Overview

ASG Baseball is a tabletop baseball simulation game originally designed by George Gerney and published by 3W (World Wide Wargames) in 1989. The game uses individual batter and pitcher cards based on real Major League Baseball player statistics, combined with a D20 die and result charts to simulate realistic baseball games. Players manage lineups, pitching changes, and in-game strategy to recreate the experience of managing a real baseball team.

Components

• Player cards (individual batter and pitcher cards with real MLB statistics)
• 1 Twenty-sided die (D20)
• Result charts (hitting, pitching, fielding, baserunning)
• Scoresheet/lineup cards
• Rules booklet
• Season card sets (sold separately for various MLB seasons)

Setup

1. Each player selects a team and arranges their lineup using the corresponding player cards.
2. Set the batting order for each team (9 batters).
3. Designate a starting pitcher for each team.
4. Place the result charts where both players can reference them.
5. Prepare a scoresheet to track innings, runs, hits, and errors.

Turn Structure

The game follows the standard structure of a baseball game:

1. Visiting team bats (top of inning): The visiting player sends batters to the plate one at a time until three outs are recorded.
2. Home team bats (bottom of inning): The home player bats until three outs are recorded.
3. Advance inning: Move to the next inning. The game lasts 9 innings (with extra innings if tied).

Actions

• At-bat resolution: Roll the D20 and cross-reference the result against the batter’s card and pitcher’s card to determine the outcome (single, double, triple, home run, walk, strikeout, ground out, fly out, etc.).
• Baserunning: Advance runners according to chart results and optional baserunning decisions (steal attempts, hit-and-run).
• Pitching changes: Replace a tired or ineffective pitcher with a reliever from the bullpen.
• Defensive positioning: Some versions include rules for defensive shifts and positioning.
• Pinch hitting/running: Substitute players for tactical advantage in key situations.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The team with the most runs at the end of 9 innings (or extra innings if tied) wins the game. Runs are scored when baserunners advance around all four bases and reach home plate, exactly as in real baseball.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Real statistics: Player cards reflect actual MLB season statistics, so each player performs differently based on their real-world performance.
• Pitcher fatigue: Pitchers lose effectiveness over extended outings, encouraging realistic bullpen management.
• D20 resolution: All outcomes are determined by a single D20 roll cross-referenced against charts, providing a wide range of 20 possible results per at-bat.
• Season sets: Card sets were published for various MLB seasons, allowing players to replay historical matchups.
• Solitaire play: The game is well-suited to solo play, with one person managing both teams.
• Advanced rules: Optional rules cover stolen bases, intentional walks, sacrifice bunts, double plays, and errors in greater detail.

Player Reference

Core mechanic: D20 die roll cross-referenced against player statistic cards and result charts

Game length: 9 innings (standard baseball game)

Resolution: Roll D20 -> check batter card vs. pitcher card -> consult result chart -> apply outcome

Win condition: Most runs after 9 innings (extra innings if tied)