Computer Baseball is a game of both strategy and statistics. Managers manipulate pinch hitters, infield positions, relief pitchers and base runners. 28 major league teams are provided to choose from and data for new teams can be entered as well.
Players will manage the team by choosing four main options: playing against the computer, playing a two-player game, entering data for a new team, or reviewing an existing team's data file. The display screen shows a scoreboard, batter and pitcher status information, and a representation of the playing field, with inputs at the bottom for actions taken.
Defensive actions can be selected from seven options: setting infield positions, outfield positions, how close to hold base runners, making pitching changes, defensive substitutions, saving current game status, and pitching strategies. Some defensive actions will have further options to choose from. Offense actions include selecting a base running strategy, putting in pinch hitters, and choosing how the batter hits the ball.
During gameplay, player injuries can occur due to illness or other factors, which the computer will specify and determine the duration of the injury. If a player is injured, they may be ejected from the game for arguing with the umpire, requiring a substitute player to be chosen. Pitchers will tire if they throw too many innings, so another pitcher must be warmed up.
Before each game, unavailable players and pitchers can be specified on the roster. The computer will then use these details to manage gameplay.
Computer Baseball does not have a feature for saving game statistics or results.