Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball
SNS-JR-USAKen Griffey Jr.PRESENTSMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL(R)INSTRUCTION BOOKLETSUPER NINTENDO(R) ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM-------------------------------------------------------------WARNING: PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE CONSUMER INFORMATION AND PRECAUTIONS BOOKLET INCLUDED WITH THIS PRODUCT BEFORE USING YOUR NINTENDO(R) HARDWARE SYSTEM, GAME PAK, OR ACCESSORY.Thank you for selecting the Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major LeagueSoftball(R) Game Pak for your Super Nintendo Entertainment System(R).Please read this instruction booklet thoroughly to ensure properhandling of your new game.  Then save this booklet for futurereference.This Game Pak contains a battery backup function to record the progressof the game.WARNING: If the POWER switch is switched ON and OFF repeatedly, theaccumulated contents may be deleted.  Avoid turning the POWER switchOFF unnecessarily (before saving the game) or data may be lost.Table of ContentsThe Birth of the National Pastime........3Major League Baseball--Then & Now........6Getting Started..........................8Icon Description........................10Controller Function Overview............14Pitcher/Batter Screen...................20Fielder Screen..........................21National League Team Histories..........22American League Team Histories..........29Biographies.............................36(TM) and (C) are trademarks of Nintendo of America Inc.(R)1994 Nintendo of America Inc.The Major League Club insignias depicted on this product are trademarkswhich are exclusively property of the respective Major League Clubs andmay not be reproduced without their consent.  Major League Baseball isa registered Baseball Properties, inc.----------------------------------------------------------------(3) the birth of the National PastimeBaseball in the United States began modestly in the 19th century as avariation of many games that made use of a ball and some sort of bat.Throughout this time, baseball's growth mirrored the growth of theUnited States.  By the turn of the century, the country had boomedthrough the Industrial Revolution with cities growing at an alarmingrate.  Likewise, baseball had evolved into a professional sport wherespectators paid to watch skilled athletes play a child's game.The popularity of amateur baseball clubs that played between 1845-1865,led to the introduction of the first professional baseball club, theCincinnati Red Stockings.  The Red Stockings' success against theamateur teams provided incentive to create America's first professionalbaseball league, the National Association of Baseball Players in 1871.Though the new league was not a complete success, it significantlyincreased baseball's popularity across the land.----------------------------------------------------------------(4)WILLIAM AMBROSE HUBERT, President of the Chicago club, and AL SPALDING,a pitcher in Boston, believed that reforms were needed to protectbaseball from the corruption and instability that surrounded theNational Association.  At a meeting in Louisville in 1876, Hubert,Spalding, and representatives of the St. Louis, Cincinnati, andLouisville baseball clubs designed a set of guidelines for a newleague, named the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs.  TheNational League contained eight charter clubs, however, between 1876and 1900, only Chicago and Boston fielded a team each year.During the first two decades of its existence, the National Leaguewithstood threats of competition from newer professional leagues.  Inthe 1890s, the National League's dominance weakened after growing to 12teams, an unmanageable number for that period.  Although baseballremained the country's favorite sport, it was gaining a reputation forrowdiness and dirty play that didn't match the era.  This promptedByron Banford "Ban" Johnson and Charles Albert Comiskey to found aleague based on strong leadership and good virtue.  In the AmericanLeague, games were not played on Sunday----------------------------------------------------------------(5)and women were encouraged to attend ball games.  Johnson and Comiskeyset a goal to establish a new image for the game.  Recognizing that itspower had declined partially by managing too many teams, the NationalLeague sold four clubs to the new league in 1900.Following this transaction, National League officials still scoffed atthe new league when it began play in 1901.  However after luring manypremier National League players with higher salaries and running a"kinder, gentler" league, American League attendance exceeded NationalLeague attendance by 600,000 fans in 1902.  Early in 1903, the NationalLeague granted the American League status as a Major League.  Withthis, came a consistent scheduling system, player contract regulations,and playing guidelines that the two leagues would share.  Anotherproduct of this agreement was the World Series, which pitted theAmerican League Champion against the National League Champion in a ninegame series (later shortened to seven games) that would determine theWorld Champion of Baseball.In 1903, 16 franchises competed for the first World SeriesChampionship.  Though some of these teams have since moved to newlocations or changed their names, the modern era of baseball began in1903 with the same goal that exists today.----------------------------------------------------------------(6) MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Then1903AMERICAN LEAGUE 1903BOSTON RED SOXCHICAGO WHITE SOXCLEVELAND INDIANSDETROIT TIGERSNEW YORK YANKEESST. LOUIS BROWNSPHILADELPHIA ATHLETICSWASHINGTON SENATORSNATIONAL LEAGUE 1903BOSTON BRAVESBROOKLYN DODGERSCHICAGO CUBSCINCINNATI REDSNEW YORK GIANTSPHILADELPHIA PHILLIESPITTSBURGH PIRATESST. LOUIS CARDINALS-----------------------------------------------------------------(7) & NOW1994[AMERICAN LEAGUE 1994]BOSTON RED SOXCHICAGO WHITE SOXCLEVELAND INDIANSDETROIT TIGERSNEW YORK YANKEESBALTIMORE ORIOLES [*(1954)]OAKLAND ATHLETICS [*Kansas City Athletics (1955-67)]MINNESOTA TWINS [*(1960)]TEXAS RANGERS [*New Washington Senators (1961-71)]CALIFORNIA ANGELS [*Los Angeles Angels (1961-65)]MILWAUKEE BREWERS [*Seattle Pilots (1969)]KANSAS CITY ROYALS [*(1969)]SEATTLE MARINERS [*(1977)]TORONTO BLUE JAYS [*(1977)][NATIONAL LEAGUE 1994]ATLANTA BRAVES [*Milwaukee (1953-65)]LOS ANGELES DODGERS [*(1958)]CHICAGO CUBSCINCINNATI REDSSAN FRANCISCO GIANTS [*(1958)]PHILADELPHIA PHILLIESPITTSBURGH PIRATESST. LOUIS CARDINALSHOUSTON ASTROS [*(Houston Colt `45s (1962)]NEW YORK METS [*(1962)]MONTREAL EXPOS [*(1969)]SAN DIEGO PADRES [*(1969)]COLORADO ROCKIES [*(1993)]FLORIDA MARLINS [*(1993)]-----------------------------------------------------------------(8) GETTING STARTEDPlay Ball!Insert the Ken Griffey Jr. Presents: Major League Baseball Game Pakinto your Super Nintendo Entertainment System and move the POWER switchto the "ON" position.Once the title screen appears, press the START Button to advance tomake the game selection menu appear.The game selection menu gives you the option of playing one of fourgame modes: Exhibition, All-Star Game*, World Series*, or Season.The Exhibition Game allows you to match any two teams in a singlecontest with nothing but pride riding on the outcome.  Use this mode totest your skills against the computer manager or a friend.---------------------------------------------------------------(9)The All-Star Game is divided into two modes: the Home Run Derby and theAll-Star Classic.  The Home Run Derby lets you challenge Junior to apower hitting contest.  In this game, each player tries to hit the mosthome runs before making 10 outs.  The All-Star Classic features acollection of top players from the American and National Leagues in anexhibition game.The World Series mode is a best-of-seven game series that can be playedby 1 or 2 players.  The first team to win 4 games, wins the WorldSeries Championship.When beginning season play, you have several options available.  Youcan play a season that consists of 26 games, 78 games, or thetraditional 162 game schedule.You may also play under the 1969-93 divisional format (4 Divisions) orthe proposed 1994 divisional format (6 Divisions).  In the newconfiguration 4 teams (3 division champions and 1 wildcard team) fromeach league to qualify for the league playoffs and a possible trip tothe World Series.The progress in your Season or World Series is saved automaticallyafter each game.  The game can also save and store 1 World Series andone Season for play at a later time.The team selection screen appears when you select the Exhibition, All-Star Game, new Season, or new World Series modes.  Use the +Control Padand the B Button to select a team.  the X Button will cancel yourselection if you change your mind and want to pick a new team.There are two Today's Game Screens that appear in the game.  The firstToday's Game Screen appears following the Team Selection Screen.  Theother Today's Game Screen is a pause screen that appears when you pressthe START Button during a game.------------------------------------------------------------------(10) ICON DESCRIPTIONSKen Griffey Jr. Presents: Major League Baseball uses an icon system soplayers can quickly and easily select various game options.[MLB logo] Play Ball![OPTIONS] This icon allows you to enter the main Options Screen.[1994] The schedule icon accesses a month at a glance calendar thatlets you check out upcoming matchups and results of previous contests.You can only use this icon during season play.---------------------------------------------------------------(11)[Cards icon] This icon lets you view your team's accumulated statisticsfor the current season or World Series.[STADIUM] During exhibition play, you may select this icon and chooseto play inside a different stadium.[LINE UP] This icon lets you make changes to your lineup or defensivepositioning.------------------------------------------------------------------(12) ICON DESCRIPTIONS[BULLPEN] The bullpen icon accesses the bullpen screen where you canselect a different starting pitcher before a game or a relief pitcherduring the game.[TEAM EDIT] This icon lets you edit and save new names for all 700players.[NEWS] During season play, the newspaper icon displays current leaguestandings.------------------------------------------------------------(13)[* icon] This icon opens the Play Options screen.  On this screen, youcan select one of the following four options:Designated Hitter: The game automatically selects the DH when the hometeam is an American League team.  This function lets you decide to usethe DH or not.Manage Only: This allows you to make managerial decisions like when tosteal and bunt.  The computer controls all pitchers, batters, andfielders in this mode.Auto Fielding: This option lets you pitch and hit without fielding.You can use the auto fielder to give a novice player an advantageagainst an experienced opponent.Background Music: Select this mode to turn off the background music.[EXIT] The exit icon returns you to the previous screen.  Pressing theX Button performs the same action on all pregame screens.[SAVE] Select this icon on the lineup, bullpen, and team edit screensto save your data.---------------------------------------------------------------(14) FUNCTION OVERVIEW[This page is a big pic of the SNES controller, and I trust you knowwhat that looks like.]----------------------------------------------------------------(15)PlayersOffense[B] Swing[Y] Bunt[X] Lead Off Base[X] Steal[L and R] Select Runner View[Control Pad and A] Run to Previous Base[Control Pad and B] Run to Next Base[right  1st Base][up     2nd Base][left   3rd Base][down   Home Plate]----------------------------------------------------------------(16)PlayersPitching[Control Pad and B] Pitch Ball[A] Pickoff Attempt[down   Fast Ball][left   Curve Left][right  Curve Right][up     Change Up]---------------------------------------------------------------(18)PlayersDefense[Control Pad and B] Throw Ball[B] Dive[B] Jump[B (2x)] Climb Outfield Wall[Control Pad and A] Run to Base[right  1st Base][up     2nd Base][left   3rd Base][down   Home Plate]-----------------------------------------------------------------------(18)Menu ScreensRoster[left] Select Player[B] Remove New Player/Pitcher (after selecting name)[B] Insert New Player/Pitcher (after selecting name)----------------------------------------------------------------(19)Manager ModeCoach[A] Hit and Run (offense)[X] Steal (offense)[Y] Bunt (offense)[L and R] Select Runner (offense)[X] Pitch Out (defense)[Y] Bean Ball (defense)[START] Pinch Hitter/Relief Pitcher--------------------------------------------------------------(20) PITCHER/BATTERThe pitcher/batter screen is the primary game screen and where the catand mouse game between the pitcher and the batter occurs.  While thepitcher tries to keep the batter off balance with a variety of pitches,the batter looks for a good pitch to drive into the gap or over thefence.  This confrontation sometimes takes place as many as 150 timesin an actual Major League game.During game play, the pitcher/batter screen appears until the batterhits the ball or the pitcher steps off the mound to pick off a baserunner.  When either of these actions occur, the fielder screen willappear.  Refer to page 15-16 for pitching and batting controllerfunctions.The camera box in the upper right corner helps you see the baserunners.  Refer to page 15 for base runner controller functions.--------------------------------------------------------------(21) FIELDThe field screen is where all fielding and base running takes place.When fielding fly balls, the radar screen in the lower right cornerwill display the location where the ball will land (X) and the locationof the nearest fielder (blue dot).  The white dot on the radar screenindicates the current location of the ball.  On ground balls, the balland the fielder are the only markers that appear on the radar.On the field screen, a bull's-eye will appear at the same location asthe "X" on the radar.  This target acts like a magnet to help you catchfly balls.  To catch a fly ball, move your fielder close to the "X" onthe radar and release the +Control Pad.  If the character is closeenough to the target, he'll automatically move to the spot and campunder the ball before catching it.Since the "X" and bull's-eye don't appear on ground balls or short linedrives into the outfield, you must line up the outfielder (blue dot)with the ball (white dot) so the player can field the ball cleanly.You don't need to use the radar for ground balls in the infield sincethe fielder and the ball are usually visible on the screen at the sametime.  Also, on hot grounders through the infield, the computer willautomatically line up your outfielder while you're controlling theinfielder.  Keep this in mind so you don't accidentally overrun groundballs in the outfield.This game recognizes the Infield Fly Rule.  The ruling occurs when thebatter hits a fly ball in the infield with runners on first and secondbase.  This rule prevents the infielder from intentionally dropping theball and turning a quick double play.---------------------------------------------------------------(22) NATIONAL LEAGUEATLANTA BRAVES (Boston 1876-52, Milwaukee 1953-1965, Atlanta 1966-)World Championships (since 1903): 1914, 57National League Championships: 1877, 78, 83, 91, 92, 93, 97, 98, 1914,57, 58, 91, 92National League Division Championships (since 1969): 1969, 82, 91, 92,93For baseball fans across the country, the 1993 Brave season appeared tobe scripted in Hollywood rather than Atlanta.  Nearing the All-Starbreak, the Braves trailed the Giants by 8 games and were surrounded bytalk regarding the team's failure to live up to high preseasonexpectations.  The outlook didn't brighten until July 20, the day `92home run champ, Fred McGriff was acquired from San Diego.  With theGiants still playing outstanding baseball, the Braves methodicallystormed to a 2nd half record of 54-19 overtaking the Giants on the lastday of the season.  Though the Braves' finish of `93 was the stuff oflegends, it was not the best in team history.  In 1914, the BostonBraves compiled an incredible 68-19 record from July 4 to steal thepennant from the New York Giants, the National League powerhouse ofthat time period.  Heading into `94, the Braves reload with the beststarting pitching staff in baseball, headed up by Cy Young Awardwinners, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine.CHICAGO CUBS (1876-)World Championships (since 1903): 1907, 08National League Championships: 1876, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 1906, 07, 08,10, 18, 29, 32, 35, 38, 45National League Division Championships (since 1969): 1984, 89Though the Cubs haven't been to the World Series since 1945, thereisn't a team in the Major Leagues with fans as devoted as the ones whoflock to Wrigley Field.  Prior to the 1945 World Series, the Cubsappeared in a respectable 10 World Series, however they lost 8consecutive Series after winning in 1907-08.  For even the most loyalCub fan, the 1969 season was a difficult one to endure.  Throughout thefirst half of the 1969 season, the Cubs sat atop the Eastern Divisionand, by mid-August, their lead had grown to 8 1/2 games.  As the summercame to a close, the Cubs began to fight two foes: pressure inflictedon themselves and the Miracle Mets, a lowly expansion team thatfinished 9th or 10th in each of their previous 7 seasons.  The Metsmade an incredible charge overtaking the Cubs eventually winning thedivision by 8 games.  The significance of this event is that the Cubfans stuck by their team following the flop.  Today, 25 years later,fans in Chicago can buy "Forgiven but Not Forgotten" shirts referringto the summer of `69.--------------------------------------------------------------(23) NATIONAL LEAGUECINCINNATI REDS (1869-)World Championships (since 1903): 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, 1990National League Championships: 1919, 1939, 1940, 1961, 1970, 1972,1975, 1976, 1990National League Division Championships (since 1969): 1970, 1972, 1973,1975, 1976, 1979, 1990In addition to being the first professional baseball team, theCincinnati Redlegs have been involved in many historical events thatare commonplace today.  These "firsts" include the first switch-hitterto appear in a National League contest (1870), the first NationalLeague home run (1876), the first night game (1935), and the firsttelevised game (1939).  Later the Big Red Machine of the `70s becamethe top N.L. team of the decade by winning 6 division championships andappearing in 4 World Series between `70-79.  This team is stillregarded as one of the best ever.  After a successful 1990 campaign,the Reds entered the World Series as a big underdog to the powerfulAthletics, who had demolished the Giants in the `89 Fall Classic.Though the underdog role was unfamiliar to the Big Red Machine of the`70s, the 1990 Reds seemed to thrive on it and used great pitching andscrappy play to sweep the A's in 4 games.COLORADO ROCKIES (1993-)World Championships: NoneNational League Championships: NoneNational League Division Championships: NoneThe Rockies had what can be described as a very successful inauguralcampaign in the National League.  They won 3 more games than theirexpansion cousins, the Florida Marlins and set a Major League Baseballattendance record with over 4 million fans passing through the MileHigh Stadium turnstiles.  In 1995, the Rockies will begin play in a newpark in Denver.---------------------------------------------------------------(24) NATIONAL LEAGUEFLORIDA MARLINS (1993-)World Championships: NoneNational League Championships: NoneNational League Division Championships: NoneThe expansion Marlins begin their second season in 1994.  The Marlinsearly pursuit of top players through free agency and trades shouldplease fans in South Florida, and with a roster comprised ofexperienced veterans and promising young players, the Marlins look tocontinue building toward success in the near future.HOUSTON ASTROS (Houston Colt 45s 1962-1965, Houston Astros 1966-)World Championships: NoneNational League Championships: NoneNational League Division Championships (since 1969): 1980, 86The Astros came into the National League at the same time as the Mets,and while they never were as bad as the worst Met teams, they neverachieved the success of the great Met teams either.  Historically, theColts-Astros have had stronger pitching than hitting.  This was true in1962 and is still true today.  When the Astros won their two divisionchampionships, they were led by the great pitching of J.R. Richard, JoeNiekro, Nolan Ryan, and Mike Scott.  Today, the Astros are armed withone of the best starting rotations in the National League and look toformer Phillie closer Mitch Williams to bolster the bullpen.  On theoffensive side of the plate, the Astros are looking for young starslike Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, and Luis Gonzalez to return and leadthe team to postseason play in the `90s.-----------------------------------------------------------------(25) NATIONAL LEAGUELOS ANGELES DODGERS (Brooklyn Dodgers 1890-1957, Los Angeles Dodgers1958-)World Championships (since 1903): 1955, 59, 63, 65, 81, 88National League Championships: 1890, 99, 1900, 16, 20, 41, 47, 49, 52,53, 55, 56, 59, 63, 65, 66, 77, 78, 81, 88National League Division Championships (since 1969): 1974, 77, 78, 81,83, 85, 88While the Giants/Dodgers rivalry has certainly been heated over theyears, Dodger fans from Brooklyn to Los Angeles must shudder at thethought of playing the Yankees in the World Series.  The Dodgers werearguably the best N.L. team during the `50s, appearing in the WorldSeries 5 times during the decade and 10 times between 1947-66.However, the Dodgers only won 2 World Championships during the `50s andheld a 1-6 record against the Yankees in 7 Bronx/Brooklyn "SubwaySeries" matchups.  It looked like old times in 1977 and 1978 when theBombers and the Los Angeles Dodgers clashed in consecutive years withboth championships going to the Yanks.  In 1981, the Dodgers won onlytheir third Series against the Yankees in 11 tries.  Ironically, theYankees won more championships, but became the team that fans loved tohate while the Dodgers became one of the game's most popular teams.MONTREAL EXPOS (1969-)World Championships: NoneNational League Championships: NoneNational League Division Championships: 1981During most of the `70s, the Expos were known across Canada as thenational team.  In the United States, the Expos, who for many yearswore hats that resembled multi-colored beanies, were more of acuriosity that seemed out of place in tradition-rich National League.Of course, traditional uniforms were becoming less common in the `70sas buttons and belts were replaced by pullovers and elastic waistbands.The Expo image improved as they began to shake the customary expansionera blues.  In the late `70s the Expos compiled the best record in theNational League between 1979-1982, including a divisional championshipin 1981, and have enjoyed 12 winning seasons since 1979.  Today, theExpos are building off 2 consecutive 2nd place finishes and settingtheir sights on higher goals.----------------------------------------------------------------26) NATIONAL LEAGUENEW YORK METS (1962-)World Championships: 1969, 86National League Championships: 1969, 73, 86National League Division Championships (since 1969): 1969, 73, 86, 88The Mets' story can be described simply as the best of times and theworst of times.  Born through expansion in 1962, the Mets were awfulduring the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.  From 1962-68, theyfinished 9th or 10th each season averaging a woeful 56 wins eachseason.  The outlook became very rosy in 1969.  Not only did the Metsfinish over .500 that season, but they won 100 games and stormed pastthe Cubs to win the division championship by 8 games.  The MiracleMets' incredible run continued in the `69 Series as they topped theheavily favored Orioles in 5 games.  Ironically, Davey Johnson, whomade the final out in the `69 Series for the Orioles, returned tomanage the Mets in the `80s as the team returned to the top of theNational League after a decade of mediocrity.  During Johnson's tenure,the Mets won 2 division championships and 1 World Championship in 7seasons and were favored nearly every year to play in the World Series;incredible pressure for any team, but even tougher in New York.  In1993, the Mets reclaimed their role as baseball's worst team.PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (1883-)World Championships (since 1903): 1980National League Championships: 1915, 50, 80, 83, 93National League Division Championships (since 1969): 1976, 77, 78, 80,83, 93Of the eight original National League teams, the Philadelphia Phillieshave gloomiest history.  Recent successes, including a WorldChampionship in 1980 and three World Series appearances and sixdivision championships since 1976, have blurred the perception offutility surrounding the Phillies.  But, the Phillies once endured 29second division (5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th place) finishes in a 30 yearstretch and a 65 year period without a World Series win.  From 1901-1960, the Phillies won 3893 games and dropped 5130 games with only 15winning seasons, worst of the 8 National League teams in the pre-expansion era.  Even when they were on top, the Phillies found a way tolose.  For example, on September 21, 1964, the Phillies held a 6 1/2game lead over the Cardinals.  After losing 10 of their last 12 games,the Phillies found themselves in 2nd place on the last day of theseason.  The outlook was much brighter a decade later when led by MikeSchmidt, the Phillies of the late `70s and early `80s became one of thetop teams in the National League.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(27) NATIONAL LEAGUEPITTSBURGH PIRATES (1900-)World Championships (since 1903): 1909, 25, 60, 71, 79National League Championships: 1901, 02, 03, 09, 25, 27, 60, 71, 79National League Division Championships (since 1969): 1970, 71, 72, 74,75, 79, 90, 91, 92Though they didn't get the attention the Reds enjoyed in the `70s, thePirates of the Disco Decade were nearly as talented.  During the `70s,the Pirates, Dodgers, Phillies, and Reds won 18 of 20 divisionchampionships.  Though the Pirates finished in 2nd place to thePhillies from 1976-78, the Bucs were the stronger team winning 6division championships and 2 World Championships from 1971-79.  Thoughthe `70s Pirates enjoyed success over a longer period of time, the 1960Pirates had the most memorable finish to a season.  After winning the1960 N.L. pennant by 7 games, the Pirates were still expected to besteamrolled by the Yankees, who were appearing in their 26th Seriessince 1921.  In Game 7, the Bucs trailed 7-4 in the 8th inning butscored 5 runs to take a 2 run lead.  The Yanks followed with 2 runs totie the score at 9.  But, Bill Mazeroski, the Pirates 2nd baseman, ledoff the bottom of the 9th and slammed the 2nd pitch over the left fieldwall to break the tie and end one of the best World Series ever.ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (1900-)World Championships (since 1903): 1926, 31, 34, 42, 44, 46, 64, 67, 82National League Championships: 1926, 28, 30, 31, 34, 42, 43, 44, 46,64, 67, 68, 82, 85, 87National League Division Championships (since 1969): 1982, 1985, 1987If Reggie Jackson is Mr. October, then the St. Louis Cardinals are theNational League's Boys of October with 9 World Championships in 15World Series appearances.  This is particularly impressive since manyof the Cardinal titles came during the Yankees' incredible World Seriesdominance from 1927-62.  Also, there are other N.L. teams with moreleague pennants, but the Redbirds have won more World Championshipsthan any other National League team.  Factoring the Cardinals' threeNational League Championship Series triumphs in with their World Seriesvictories increases the team's postseason series win percentage to animpressive 67%.  Over the years, the Cardinals have been led by manycurrent and future hall-of-famers including Dizzy and Daffy Dean in the`30s, Stan Musial in the `40s and `50s, Bob Gibson in the `60s, LouBrock in the `70s, and Ozzie Smith in the `80s.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(28) NATIONAL LEAGUESAN DIEGO PADRES (1969-)World Championships: NoneNational League Championships: 1984National League Division Championships: 1984After joining the National League in 1969, the Padres experienced 10seasons of mediocrity before making a move toward the top of thedivision with the help of several key player acquisitions.  In 1984,the Padres won their only division championship with Dick Williams atthe helm.  The Padres plan was to sign players who had experiencedwinning with other clubs.  Williams, a former Brooklyn Dodger, knew alot about winning as well.  In 1967, Williams won an A.L. pennant withthe Red Sox.  Williams also managed the A's during their championshipyears in the early `70s.  The 1984 N.L. Championship Series may be oneof the most interesting matchups in recent memory with the expansionPadres and Cubs, a team that hadn't experienced postseason play innearly 40 years.  Led by NLCS MVP Steve Garvey, the Padres topped theCubs in 5 games and prepared for the awesome Tigers, who won 104 gamesduring the season.  Although the Tigers easily handled the Padres inthe World Series, the experience of playing in the fall classic gavethe Padres the lasting respectability that surrounds a winningfranchise.SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (New York Giants 1883-1957, San Francisco Giants1958-)World Championships (since 1903): 1905, 21, 22, 33, 54National League Championships: 1888, 89, 1904, 05, 11, 12, 13, 17, 21,22, 23, 24, 33, 36, 37, 51, 54, 62, 89National League Division Championships (since 1969): 1971, 87, 89The New York Giants were arguably the best team in the National Leagueduring the 30 years following the merger in 1903.  In later years,fireside stories about the Giants often included their rivals fromBrooklyn.  One of the most famous Giant/Dodger confrontations occurredin 1951 when the Giants rallied from 13 games behind on August 11 tocatch Brooklyn and force a playoff.  In the deciding game of the threegame playoff, Bobby Thomson came to the plate in the 9th with two menon base and the Giants trailing 4-2.  Thomson heroic homer is stillknown as the "Shot Heard `Round the World" thanks to the emotionalradio call by Russ Hodges, the Giants' announcer, who could only manageto repeat that famous phrase "THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT!  THE GIANTSWIN THE PENNANT!"  Since 1951, the Giants and Dodgers have clashed inseveral season ending confrontations including 1993 when the Dodgersbeat the Giants on the season's last day to keep the Giants out of a possible playoff against the Braves.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(29) AMERICAN LEAGUEBALTIMORE ORIOLES (St. Louis Browns 1901-53, Baltimore Orioles, 1954-)World Championships: 1966, 70, 83American League Championships: 1944, 66, 69, 70, 71, 79, 83American League Division Championships (since 1969): 1969, 70, 71, 73,74, 79, 83It's a little known fact that the Baltimore Orioles were once theMilwaukee Brewers--the original Brewers, that is.  A charter member ofthe American League in 1901, the team moved from Milwaukee to St. Louisand changed its name to the Browns prior to the 1902 season.  Thepurpose of the move was to give the new American League a team in St.Louis, the fourth largest city in the nation at the time.  The Brownsnever enjoyed the popularity of their cross-town rivals, the Cardinals.Of course, bad play didn't help.  From 1901-1953, the Browns winningpercentage was a anemic .433 with only one World Series appearance,which the Browns lost to the Cardinals.  As bad as the Browns were, theOrioles of Baltimore have been absolutely stellar by comparison.  Since1969, the Orioles have the best winning percentage in baseballincluding the incredible 1969-71 O's that averaged 106 wins per seasonduring that 3-year span.BOSTON RED SOX (1901-)World Championships: 1903, 12, 15, 16, 18American League Championships: 1903, 04, 12, 15, 16, 18, 46, 67, 75, 86American League Division Championships (since 1969): 1975, 86, 88, 90Known as one of the best sports towns in the country, Boston and itspeople have enjoyed a very special love affair with their Red Sox.Fans from Beantown have also endured a great deal of frustration from ateam that since 1918 has often challenged and occasionally won theAmerican League pennant without bringing home a World Championship.Cynical followers have blamed the "Curse of the Bambino" for thedrought.  The curse refers to the fateful December day in 1919 when theRed Sox sold Babe Ruth to their arch-rivals, the Yankees.  Prior to thesale, the Red Sox were arguably the best team in baseball with 5 WorldSeries championships between 1903-18.  Conversely, the sale of thegreatest player of all time helped transform the Yankees, a mediocreteam without a World Series appearance, into the most dominant team inprofessional sports.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(30) AMERICAN LEAGUECALIFORNIA ANGELS (Los Angeles Angels 1961-1965, California Angels1966-)World Championships: NoneAmerican League Championships: NoneAmerican League Division Championships (since 1969): 1979, 82, 86Responding to the Dodgers' immediate fan appeal in Los Angeles, theAmerican League expanded in 1961, adding their own team in L.A.  WalterO'Malley, the Dodgers' owner, wasn't pleased about the prospect ofanother team moving into his recently chartered territory and wouldonly agree to deal if the Angels leased the use of Dodger Stadium forfour seasons.  Though the team played well for an expansion team duringthose early years, the Angels were never able to overshadow themystique of the Dodgers in the Los Angeles area.  In 1966, the Angelsmoved into Anaheim Stadium following the expiration of the DodgerStadium lease and changed their name.  Today, the Angels are using anew philosophy toward winning emphasizing youth rather than the use ofolder players.  Traditionally, the Angels have ignored their farmsystem and tried to win using veteran who paid their dues with otherclubs.  While this strategy landed the Angels in post-season threetimes, it didn't help them win any American League or WorldChampionship.CHICAGO WHITE SOX (1900-)World Championships: 1906, 17American League Championships: 1900, 01, 06, 17, 19, 59American League Division Championships (since 1969): 1983, 93For nearly 100 years, the White Sox have been Chicago's southside team.Sharing the Windy City's fan base with the Cubs, who play on the Northside of town.  During this time, the White Sox have fielded some greatteams including the Shoeless Joe Jackson led teams of the 1910s and theGo-Go Sox of the 1950s, which was one of only two American League teamsother than the Yankees to appear in the World Series from 1949-60.  Ledby one of the best young pitching staffs in baseball, the White Sox wona division championship, in 1993, and experienced post season play foronly the 2nd time since 1959.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(31) AMERICAN LEAGUECLEVELAND INDIANS (1901-)World Championships: 1920, 48American League Championships: 1920, 48, 54American League Division Championships (since 1969): NoneThough the Indians have become the butt of many jokes due to their lackof postseason play in the last four decades, the Tribe of the late `40sand early `50s ranks among the best in American League history.  TheIndian teams of the post-World War II era averaged 94 wins each seasonbetween 1948 and 1956, and although they won a World Championship in1948, the Indian team that lost the 1954 World Series was actuallybetter, winning an amazing 111 games, which was 8 more wins that the2nd place Yankees.  In fact, the 103 wins by the Yankees in 1954 markedthe highest total amassed by any of Casey Stengel's dominant Yankeeteams of the 50s.  Today, there is a new feeling of enthusiasm inCleveland.  With the opening of a new stadium in 1994 and several youngAll-Stars on their roster, the Indians are counting on re-kindling theglory of their past.DETROIT TIGERS (1901)World Championships: 1935, 45, 68, 84American League Championships: 1907, 08, 09, 34, 35, 40, 45, 68, 84American League Division Championships (since 1969): 1972, 84, 87The most prominent Tiger teams from a historical perspective come from4 different eras.  The first of the great Motown teams were led by TyCobb, one of the most competitive and talented players of all time.The teams of the 1930s featured the powerful Hank Greenberg, whoclouted 58 home runs in 1938, still #3 on the all time list.  The 1968World Series featured a pair of pitchers (Detroit's Denny McLain 31-6,1.96 ERA and St. Louis' Bob Gibson 22-9, 1.12 ERA) who posted seasonsthat are still regarded as being among the most dominating of all time.Led by Jack Morris, Kirk Gibson, and Lance Parrish, the 1984 Motor CityKitties jumped out to a 35-5 record to start the season and neverlooked back as they overpowered opponents and finished with a 104-58record and a World Series victory over the Padres.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(32) AMERICAN LEAGUEKANSAS CITY ROYALS (1969-)World Championships: 1985American League Championships: 1980, 85American League Division Championships: 1976, 77, 78, 80, 84, 85The Royals are an example of the perfect expansion team.  The team hasnever finished in last place and won their first division championshipin their 7th season.  By building a strong minor league system, theRoyals were able to call up extremely talented young players likeGeorge Brett, Frank White, and Hal McRae and let the players maturetogether on the field.  This set up a reload, not rebuild formula forsuccess in Kansas City.  In fact, if it weren't for the Oakland A's ofthe early `70s and the New York Yankees of the late `70s, the Royalsmay have received more recognition as one of the best teams of thedecade.  The Royals, however, did get to the World Series twice in the`80s, winning the Big Show in 1985 over the Cardinals in a dramaticI-70 series.  That season reaffirmed the Royal tradition when 21-yearold Bret Saberhagen won 20 games, the Cy Young award, and World SeriesMVP award.  Recently, the Royals haven't won as many games, but thewheels haven't completely fallen off either as the young Royals of the`90s are poised to make another run to the top.MILWAUKEE BREWERS (1969-)World Championships: NoneAmerican League Championships: 1982American League Division Championships: 1982After joining the American League in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots, theteam changed its name and moved to the midwest in 1970.  The Brewers,who celebrate their 25th season in Milwaukee in 1994, have had severalfine teams and many outstanding players throughout the last quartercentury.  Led by managers George Bamberger and Harvey Kuenn, the power-hitting Brewers of the late `70s and early `80s became affectionatelyknown as "Bambi's Bombers" and "Harvey's Wall Bangers".  To date, the1982 season is remembered as the Brewers shining moment.  Future Hallof Famers Robin Yount and Paul Molitor led the charge as the Brew Crewtopped the Orioles on the last day of the season to capture their firstdivisional championship.  In the American League Championship Series,the Brewers overcame a 0-2 deficit to top the California Angels and wina trip to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(33) AMERICAN LEAGUEMINNESOTA TWINS (Washington Senators 1901-1960, Minnesota Twins 1961-)World Championships: 1924, 87, 91American League Championships: 1924, 25, 33, 65, 87, 91American League Division Championships (since 1969): 1969, 70, 87, 91Of the 8 American League teams that started play in 1901, the Senators/Twins have the fewest World Series appearances.  In fact, for years apopular phrase in Washington was "first in war, first in peace, last inthe American League".  The Senators didn't always have the best teams,but they did have the game's best and most popular pitcher in WalterJohnson.  The "Big Train" was the game's first power pitcher, compiling3508 strikeouts in an era lacking in the free swingers that manypitchers feast on today.  Following 60 seasons of mediocre baseball inWashington, the Senators moved to Minnesota and became the Twins.Though the Twins won a pennant in 1965 and division championships in1969 and 1970, they usually fielded teams that were competitive, butunable to challenge for the pennant.  This was demonstrated by 9consecutive 3th or 4th place finishes between 1972-80.  Recently, theTwins have enjoyed the most success in franchise history winning twoWorld Championships since 1987.NEW YORK YANKEES (1903)World Championships: 1923, 27, 28, 32, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 43, 47, 49,50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 61, 62, 77, 78American League Championships: 1921, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 32, 36, 37,38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62,63, 64, 76, 77, 78, 81American League Division Championships (since 1969): 1976, 77, 78, 80,81If the number of championships is your yardstick for success, then theYankees are the most dominant Major League Baseball team of all time.In addition to collecting 33 World Series Championships, Yankee rostershave featured Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle,four unique players who transcended baseball stardom to become icons of20th Century American culture.  In fact, Yankee lore reads like a Who'sWho of Baseball with 28 former pin-stripers already elected to thebaseball hall of fame.  Though the 1927 Yankees, led by Ruth andGehrig, are often regarded as the best team of all time, the BronxBombers of the 1950s, led by the legendary Casey Stengal, were moredominant, winning 5 consecutive World Championships from 1949-1953 andappearing in 10 World Series between 1949-60.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(34) AMERICAN LEAGUEOAKLAND ATHLETICS (Philadelphia 1901-1954, Kansas City (1955-1967,Oakland 1968-)World Championships: 1910, 11, 13, 29, 30, 72, 73, 74, 89American League Championships: 1902, 05, 10, 11, 13, 14, 29, 30, 31,72, 73, 74, 88, 89, 90American League Division Championships (since 1969): 1971, 72, 73, 74,75, 81, 88, 89, 90, 92After passing through Kansas City on their way from Philadelphia, theAthletics settled in Oakland and established a personality and style ofplay that has made them one of the most successful franchises in thelast 25 years.  But, winning hasn't always been associated with theA's.  While they won 5 championships during Connie Mack's 50 yeartenure as manager, his teams finished 7th or 8th place in the eightteam American League 20 times.  After moving to Kansas City in 1955,the Athletics' struggle continued to the point where the team moved toOakland in 1968, after 13 consecutive 2nd division seasons in K.C.After the move, the A's quickly picked up a winning tradition.  Led bya cast of characters that included Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, andRollie Fingers, the A's won five consecutive division titles from 1971-75 and three consecutive World Championships from 1972-74.  Afterrebuilding the team, the A's returned to form in the late `80s andappeared in three straight World Series from 1988-1990.SEATTLE MARINERS (1977)World Championships: NoneAmerican League Championships: NoneAmerican League Division Championships: NoneSince entering the league in 1977, the history of the Seattle Marinershas consisted of more downs that ups.  In fact, early Marinerhighlights often centered around strange give-aways like "Funny NoseGlasses Night" more than great play on the field.  But, in recentyears, the attitude in Seattle has changed with a greater emphasis onwinning.  This has been demonstrated by the hiring of a proven manager(Lou Piniella) who is still in the prime of his managing career and theactive pursuit of top players through trades and free agency.  After 14seasons of sub-.500% baseball, the Mariners finished over .500 in 1991and again in 1993 and now strike fear in opponents with Randy Johnson'spower pitching, Jay Buhner's cannon arm, and Ken Griffey Jr.'s excitingall-around play.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(35) AMERICAN LEAGUETEXAS RANGERS (Washington Senators 1961-1971, Texas Rangers 1972-)World Championships: NoneAmerican League Championships: NoneAmerican League Division Championships (since 1969): NoneBorn through expansion to pacify Washington citizens following theoriginal Senators' move to the Twin Cities, the new Senators never tookflight enduring 10 losing seasons before moving to Arlington, Texas in1972.  Like the Seattle Mariners in the 1980s, the Rangers struggled toshake their expansion image of the 1970s.  Throughout the `70s, theRangers made a habit of acquiring veterans who were past their prime.Many of these transactions backfired leaving the Rangers with adepleted farm system and a high payroll.  Although the Rangers haven'twon a division championship since moving to Texas, many expertsconsider the Rangers to be the team of the `90s with players like 24-year old Juan Gonzalez, who has already won 2 home run titles and WillClark, a perennial all-star during his 8 seasons with the Giants.TORONTO BLUE JAYS (1977)World Championships: 1992, 93American League Championships: 1992, 93American League Division Championships (since 1969): 1985, 89, 91, 92,93Joining the Seattle Mariners as an expansion team in 1977, the TorontoBlue Jays didn't exactly set the league on fire during the team's firstfew years.  In fact, it took the Blue Jays six seasons to finish higherthan last place in their division.  However, behind a philosophycentered around nurturing bright, young talent that would grow withinthe organization, the Blue Jays quickly became a powerful force in theAmerican League in the mid-1980s and have not finished lower than 3rdplace since 1987.  Most recently, the Blue Jays became the first teamto win back-to-back World Series titles since the 1977-78 Yankees.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(36) BIOGRAPHIESSeattle MarinersKEN GRIFFEY JR.As a kid, Ken Griffey Jr., the son of a Major Leaguer, was fortunate tohave the opportunity to shag fly balls and take batting practice withthe game's best players.  This experience paved the way for a smoothand early beginning of his own big league career.  In 1989, at age 19,Junior's lively bat and dazzling defense helped him make the Marineropening day lineup.  In his Major League debut, he showed the poise ofa veteran doubling off Oakland ace Dave Stewart in his first at bat.Throughout his first season, Ken's stellar defense achievements drewimmediate comparisons to the original Kid, Willie Mays.In 1990, Junior and his father, Ken Sr., made Major League history asthe first father and son to play together on the same team.  Later thatseason, the Griffey duo smashed back-to-back home runs in the firstinning of a game against the California Angels.  Following the 1990season, Junior won his first Gold Glove to become the youngest AmericanLeague player to receive that honor.Not satisfied with being described as a potential star, Ken steppedforward in a big way in 1991 and 1992.  In 1991, the 21-year old set ateam record by hitting .327 and in 1992, Junior led the Mariners with27 homers.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(37)He also drove in 203 runs during that two season stretch and was namedthe MVP of the 1992 All-Star Game in San Diego.The 1993 season was the year that transformed Griffey Jr. from a staron the horizon to a legitimate League MVP candidate.  En route toclouting a career high 45 home runs (2nd highest in Major LeagueBaseball), Junior tied a MLB record by hitting at least one home run ineight consecutive games.  Now five years into an already brilliantcareer, many baseball experts consider Ken Griffey Jr. to be the mostdynamic and talented player in the game.Steve Palermo #14The voice you hear in Ken Griffey Jr. Presents: Major League Baseballbelongs to American League Umpire Steve Palermo.  Since breaking intothe league in 1977, Steve has received many accolades and been involvedin hundreds of big games.  Throughout his career, Steve has appeared in5 American League Championship Series (1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1989), 1All-Star Game (1986), and 1 World Series (1983).  Other historicalevents include the 1978 playoff between the Red Sox and the Yankeesfeaturing Bucky Dent's unlikely, but timely, home run and working homeplate during Dave Righetti's no-hitter in 1983.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(38) BIBLIOGRAPHYBjarkman, Peter C., Encyclopedia of Major League Baseball: NationalLeague, New York: Carroll and Graf, 1991Bjarkman, Peter C., Encyclopedia of Major League Baseball: AmericanLeague, New York: Carroll and Graf, 1991Zoss, Joel and John S. Bowman, The History of Major League Baseball,New York: Brompton Books, 1992Photo Credits [Trust me, they did a fine job.]Photographs used on page 4 are courtesy of the National BaseballLibrary, Cooperstown, New York.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(39)Memo.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................-----------------------------------------------------------------------(40)Memo.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................-----------------------------------------------------------------------(41)Memo.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................-----------------------------------------------------------------------(42) WARNINGIt is a serious crime to copy video games.  18 USC 2319 Nintendo gamesare strictly protected by copyright rights worldwide.  Back-up copiesare not authorized and are not necessary to protect your Nintendo GamePak.  Please destroy any illegal copies that may come into yourpossession.  Violators will be prosecuted.If your Game Pak ceases to operate and it is not a copy and yourNintendo Control Deck has no alteration or backup device attached toit.  please call the Nintendo Consumer Assistance Hotline at 1-800-255-3700 (U.S. and Canada) or your local authorized Nintendo distributorfor assistance.-----------------------------------------------------------------------(It's outta here!) WARRANTY AND SERVICE INFORMATION-----------------------------------------------------------------------NEED HELP WITH INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, OR SERVICE?CALL 1-800-255-3700.Nintendo(R)Nintendo of America Inc.P.O. Box 957, Redmond, WA 98073-0957 U.S.A.PRINTED IN JAPAN-----------------------------------------------------------------------[Ken Griffey Jr. Presents: Major League Baseball included a CollectorBaseball Card that regurgitated some of the "Biography" portion of themanual.  Additionally, it featured some vital stats:KEN GRIFFEY JR.Born: Donora, PA 11/21/69Bats: Left    Height 6' 3"Throws: Left  Weight: 205 lbs.1993 STATSAVG..309  H.....180  RBI..109G....156  2B.....38  SB....17AB...582  3B......3R....113  HR.....45SNS-JR-USA