R.B.I. Fun

R.B.I. for NES is one of my all-time favorite video games. It allowed us a lot of control over the players (compared to the other baseball games out at the time) and had actual MLB statistics and skill levels for the players that you watched on TV and collected cards for.

There are lots of fun things about this game, some that you can control, and some that just happen randomly. One thing that you can control is when the computer has a runner on first, particularly a slow runner (C, D, or E speed), you can easily get him out. Do a pick-off move to your firstbaseman. Once he has the ball, start "running" to second base with the ball, then immediately throw it back to first base. Since no one is there, the ball will roll to the wall and the runner will try to go to second base. You should have enough time to go get the ball and throw the runner out at second base.

You can also sometimes do this when the computer hits a ground ball to left field, especially when it stops at the wall in left field foul territory. As the batter runs to first base and rounds first, position your fielder right next to the ball without picking it up. Let the runner advance to second base and then head for third base. Once he rounds second, pick the ball up and throw it to third. It's usually an easy out.

One fun thing that you cannot control is when you hit a similar ground ball to left field that stops at the wall in foul territory. Sometimes the left fielder will pick up the ball and try to throw it, but will hit the wall instead! The ball then bounces into the crowd and the fielder just runs in place at the wall, trying to get the ball. Meanwhile, you can just keep running bases all day until you score.

Also, sometimes when the computer's outfielder makes a throw to home plate, he will miss the catcher entirely and the ball will roll all the way to the wall behind the plate.

My favorite glitch, though, is sometimes when you bunt the ball (or half-swing at it) and it rolls just between the pitcher and the middle infielder, yet is rolling hard enough... the computer's outfielders end up way out of position and the ball can somehow roll all the way to the outfield wall! You can end up with an in-the-park homerun before a fielder even touches the ball.

Let us know about any fun moves or glitches you've found in RBI!