Jun 18, 2018  The Original Backyard Baseball Characters, Ranked. 1997’s Backyard Baseball. I’m fairly certain I received my copy of Backyard Baseball in a box of Wheaties. Backyard Baseball on the ScummVM. Published by Humongous Entertainment. Developed by Humongous Entertainment. Released in 1997. Download game manual. View video of game. Screenshot of game. Title screen.

Backyard Baseball is a series of baseballvideo games for children which was developed by Humongous Entertainment and published by Atari. It was first released in October 1997 for Macintosh and Microsoft Windows. Later games were featured on Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Wii, and iOS. It is part of the Backyard Sports series. There have been eleven different versions of the game since 1997. Some of the game titles that were created include Backyard Baseball, Backyard Baseball 2001-2010, and Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers.

The original game consisted of 30 neighborhood kids from which the gamer could choose to play.^[1] Over the years, the idea of 'Pro players as kids' became popular, and the original statistics and looks of the players changed. Some of the professional players that were available included Chipper Jones, Frank Thomas, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano, Ichiro Suzuki, Sammy Sosa, Jim Thome, Albert Pujols, Nomar Garciaparra, Ken Griffey Jr., and Barry Bonds. As the game progresses, there are some professionals that become available or 'unlockable' including Randy Johnson, Derek Jeter, and Mike Piazza.

In Backyard Baseball, players take a managerial role by creating a team of different players to compete against opponents. In the different installments, a player could play an exhibition game or a 14, 16 or 32 game season (different versions vary) followed by the 'Backyard Baseball League' playoffs, which contains the American League and National League divisional series, the AL and NL championship series and finally the 'Backyard Baseball World Series'. Series games will vary per game.

This game has various playable modes, they include: Single Game, Batting Practice, Spectator, and Season Game.

In 2013, The Evergreen Group acquired the intellectual property from Atari.

Legacy[edit]

Pablo Sanchez, one of the playable characters in the game, has been regarded as one of the strongest characters in video game history.^[2][3][4]

The game has also been noted for its diversity (gender, race) of characters, both in ratio of white to non-white and male to female, as well as skill level and the distribution of the best characters.^[5]

Power-Ups[edit]

Sometimes accompanying the four standard batting modes (Power, Line Drive, Grounder and Bunt), some beneficial power-ups appear. In the original Backyard Baseball, these batting power-ups appeared when the player got a hit when the computer used a 'crazy pitch' (see below). Starting from Backyard Baseball 2001, the power ups were awarded after a hit off a 'crazy pitch' and when the player turned a double play or triple play on defense. In addition to these batting power-ups, pitching power-ups, or 'crazy pitches,' also progressively appear, though they are much more frequent and in number, occurring whenever the player strikes an opponent out. These pitches consume much more energy and causes the strike zone to expand, so most of the pitches given are never used consecutively. In addition to the 'crazy pitches,' a strikeout may also award the player 'More Juice,' a full energy recharge for the pitcher that can be used when the player sees fit to use it.

Backyard Baseball 2001

Batting Power-Ups

• Aluminum Power: This power-up is the most valued and can disappear after one or no tries when in use. Players use an aluminum bat to increase the chances to hit a home run.
• Screaming Line Drive: The power-up last about two uses and appears more frequently. Players hit a fast line drive to the wall and allows the batter to run more or all bases.
• Under Grounder: This move lasts at least two uses. Players hit a ground ball that goes into the ground, causing the ball to reappear in any random area of the outfield.
• Crazy Bunt: The move disappears after one or no tries when in use, but if the power-up is used sparingly, the move can last up to four uses. When the ball is hit, the ball rolls around the field erratically as fielders just barely miss catching it.

Pitching Power-Ups

• Big Freeze: The ball is thrown like normal but suddenly stops just before it enters the strike zone, often faking the hitter into swinging at the pitch.
• Elevator: The ball is thrown low along the ground and then the ball suddenly jumps into the air at the last moment.
• Crazyball: the ball 'laughs' when thrown, and it moves in random directions in the air. Easier to hit if swingspot is enabled
• Corkskrew: The ball makes a spiral motion through the air. Easier to hit if swingspot is enabled
• Zigzag: The ball makes a zig-zag motion through the air. Easier to hit if swingspot is enabled
• Slomo: The ball travels very slowly through the air, requiring precise timing to be hit.
• Spitball: The ball is covered with saliva and jerks in the air.
• Fireball: One of the most powerful pitches, the ball blazes past the batter in a ball of fire at an incredibly high speed. When used by a player, this pitch is the most draining of the pitcher's stamina.

Backyard Baseball 2005

Batting Power-Ups

• Sonic Boom: The player knocks down opposing fielders with a super-powerful shockwave.
• Rubber Bat: The batter bounce a grounder really high into the air — the player will have a chance to reach base before any fielder catches the ball.
• Butter Fingers: The player will splatter the opposing fielders with butter. They'll have a slippery time trying to field your hit.
• Jumping Bean Bunt: This tricky power-up makes the ball jump all over the place!
• Lightning Bat: Produce tremendous power when you connect with the ball.
• Geyser Hit: The batter makes the ball burrow deep underground before it suddenly surfaces somewhere in the outfield.
• Piñata Bat: The batter drives fielders crazy when the ball is hit, the ball multiplies into dozens of bouncing baseballs.
• Orbiter: Knock the stuffing out of the ball.

Pitching Power-Ups

• The Fang: The Fang looks like a normal curve-ball, but it bites hard at the last second and goes straight into the dirt.
• Freezer: The Freezer stops just before reaching the strike zone, pauses briefly, and then continues.
• Slo MO: This ball starts moving at ultra-slow speed just before reaching the strike zone.
• Juice Box: The Juice Box will refill your pitcher's Pitch Juice Box.
• Rainbow Pop-up: When it's hit, the ball goes straight into the air for an easy out.
• Crazy Pitch: The Crazy Pitch is so wild that even the pitcher doesn't know where it will go.
• Splitball: This pitch splits into two separate curve-balls, one of which is a fake, unhittable baseball.
• Fireball: The Fireball is so fast it can burn a hole in your catcher's glove.

Installments[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^https://www.theringer.com/features/2017/10/10/16451300/backyard-baseball-20-year-anniversary
2. ^http://www.wbur.org/onlyagame/2017/06/23/backyard-baseball-computer-game-history
3. ^http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/03/the-25-best-virtual-athletes-in-video-games/pablo-sanchez
4. ^http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1990299-most-terrifying-video-game-athletes-to-play-against
5. ^Delayo, Mike. 'The Inclusive Legacy of Backyard Baseball'. Fangraphs.

External links[edit]

Backyard Baseball is a software released in 1997 by Humongous Entertainment.

Commentators[edit]

Sunny Day[edit]

• I think we're all ready to play some baseball!
• It's time to get down with your favorite baseball players!
• (custom player) steps up to bat.
• (when the computer player's turn to bat ends) Alright, it's our turn now!
• (player hits a home run) Goodbye, baseball!

Vinny the Gooch[edit]

• Waaaaiiit a minute. The Gooch does not under any circumstances say 'Hi ho'. Sunny Day may be saying 'Hi ho', but The Gooch just says YO!
• Vinny da Gooch is lovin' that!
• (describing Pablo) Even though the Secret Weapon doesn't speak any English, we all know he's a rad dude!
• (describing Achmed) Achmed is one of the best hitters on the team!
• This young batter means business.
• (when a homerun happens) I don't know what kind of pitch that was, but it tasted just like chicken!
• (when a player gets out) He/She was robbed!
• (when a player makes it home) Sweet as candy i tell ya! I like candy, everybody likes candy. That's why Halloween is such a popular holiday!
• (describing Sunny Day) What she means is she's never gonna stop yapping.
• (when a homerun happens) Aloha means goodbye, baby.
• (when a strike happens) It was in there like swimwear.

Backyard Kids[edit]

Achmed Khan[edit]

• (getting picked) Let's rock 'n roll! (Amir Khan also says this)
• I wanna rock! Rock! (scats) I wanna rock!
• (after getting struck out) Aw man, I blew it!
• (stepping up to bat) I'm gonna smack this one! (Amir Khan also says this)
• (stepping up to bat) This one's outta here! (Amir Khan also says this)

Amir Khan[edit]

• (getting picked) Groovy!
• (after getting struck out) I hope Achmed didn't see that!
• (after getting struck out) Major bummer! (Achmed Khan also says this)

Angela Delvecchio[edit]

• (during the chatter) Hey, we wanna batter, not the broken ladder, y'know!
• (striking out a batter) Hey, what'd I tell ya?
• (striking out a batter) Ba-da-bing-ba-da-boom! Bye-Bye, batter!
• (stepping up to bat) I'm gonna smack this one for sure.
• (after getting struck out) No way that's gonna happen again!
• (stepping up to bat) You guys in the outfield better move back.
• (after getting struck out) Don't say a word.
• (getting tired) Okay, I know I'm good, but my arm needs a rest before it turns into a big noodle.

Annie Frazier[edit]

• (getting picked) Sweet!
• (stepping up to bat) I'm looking for a kind hit here, pitcher!
• (stepping up to bat) Come on, pitcher, hook me up!
• (getting tired) Hey, I'm pooped. I need a sub.
• (getting tired) Can I get a sub out here? My arm is toast.

Ashley/Sidney Webber[edit]

• (one of the twins getting picked) Goody! Now pick my sister Ashley/Sidney too!
• (the other twin getting picked) Oh, goody! Ashley/Sidney and I are on the same team!
• (only one twin getting picked) Goody!
• (during the chatter) We've got spirit, yes we do. We've got spirit, how 'bout you?
• (stepping up to bat) I'm gonna crush this one!
• (stepping up to bat) I'm gonna smash the ball outta here!
• (after getting struck out) Tennis is my sport anyway.
• (getting tired) Say, my tennis elbow is acting up.

Billy Jean Blackwood[edit]

Backyard Baseball Download Windows 10

• (stepping up to bat) Y'all better step back a few!
• (after getting struck out) That's okay. I didn't wanna run anyway.
• (getting tired) Yoo-hoo! My arm's getting tired out here!
• (striking out a batter) Sorry, I'm just doin' my job.

Dante Robinson[edit]

• (during the chatter) I see London, I see France, I see your underpants!
• Just gimme a minute! I'm still hungry!
• (stepping up to bat) I'm turning that ball into creamed corn!
• (stepping up to bat) Bring on the meat!
• (after getting struck out) Next time!
• You should pick me. I've got a pretty good arm!
• (getting picked) Let's dig in!
• My name is Dante, but the kids call me 'Stretch'. I guess that's supposed to be a joke!
• One time, I ate a whole turkey! Bet you didn't know that!
• (striking out a batter) Smooth like butter!
• (striking out a batter) Chew on that, tough guy!
• (getting tired) Whew! I'm running out of juice!
• (getting tired) I'm getting noodle arm!
• (on the mound) Eat this!

Dmitri Petrovich[edit]

• (striking out a batter) Indeed, I achieved the proper ball spin.
• (after getting struck out) It appears as if I need to rethink my strategy.
• (during the chatter) May I remind you that the primary objective is to hit the ball?
• (not getting picked) I must admit I am a bit disappointed.
• (bored on the field) Please, cease this foolishness and just FORFEIT THE GAME!!!!

Gretchen Hasselhoff[edit]

• (getting picked) Goodygoodygoodygoodygoody! (Goody goody goody goody goody!)
• MymomnamedmeGretchenafterhergrandmanamedGretchen. (My mom named me Gretchen after her great grandmother named Gretchen.)
• (stepping up to bat) I'mgonnasmackthisoneouttasight. (I'm gonna smack this one outta sight.)
• (getting tired, talks more slowly than usual) Um... I'm tired.

Jocinda Smith[edit]

• (stepping up to bat) Watch this homerun!
• (getting picked) Hey, alright! (Kimmy Eckman also says this)
• (stepping up to bat) It's time for a homerun!
• (getting tired) My arm is toast!
• (getting tired) My arm is spent! How 'bout a sub?

Jorge Garcia[edit]

• I don't like to swim and I don't like to get dirty.
• (getting picked) I suppose I'll play, but I don't want to get dirty, OK?
• (unprovoked) Did you guys see the map of Hawaii that Justin Verlander painted on Kate Upton’s lower back?

Kenny Kawaguchi[edit]

• (getting picked) Alright! Thanks, buddy!
• (stepping up to bat) Here I go!
• (stepping up to bat) Okay, pitcher, give me one right over the center!
• (after getting struck out) Boy, I messed up.
• (after getting struck out) I'll do better next time.
• (striking out a batter) I'm good.
• (on the mound) I'm gonna get you, batter!
• (getting tired) Man, I don't wanna complain, but my arm is tired.
• (getting tired) I could use a sub right about now.

Kiesha Phillips[edit]

• (stepping up to bat) Heeeeerree's... Kiesha!
• (during the chatter) Watch out, Batman! Here comes the Joker!
• (during the chatter) Say, what's up, Doc?
• (stepping up to bat) Baseball been very very good to me.
• (after getting struck out) You are Despicable!
• (after getting struck out) Coises! Foiled again!
• (getting tired) I need a sub and I'm not talking lunch here!
• (getting tired) I can't take much more of this, captain!

Kimmy Eckman[edit]

• My name's Kimmy and I like candy.
• (stepping up to bat) This one's going to miles!
• (after getting struck out) Darn, darn, darn it!
• (getting tired) Come on, coach! I'm dying out here!
• (on the mound) I'm gonna blow this one right by!
• (getting tired) Hey, kid! My arm's getting tired!

Lisa Crocket[edit]

• (not getting picked) Whatever.
• (stepping up to bat and on the mound) Here goes nothing.
• Leave me alone.
• (getting tired) How about a sub, ace?
• (getting picked) Neat.
• (getting tired) I'm tired. Give me a sub.

Luanne Lui[edit]

• Aww, I wuv you!
• (striking out a batter) I got you! Neenoo Neenoo!
• (on the mound) Neenoo Neenoo! Baddo Waddo!
• (after getting stuck out) Me gonna cwy...
• (getting picked) Did you heew that, Teddy? We got picked!
• (stepping up to the plate) This one's fo you, Teddy!
• (getting tired) Teddy says it's time fo his nap. So we need a sub.
• (on the mound) Oh, I wuv pwaying basebaw!

Maria Luna[edit]

• (stepping up to bat) Okay. I'm gonna knock the stuffing outta this one!
• (stepping up to bat) Okay. This time, I'm gonna hit like a pinata!
• (after getting struck out) Ay-yi-yi!
• (striking out a batter) I... Got... You.
• (getting tired) Hey there, I'm tired.
• (after getting struck out) That's no good!

Mikey Thomas[edit]

• The kids call me Nugget, but my real name is Michael Rhett Thomas.
• (getting picked) You're my friend!
• (not getting picked) I'm telling my mom!
• (stepping up to bat) I've gotta get on base!
• (stepping up to bat) I want right down the middle for me!
• (after getting struck out) No fair! I'm telling my mom!
• (after getting struck out) That's okay.
• (getting tired) I'm tired of pitching now.
• (striking out a batter) I'm pretty good, huh?

Pablo Sanchez[edit]

• (stepping up to bat) ¡Adiós, béisbol! (Goodbye, baseball!)
• (getting picked) ¡Excelente! (Excellent!)
• Soy Pablo. ¿Quieres jugar? (I'm Pablo. You wanna play?)
• (striking out a batter) ¡Adios!
• (when the player clicks him on the player cards section while holding shift) Okay, don't tell the other kids, but uh... I speak English. I learn Spanish in school.
• (taunting from the field) creo que no qieres jugar (I don't think you wanna play)
• (after getting struck out) Este bate no sirve para nada! (This bat is useless!)
• (getting picked) Vamos a ganar! (We are going to win!)

Pete Wheeler[edit]

• (getting picked) Uh... huh?
• (getting picked) So whose team am I on?
• (stepping up to bat) I'm gonna hit a touchdown!
• (during the chatter) Bet ya can't hit a touchdown!
• (during the chatter) Ra ra ra! Go, team!
• (stepping up to bat) Uh, what am I supposed to do again?
• (after getting struck out) Now what?
• (striking out a batter) Uhh... Whoops.
• (getting tired) Uhh... I don't wanna throw the ball no more.

Ronny Dobbs[edit]

• Know what's neat? Aw, nothing.
• (during the chatter) Miss it! Miss it! Now you gotta kiss it!
• (after getting picked) Neat. I get to play.
• (stepping up to bat) I'm going to hit this one two hundred gazillion miles!
• (stepping up to bat) Neener-Neener! You can't strike me out!
• (after getting struck out) No fair!
• (getting tired) I'm getting sleepy.
• (striking out a batter) I'm pretty good for a little guy.
• (after getting struck out) I don't wanna play anymore!
• (getting tired) I don't wanna pitch anymore.

Sally Dobbs[edit]

• (after getting struck out) I could've hit a home run if I wanted to.
• (getting tired) I need a sub. I don't have the same energy as some of the younger kids, you know?
• (getting tired) I'm getting kinda tired of pitching.

Stephanie Morgan[edit]

• I don't know why...
• (during the chatter) Hey, batter!
• (during the chatter) My, oh my!
• (stepping up to bat) As you can tell, I modeled my stance after the great Babe Ruth.
• (after getting struck out) How Humiliating!
• (after getting struck out) Oh well. I'm sure Cal had his bad days, I suppose.
• (getting tired) My daddy says I shouldn't pitch for too long.

Tony Delvecchio[edit]

• (during the chatter) Be-au-ti-ful!
• (getting tired) What're ya tryin' to do, kill me? I need a sub here!
• (during the chatter) Hey, Slick, swing, why don't ya?
• (during the chatter) Growin' a beard out here, waitin' for some action!
• (stepping up to bat) Watch this one, Slick!
• (getting picked) Listen here, Slick, you made the right decision!

Vicki Kawaguchi[edit]

• I'm going to be a ballerina when I grow up.
• My name is Vicki Kawaguchi. My brother's name is Kenny. He's in a wheelchair. Can I go now?
• One time, I was practicing my pirouette and I got so dizzy, I barfed. But don't tell anyone, okay? But it was really gross and stuff, because I just ate a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. Promise you won't tell?
• (getting picked) Hooray!
• (stepping up to bat) Don't throw the ball fast, okay?
• (stepping up to bat) Here comes the graceful ballerina to the plate.
• (after getting struck out) Stupid baseball is for babies!
• (after getting struck out) That's okay.
• (getting tired) I'm tired of pitching. Can I stop now?
• (getting tired) I don't wanna pitch anymore, please?
• My mommy says I'm her little butterfly and daddy calls me his baseball swan. Kenny calls me pipsqueak.

External links[edit]

Backyard Baseball 1997 Download Mac