Newbie Question: Automatic Base Running?

[nhtroutrus]

I'm an old fart in my mid forties, a huge baseball fan but not much of a PC "gamer". I've been playing the PC version since I got it last week, typically doing exhibition games in Rookie or Pro modes against the CPU.

Old fart that I am, I like to keep it simple. I set the game up for automatic fielding, etc., so that the only things I'm controlling are the pitching and hitting.

Unfortunately, when playing this way my base runners will only advance if forced. For example, I might have a man on first and then hit a line shot into the right field corner. The base runner will only advance to second, when it's obvious that he could have made third standing up.

I'm probably missing something simple and obvious, but is there a way to let the CPU control my base runners the same way it controls my fielders?

Thanks in advance for your responses...

Cheers,

nhtroutrus

[MarkB]

First, welcome to the site.

I found the same problem when using automatic fielding at first, so I just learned the controls to run the bases manually and although it might not seem like it, it's much easier that it looks and generally leads to a better experience because it doesn't feel good losing a game 3-2 knowing that you could have won it if the CPU had taken the extra base when it had the chance.

If you can, try to learn the controls for the manual running and see if you like it. :)

[biker_jim_uk]

the problem I find with manual running is trying to get a runner from 2nd to 3rd when I have a man running home. If I press the key to go to third my man turns back from home, cocst me a couple of runs and some stupid outs! :oops:

[brute force]

same thing here. its really annoying. i cant seem to get i right

[nhtroutrus]

Thanks for the responses, guys! I'm glad I found this place.

I went ahead and played a quick game and tried manual running, but found it to be a bit awkward using my Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick, which is primarily designed for Flight Sim games. It has a "Hat" switch (Right Analog Stick) nestled at the top between the 3, 4, 5, & 6 buttons. I also own a Logitech Wingman RumblePad (Version 1). Does anyone think I would be better off using it instead of the Joystick? I feel that I have much better control of Pitching and Hitting with the Joystick, but again it may only be a matter of practice...Opinions?

Alternately, I really would enjoy trying AUTOMATIC baserunning, if only it would make "intelligent" running decisions for me, such as advancing from first to third on a hard single to right field...Maybe even the occasional steal attempt.

What am I missing here? Is there a way to do it?

Cheers,

nhtroutrus

[Renegade11]

nh...u can try setting the cpu running agression up...but it may cost u sometimes in another way- they may advance when they shouldnt and be thrown out..but I use manual baserunning and turned up comp run aggression just to make the comp try for the extra bases a little more and Im quite happy with it..its trial and error for the settings, but u can change them in game and when u find the ones u like then u can change them in the options at the start up screen and make them your default settings..hope this helps!

[mrmariner]

I use auto running also. Its the USER runner aggression that you want to set not the CPU. I have user runner aggression set at 25 and my runners go from first to third on hits to the gap. They also try to score from second.

[RAM]

Thanks for the responses, guys! I'm glad I found this place.

I went ahead and played a quick game and tried manual running, but found it to be a bit awkward using my Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick, which is primarily designed for Flight Sim games. It has a "Hat" switch (Right Analog Stick) nestled at the top between the 3, 4, 5, & 6 buttons. I also own a Logitech Wingman RumblePad (Version 1). Does anyone think I would be better off using it instead of the Joystick? I feel that I have much better control of Pitching and Hitting with the Joystick, but again it may only be a matter of practice...Opinions?

Alternately, I really would enjoy trying AUTOMATIC baserunning, if only it would make "intelligent" running decisions for me, such as advancing from first to third on a hard single to right field...Maybe even the occasional steal attempt.

What am I missing here? Is there a way to do it?

Cheers,

nhtroutrus

i haven't used the wingman but i think others here do. i would recommend the saitek p880, if the wingman doesn't give you what you need it runs about $20 at circuit city etc.

as far as auto fielding and running IMO the cpu falls short literally. once you get the hang of it, i think you'll be a lot happier with the results of taking control of it yourself. you'll get to more balls in the field and make more plays on the basebaths. it's one thing to make a goof and kick yourself, when it's YOU that made the mistake. it's another to have to sit and watch the cpu screw it all up instead.

[nhtroutrus]

Again, my thanks for all of the responses.

To the Mods who encouraged me to handle the fielding and running myself: I hear ya, but as I said, I'm an old fart who isn't part of the "video game generation"...Hell, I was in the Navy by the time "Pong" first came out. What I'm looking for is a relaxing, low impact experience that doesn't require my absolute undivided attention (not to mention a high level of gamepad dexterity). If the CPU blows a play for me from time to time, I can live with that, as long as it behaves ~90% of the time.

I absolutely respect the idea of being a purist, but for me gaming is hanging out with a TV show in the background, having a conversation with my wife at the same time. If I try to control too many things at once with any computer game, I just get way too focused and "white knuckle", and it stops being relaxing. Just my old fartdom manifesting itself... :wink:

Anyway, I've been working with the Wingman and User Running Aggression (thanks, mrmariner!) and so far, so good. If it gets boring, I'll take on a bit more responsibility in the future. Right now, my level of play is such that I'm thrilled just to beat a Double A team at Yankee Stadium with Johnson pitching!

Thanks Again,

nhtroutrus