freem's HardBall 5 Page

There are multiple versions of HardBall 5 for PC. Some were distributed in-box, while others were released as patches. This page attempts to catalogue all known versions.

Accolade's HardBall 5 tech support page (archived) has some relevant information regarding HardBall 5 versions. Some of the information is replicated here for convienence purposes.

1. The Enhanced version does NOT have the Old Time Stadiums or Legends League (we apologize to anyone who has a misprinted box).
2. The Enhanced version has the 1997 rosters.
3. There is only ONE patch that works on the ENHANCED version (to fix the 'bases loaded' crash). [v5.14 -ed]
4. You should be able to use the roster patches for both versions.

Accolade has helpfully provided information about the various retail disc pressings, as there appears to be issues with some pressings. Any links to redump.org are added by me, and are not found in the original source.

"These numbers can be found on the underside of the CD near the center ring."

• Original CD ID: SRCR@@03 Doesn't work with Mitsumi and possibly some Panasonic or Sony CD-ROM drives.
• 1st repress: SRCR##03 Works with Mitsumi 2X
• 2nd repress: SRCR##05 Works with Mitsumi 2X & Aztec 2X [redump.org]
• 3rd repress: SRCR+01 Version 5.12 with the Spring Training rosters. [redump.org]
• 4th repress: WEA MFG Enhanced version with no Legends Leagues and no Old Time Stadiums

The original release of the game. I can't give much information on it, since my HardBall 5 CD came with v5.11.

Compiled November 26, 1995

This appears to be the first patch released. It fixes a number of bugs and includes a few enhancements. Some retail copies of the game come with this version on the disc.

• Fix pitcher rotation problems in played out league games (this was causing the game to crash after 4 or 5 league games were played out in a row).
• Fix missed catches in outfield.
• Reduce the number of foul balls to 1/3 what it is in version 5.00.
• Fix scrambled photos (photo does not match name).
• Importing a team sets manager profiles correctly.
• Fix problems related to importing teams into certain positions.
• Reset stamina meter and pitch speed when a new pitcher is brought in.
• Fix display problems in Trade&Sign area after following a very specific sequence of tasks.
• Fix position designation when you sub a P in for a DH.
• Maddux isn't performing as expected.
• Fix problems which prevent some leagues from continuing because the game thinks some games must be completed first.
• Kansas City planted real grass this year.
• Fix missed throws to 1st during pickoffs.
• Fix rare crash in the trade players area.
• Investigate reports from a few users reporting too many hit batsmen.
• Fix computer lineup problems when simulating seasons with injuries enabled.
• Fix bugs related to handling wild pitches during game play.
• If a player takes 2nd on a throw home it should only be a single.
• Fix errant "carrier lost" message on direct connection modem play.
• Fix occasional sluggishness with announcer enabled.
• Fix spelling of "Dont't Steal".

• Autofielding infielders should grab more balls that travel near to them.
• Computer runners are more cautious if a fly ball looks like it might be caught.
• Add an empty team (EMPTY.HB5) which can be imported to create new teams.
• Improve computer fielding positions in some very deep old-time stadiums.
• Add more sound card entries for Compaq Presario and Reveal sound cards.
• Address user confusion between Al calling the season average and the current game At Bat results in the same sentence.
• Address confusion about the cross-hairs and whether it should be a ball or strike.
• Navy Blue uniform color is not dark enough for Cleveland and New York fans.
• Make bunting more realistic.
• Computer does not seem to swing at balls outside the strike zone or take strikes often enough.
• There are very few infield pop-ups.
• Some users find the computer gets too many hits and too many runs.
• It's sometimes difficult to move a fielder over a small amount to catch a drifting fly ball.
• Users would like to customize all teams then sim seasons without having to buy each team.
• It's too difficult to catch stealing computer runners.
• Make one-pitch mode available in human managed games.
• Add ability to override computer control when auto-fielding active (press button A anytime you want to jump into the action).
• Add ability to trade players and change lineups without having to buy a team.
• Improve ability to make plays and move in foul territory.
• Add ability to display opponent's baseball card on playfield.
• Make crowd react as a home only crowd, not a mixed home and away crowd.
• Retry initial CDROM access several times to avoid problem with DOS recognizing newly inserted discs.
• Display baserunner name and speed in baserunner windows (pressing F3 toggles this feature on and off).
• Add button on player editor to disable digitized photo and name.
• Speed up Changeup pitches slightly.

Compiled December 1, 1995

Originally released as a patch and included in the 3rd re-press of the game. This is the last of the "original" HardBall 5 versions.

Fixes in v5.12 include:

• Fix errant "out" call after force was taken off by tagging a runner.
• Fix problem which prevented customized stat selections to be reloaded when booting the game.

Compiled May 20, 1997

This is the first "Enhanced" edition, which includes updated rosters and an updated schedule, but removes the classic stadiums and legends league. Has a bug where the game will crash with the bases loaded.

Unlike all other versions, "5.13" is hardcoded into the executable. Other changes are unknown.

Compiled June 30, 1997

This version fixes the bases loaded crash in v5.13. It's unsure what the "LP" stands for, or if there are any other changes.