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Backyard Baseball

Backyard Baseball is a beloved series of baseball video games aimed at children, initially developed by Humongous Entertainment and later published by Atari. The franchise debuted in October 1997 and was originally available for Macintosh and Microsoft Windows platforms. Over the years, the series expanded to include releases on Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Wii, and iOS, becoming a staple in the Backyard Sports series. Since its inception, there have been eleven different versions of the game, including titles like Backyard Baseball 2001-2010 and Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers.

Game Features and Evolution:

The original Backyard Baseball game featured a roster of 30 neighborhood kids from which players could build their own baseball team. As the series progressed, it introduced the concept of “Pro players as kids,” incorporating child versions of famous professional baseball players like Randy Johnson, Derek Jeter, and Mike Piazza, who could be unlocked as the game advanced. This feature added a unique twist to the game and contributed to its growing popularity.

Gameplay and Modes:

In Backyard Baseball, players assume a managerial role, responsible for assembling and leading a team through various competitions. Players can engage in different types of games:

Single Game: Quick, standalone matches.
Season Game: Part of a seasonal league that culminates in playoffs.
Batting Practice: Allows players to hone their hitting skills.
Spectator: Lets players watch a game unfold without participating.

The series offers both exhibition games and a league structure that mirrors major league baseball, complete with division series, championship series, and culminating in the “Backyard Baseball World Series.” The specifics of these series can vary from one game installment to another, reflecting the evolving nature of the game mechanics and features over the years.

Legacy and Impact:

Backyard Baseball has left a lasting impact on sports gaming for children by blending accessible gameplay with engaging, child-friendly elements. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to simplify complex baseball strategies into an enjoyable format for young gamers, making it a cherished part of many childhoods. The series’ innovative approach to including professional athletes as playable characters in their child forms has both entertained and inspired young players, solidifying Backyard Baseball as a classic in the realm of sports video games.

Players:

Achmed Khan (Backyarder)
Alex Rodriguez (from Texas Rangers)
Albert Pujols (From St. Louis Cardinals)
Amir Khan (Backyarder)
Angela Delvecchio (Backyarder)
Annie Frazier (Backyarder)
Ashley Webber (Backyarder)
Barry Bonds (From San Fransisco Giants)
Billy Jean Blackwood (Backyarder)
Bobby Higgonson (From Detroit Tigers)
Brad Radke (From Minnesota Twins)
Carlos Beltran (From Houston Astros)
Carlos Delgado (From Toronto Blue Jays)
Chipper Jones (From Atlanta Braves)
Cliff Floyd (From Florida Marlins)
Dante Robinson (Backyarder)
Derek Jeter (From New York Yankees)
Dmitri Petrovich (Backyarder)
Ernie Steele (Backyarder)
Frank Thomas (From Chicago White Sox)
Greg Vaughn (From Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Gretchen Hasselhoff (Backyarder)
Ichiro Suzuki (From Seattle Mariners)
Jason Giambi (From New York Yankees)
Jason Kendall (From Pittsburgh Pirates)
Jeff Bagwell (From Houston Astros)
Jeff Conine (From Baltimore Orioles)
Jim Thome (From Cleveland Indians)
Jimmy Rollins (From Philadelphia Pillies)
Jocinda Smith (Backyarder)
Jorge Garcia (Backyarder)
Ken Griffey Jr. (From Cincinnati Reds)
Kenney Kawaguchi (Backyarder)
Kiesha Phillips (Backyarder)
Kimmy Eckman (Backyarder)
Lisa Crocket (Backyarder)
Luanne Lui (Backyarder)
Maria Luna (Backyarder)
Marky Dubois (Backyarder)
Mike Piazza (From New York Mets)
Mikey Thomas (Backyarder)
Nomar Garciaparra (From Boston Red Sox)
Pablo Sanchez (Backyarder)
Pete Wheeler (Backyarder)
Phil Nevin (From San Diego Padres)
Randy Johnson (From Arizona Diamondbacks)
Reese Worthington (Backyarder)
Richie Sexson (From Milwaukee Brewers)
Ricky Johnson (Backyarder)
Ronny Dobbs (Backyarder)
Sally Dobbs (Backyarder)
Sammy Sosa (From Chicago Cubs)
Shawn Green (From Los Angeles Dodgers)
Sidney Webber (Backyarder)
Stephanie Morgan (Backyarder)
Tim Hudson (From Oakland Athletics)
Todd Helton (From Colorado Rockies)
Tony Delvecchio (Backyarder)
Troy Glaus (From Anaheim Angels)
Vicki Kawaguchi (Backyarder)
Vladimir Guerrero (From Anaheim Angels)