Inside Pitch Baseball

About this board game

Inside Pitch Baseball is a 2008 baseball simulation for 1–2 players with an approximately 30-minute play time. It uses a card-driven approach to recreate the contest between pitchers, hitters, defenses, and ballparks.

The game is based on Defense Independent Pitching Statistics, the theory that a pitcher’s value comes from strikeouts, walks, and home runs allowed because these are the events under the pitcher’s total control. Each at-bat begins on the pitcher’s card, but the batter ultimately determines the result.

Pitchers and hitters have separate left-handed and right-handed ratings when they have at least 40 batters faced or at-bats against each side. Hitters are also rated according to where they actually hit the ball during the represented year. Defensive action, including range plays and errors, is integrated directly into the game rather than handled through separate chart lookups.

• Pitcher and hitter cards: Resolve at-bat outcomes directly from the players’ cards.
• Integrated defense: Range plays and errors become part of the flow of play.
• Base running: Stealing, bunting, and other running decisions can be handled by the game engine for solitaire play.
• Ballpark cards: Parks influence home runs, hits, strikeouts, and walks, while also adding rare plays and opportunities to stretch hits.

Every ballpark has its own card, giving the setting a meaningful role in each game. The Astrodome is associated with few home-run chances, while Coors Field earns its reputation as a launching pad. With no 50/50 setup or outside chart lookups, Inside Pitch Baseball offers a distinctive way to step into the game of baseball.