This 1980 Matel Inc. (Hawthorne, California) manufactured game was donated to the Museum in 1982, and includes instructions in both English and French.
The plastic case is approximately 15.5cm long x 9cm wide x 2.8cm high, with a built in speaker. A battery door accepts a 9volt battery or an AC adapter can be attached.
The top surface of the case is divided into three sections. One is a screen which resembles a baseball diamond, and at its top a second screen which indicates innings, outs, balls, strikes, etc. The other section features a set of buttons used to play the game: "hit", "run", "pitch", "score", and an on/off switch.
Various LEDs in different colors indicate the action of the game on the stylized baseball diamond. When the "pitch" button is depressed one of 5 randomly computer selected pitches is thrown. When the "ball" approaches the "batters box", the "hit" button is pressed. Results occur with various computer generated sounds. A "hit" may result in a "strike", a "fly ball", etc. indicated by a flashing area on the diamond (where the opposing team member caught the ball). Based upon where the ball landed, the "run" button is pressed and a "blip" will head toward 1st base. Like a "real" baseball game, the runner may be "safe" at 1st or may even run to 2nd. The computer controls running speed. If, for example, a runner is safe a 1st, as in "real" baseball, a new batter is up and the game continues.
Last update March 22, 2010