1/R2 buttons on your controller to cycle
  through the available teams for the Home Team.

* Press the X button to move on to the PreGame screen.

PreGame Screen
The PreGame menus are used to add some spark to the game. Customize
your baseball game by using the following options.

Play Game
Select this option to start your game.

12

Stadium Select
Select this option to choose a ballpark from around the league to play in.

NOTE: This option is not available for Season games. Stadiums for
      Season games are predetermined based on the teams competing.

Starting Lineup
Select this option to bring up the starting lineup for your team. Look over
your lineup and make the necessary changes to the batting order, a play-
er's position, or substitute a player with another from the Reserves
Roster.

To make adjustments to the batting order:
* D-Pad Up/Down lineup and press the Batting Order Square button to select
  the player you would like to move into the lineup.
* D-Pad Up/Down and press the Batting Order Square button to move the
  player to the desired position in the order. You will notice the shift in
  your lineup.

To switch the fielding positions of a player without changing the batting
order:
* D-Pad Up/Down and press the Position Circle button to select the player
  you would like to have switch positions.
* D-Pad Up/Down and press the Position Circle button to select the prayer
  you would like to switch with the previously chosen player.

13

To substitute a player from the reserve roster:
* D-Pad Up/Down and press the Player X button to select the player to
  remove from the lineup.
* D-Pad Up/Down and press the Player X button to select the player to
  insert from the reserve roster.
* Press the Done Triangle button to return to the PreGame screen.

Options
Select this option to customize the attributes of your game.
* D-Pad Up/Down to select an attribute.
* D-Pad left/Right to change the attribute.

Game Style (Simulation/Arcade)
In Arcade Mode, the pitcher controls the pitch with the D-Pad after it is
thrown to home plate. The pitching menu and batting cursor are no
longer shown on the screen.

Use the D-Pad to choose the type of pitch:
Up      Change Up
Down    Fast ball
Left    Curve Ball breaks left
Right   Curve Ball breaks right

Player 1/2 Levels (Rookie/Veteran/AII-Star)
The player level will determine the fatigue factor of players, batting and
pitching difficulty, as well as fielding ability. Choose the All-Star setting
to play with the most realistic player situations.

14

Errors (On/Off)
Errors On will add an interesting challenge to your game. The players
on the field will be subject to making fielding mistakes.

Wind (On/Off)
When the Wind On is selected, notice the small yellow arrow on the
playing screen with a number after it. This is the Miles Per Hour the
wind is blowing in the direction the arrow is pointing.

Time of Day (Auto/On/Off)
Set the Time of Day of a game. To let the PlayStation game console
determine the time, select Auto. Or set the Time to Night and watch
Bernie Williams hit one into the lights.

DH (Auto/On/Off)
If you like the Designated Hitter, use it in the National League to bolster
your offensive attack.

Innings (1-9)
Set the length of the game by choosing the number of innings you
would like to play.

Crowd Sound(On/Off)
Turn off the distraction of the visiting team by eliminating the crowd
noise.

Announcer Sound (On/Off)
Use this option to choose having the play-by-play of the game on or off.

15

Radar Gun (On/Off)
Use this option to show the miles per hour of the pitch on the screen.

Distance Meter (On/Off)
Measure the distance of some of the moon shots delivered by base-
ball's strongest hitters. Use this option to show the distance in feet of
the flight of the ball.

Ball Marker (On/Off)
Use the ball marker to position your fielder for the play when the ball
has been hit.

Auto Fielding (On/Off)
Turn this option off to have complete control of the defense.

Call Text (On/Off)
Use this option to show the umpire's calls during the game on the
screen.

Batting View (Low 1/Low 2/Medium/High)
Set the desired level of the playing view. Try them all to see which view
best suits you. This option can be altered during the course of the
game. See Pause Menu under Playing MLB '98 for more details.

Fielding View (Low/Medium/High)
See Batting View above.

16

Point of View (Always Batting/Always Fielding/Alternate Home/Alternate Away
Use this option to view the game from the offensive or defensive side
of the game. Alternate Home will always view the game from the Home
team's perspective. For Alternate Away, the game is viewed from the
visitor's perspective.

You can also play the game from one setting. Always Batter is a view
always set from behind Home Plate. Always Pitcher is a view always
set from behind the pitcher's mound.

All-Star Game
Play in one of the most celebrated of games, the All-Star Game, and see
how the biggest stars fare against each other. Set up the most potent offen-
sive lineup ever seen in the big leagues.

See Setting Up Exhibition Play for details on how to set up your All-Star
Game.

Home Run Derby
Play in the Home Run Derby to see if
youhave what it takes to hi twith the
big boys of the major leagues. Slug it
out with Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas A
Mo Vaughn, Mark McGwire or a player
you've created. See Setting Up
Exhibition Play for details on how to set
up your Home Run Derby.

17

Setting Up Season Play

SEASON
Use this option to start a new season or continue a previously saved season.
Seasons can only be played in a one-player format.

New Season
Start a New Season and see if you have what it takes to make it into the
playoffs.

Play Game
Select this option to start the game of
choice from the team schedule.

Schedule
When Play Game is selected, the
Schedule screen comes up with
the 1997 team schedule. View the
schedule and play the game of
your choice.
*D-Pad Up/Down to highlight the

game on the schedule you would like to play and press the X button.

NOTE: When a game is skipped, the result of that game will be post-
ed as if it was actually played. For example, if at the start of
the season you select to play the fifth game on the schedule,
the first four games will appear completed.

18

Standings
By selecting this option, you can view the division standings of the entire
Major League.
* Use the D-Pad Up/Down to cycle through the divisions of the American
  and National League.

League Leaders
Select this option to view the League Leaders in Batting Average,
Slugging Percentage, Home Runs, and RBI.
* Use the D-Pad Up/Down to view the leader of each statistical category.
* Use the D-Pad Left/Right to cycle through the leagues.

Player Stats
Select this option to view the Stats of each player in the Majors. Study the
strengths of each player. It may come in handy for a necessary manager-
ial move during the course of a game.
* Use the D-Pad Left/Right to select the team you will be facing in your
  next game.

* Use the D-Pad Up/ Down to view the statistics of each player.

Starting Lineup
See Starting Lineup under the PreGame Screen to set up your starting
lineup.

Options
See Options under the PreGame Screen to customize your game attributes.

19

Continue Season
Resume a baseball season at the next scheduled game. To use the
Continue Season option, you must have already started a New Season and
saved the Season results on the memory card.

Play in the next scheduled game or skip to a different game further down on
the schedule. Remember, skipping to and playing a game further down in
the schedule will automatically cause a simulation of all the skipped games.

See Standings, League Leaders, Starting Lineup, and Options under New
Season for details of the Season Menu.

Setting Up the Playoffs

PLAYOFFS
Use this option to go straight to the playoffs and bypass the regular season.
Playoffs can only be played in a one-player format. See Season under Setting
Up Season Play for more details on how to setup a playoff game.

New Regular Playoffs
Go straight to the divisional playoffs and try to make it through each round
until you reach the World Series.

New 1 Game Playoffs
Make each playoff series a one game "winner takes all".

Continue Playoffs
Continue your run in the playoffs at the next scheduled game. To play in a
continued playoff series, the playoffs must have been saved to the memory

20

Setting Up Rosters

ROSTERS
The Rosters option allows you to create position players, pitchers and add
them to your existing rosters. You can also set up trades of individual players.
If you prefer the original setup of the league rosters, reset them.

Create Position Player
Create the ultimate baseball position
player. You not only can setup a play-
er's athletic ability, but his physical
makeup. A created player enters the
Free Agent Pool where he then can be
picked up in a trade. See Trade Player
below.
* Press the L1/L2, R1/R2 buttons to change columns on the screen.

* D-Pad Up/Down to select the player attributes.

* D-Pad Left/Right to cycle through the available attribute options.

To enter a player name:
* Select the name option and press the Edit Circle button.

* Enter a name for the player by moving the D-Pad Up/Down to cycle
  through the alphabet, Left/Right to move the cursor.

* D-Pad Left/Right and press the Delete Circle button to delete a letter or
  name.

* Press the Done X button when you are finished naming your player to
  exit the name selection and move to another attribute.

21

Create Pitcher
Create a pitcher with the stamina and control to compete for the Cy Young
and take you reeling into the playoffs. See Create Position Player for details
on how to create a pitcher.

Trade Player
Select this option to obtain the perfect player to bring your team to the next
level.

Trading players can be done on a one-for-one basis only.
* D-Pad Up/Down to select the team you would like to trade from and press
  the X button.
* D-Pad Up/Down to select the Player to be traded and press the X button.

* D-Pad Up/Down to select the team you would like to trade to and press
  the X button.

* D-Pad Up/Down to select the Player to be traded for and press the X
  button.

Reset Rosters
You can easily restore the rosters to their original setup.
* Select Reset Rosters and press the X button.


Setting Up Game Options
Set up the game attributes by using the Options menu item. See Options
under the PreGame Screen for Exhibition Game to customize your game.

22

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