"My god, it's full of numbers" - What have I done?

[Henric]

Hey, a rules question I think? Under what circumstances would you say that there is no play for an OF? As in not throwing the ball to another defensive player for an out? I haven't quite sussed that out yet. Is it because a runner at another base could score or advance in case of a botched throw?

[BirdWatcher]

Originally Posted by Henric

Hey, a rules question I think? Under what circumstances would you say that there is no play for an OF? As in not throwing the ball to another defensive player for an out? I haven't quite sussed that out yet. Is it because a runner at another base could score or advance in case of a botched throw?

If I am understanding your question correctly, I think you have partially answered it yourself.
Basically, when the chances of the outfielder throwing out a runner on the base-paths (or at home plate) are not good there are times when it is wise to not even try. Partially as you said, because of the danger of a mis-throw, but even more often because you don't want the trailing runners/batter to be able to take an extra base on your attempt to throw out the lead runner. (Even without a throwing error the time the play takes to transpire can give the trail runner the opportunity for advancement.) In this case the outfielder will generally try to throw to what is called a cut-off man to prevent any other runners from advancing.
(Of course, he may also decide the wisest thing is to not try to throw for the lead runner, even a runner who is about to score, and instead throw to another base to attempt to erase a trail runner from the base paths.)

[Henric]

Makes sense. Thanks!

[jeffw3000]

Originally Posted by texranger

Here try these links, they have all kinds of info/stories/numbers etc etc

https://www.baseball-reference.com/ -- This site is a Baseball stats DREAM BTW

Any site that you can find out what Kurt Russell's batting average was in 1971 is a truly great baseball site.

[Henric]

Originally Posted by jeffw3000

Any site that you can find out what Kurt Russell's batting average was in 1971 is a truly great baseball site.

I have surfed this site for hours now while watching games or playing OOTP.

Also, some really good written content on The Atletic. For hockey as well, so that has become the only text driven site I pay for.

[PocketsAintFull]

I've been getting into FanGraphs recently, though I'm not sure how beginner-friendly it is.

[Henric]

Originally Posted by PocketsAintFull

I've been getting into FanGraphs recently, though I'm not sure how beginner-friendly it is.

Yeah, I'm trying to get my head around all the stuff they have as well. A lot to digest for sure.

[mcdog512]

Originally Posted by Henric

So, I’m not quite sure what I’ve done. Or maybe what I’ve contracted. Earlier today I pre-ordered OOTP 21 after giving the first look video a cursory glance before heading off to work. I’m in Sweden, so the live stream was in the middle of the night for me.


I got caught up in a weird baseball fever thanks to Aussie Villain’s youtube series managing the Mets. I’ve watched a few of his FM-videos, but something really resonated with me watching him manage a baseball team.



I love sports, primarily hockey and I also follow some European football (Aston Villa fan), but baseball has eluded me. Which is sort of weird since I love stats and numbers. Which is probably why I was absolutely fascinated with watching him play the game.



The thing is I barely understand the rules. I really have no idea how to even get a starting line-up (is that even what it’s called?) ready for a game! But somehow, I have pre-ordered the game and I can’t wait to start up a MLB.tv subscription to start watching some games once the season has started.


I have baseball fever, and I’m not quite sure why. No matter, the game looks awesome and can’t wait to learn all there is to learn about the sport and the game!

Yea, I went through that for Cricket, Ruby and Aussie Rules Football. It's fun learning a new sport.

[One Great Matrix]

Originally Posted by Henric

So, I’m not quite sure what I’ve done. Or maybe what I’ve contracted. Earlier today I pre-ordered OOTP 21 after giving the first look video a cursory glance before heading off to work. I’m in Sweden, so the live stream was in the middle of the night for me.


I got caught up in a weird baseball fever thanks to Aussie Villain’s youtube series managing the Mets. I’ve watched a few of his FM-videos, but something really resonated with me watching him manage a baseball team.



I love sports, primarily hockey and I also follow some European football (Aston Villa fan), but baseball has eluded me. Which is sort of weird since I love stats and numbers. Which is probably why I was absolutely fascinated with watching him play the game.



The thing is I barely understand the rules. I really have no idea how to even get a starting line-up (is that even what it’s called?) ready for a game! But somehow, I have pre-ordered the game and I can’t wait to start up a MLB.tv subscription to start watching some games once the season has started.


I have baseball fever, and I’m not quite sure why. No matter, the game looks awesome and can’t wait to learn all there is to learn about the sport and the game!

Really?? Sounds cool... The idea when your team is batting is to avoid outs. The idea when your team is out in the field is to make outs. An (half) inning ends with the 3rd out.

[Pine Tar]

Originally Posted by BigRed75

Maybe you'll end up being a Padres fan, maybe the Phillies, maybe the Detroit Tigers. All fine choices that make sense with the personal history you've shared with us so far. Or maybe it'll be some other team.

When the team is right, you'll know

What ! You didn't mention the Blue Jays! You must hate Canada, lol

Pine Tar

[Henric]

Originally Posted by One Great Matrix

Really?? Sounds cool... The idea when your team is batting is to avoid outs. The idea when your team is out in the field is to make outs. An (half) inning ends with the 3rd out.

Yeah, I'm watching spring training games every night now, learning as I go. Amazingly fun sport!

[Henric]

Originally Posted by Calvert98

Welcome Henric,

Baseball is a great game, and the OOTP community is one of the best on the web.

I have seen Aussie V; fun stuff. He puts a lot of work into those videos.

If you are new to baseball, I would recommend that you pick-up a book called:
"Baseball Field Guide: An In-Depth Illustrated Guide to the Complete Rules of Baseball" It's like $10.00 USD on Amazon, and has some good illustrations and explanations.

https://www.amazon.com/Baseball-Fiel...2643793&sr=8-1


Also on YouTube, check out Foolish Baseball's channel. He has a really good video instructional series for OOTP 19 which still is applicable, where he covers a lot of the real world stats and concepts, along with the game of course. He also has something called "baseball bits", which are cool short videos on a range of certain baseball subjects.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbW...U33A/playlists


Finally, as to other OOTP YouTube play-throughs, I liked Archer Gamer's Arizona series he did for OOTP 20 last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOu1V9ZPc-Y

Anyway, welcome again and as you get into the game, feel free to ask questions.

-Cal

Looks like the Baseball Field Guide: An In-Depth Illustrated Guide to the Complete Rules of Baseball book will arrivetoday if I'm lucky. Looking forward to reading it!

[Pedro]

Henric, as a fellow European learning about baseball years ago, I found Tim McCarver’s book, ‘Baseball for Brain Surgeons and Other Fans’ enormously helpful. I can’t stress this enough, though McCarver doesn’t have a great rep as an announcer, from what I can gather 😆.

The book might not be ideal for those who grew up with baseball, but is fantastic for the rest of us.

[Henric]

Originally Posted by Pedro

Henric, as a fellow European learning about baseball years ago, I found Tim McCarver’s book, ‘Baseball for Brain Surgeons and Other Fans’ enormously helpful. I can’t stress this enough, though McCarver doesn’t have a great rep as an announcer, from what I can gather 😆.

The book might not be ideal for those who grew up with baseball, but is fantastic for the rest of us.

Need to check that one out as well! Thanks!

[jparker2112]

Henric....once you have a grasp of the everyday rules Id suggest this book to get the idea and understanding of what the official rule book will not mention. . its a fun read!

[Henric]

Originally Posted by jparker2112

Henric....once you have a grasp of the everyday rules Id suggest this book to get the idea and understanding of what the official rule book will not mention. . its a fun read!

Thanks! My reading list is growing ever longer!

[jimmysthebestcop]

Should we suggest baseball movies to watch?

Honestly you have to check out Mr baseball and Major league. Both pretty funny.

But I'll tell you when I play full universe with all international leagues and decide to blow my team up I often start making those Mexican league call ups.

Plus it makes me crave those Japanese free agents. Not just the stars either. If they cut anyone then they are free game for a minor league contract. It's like your own personal scouting discovery.

Most of the baseball movies are comedies but it sets the mood

[Henric]

I loved Major League. really fun movie.

[BirdWatcher]

I'm partial to Eight Men Out (not a comedy), about the 1919 Chicago White (the Black Sox scandal involving betting interests tainting the World Series results).
Likely this has something to do with John Sayles being one of my all-time favorite directors. (Plus anything with the actor David Strathairn in it- he plays the great knuckleball pitcher Eddie Cicotte in this- is well worth watching in my book.)

But in terms of capturing the early 20th century baseball vibe and an important turning point in the history of the game, I think this one is pretty wonderful.

[jimmysthebestcop]

I watch 8 men out every year before the season starts. I have a week of baseball movies.

But there is a lot of comedy in it. I guess more of a "dramedy".

Sometimes I rewatch Ken Burns baseball once season starts. Watch like 1 hour a night for several weeks.