EARL WEAVER BASEBALL 1.5

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Numerous software companies have tried to create the ideal baseball game, to find the balance between an arcade-style game and a statistics-based simulation. Electronics Arts' Earl Weaver Baseball is one of the best, but the new version is better.

The enhancements include a bigger viewing area focusing on the pitcher and batter, a new keyboard interface that allows players to move through the startup menus and game options easier, getting to the on-field action quicker.

What sets EWB apart from the others is the feeling of actually managing a team. You can warm up pitchers in the bullpen, position fielders, and call for a mound conference. Other nice touches include the ability to play in current, historic, or imaginary ball parks and print out lineups and box scores. An optional commissioner's disk lets you set up your own league, teams, and ball parks. Additional player-statistics disks are also available, including one for the 1988 season.

The only drawbacks are the lack of realistic sounds and the inability to control your fielders (you only direct their throws). Otherwise EWB represents an excellent mix of strategy and action. I'm sure we'll see others attempt to best it, which is good news for computer baseball players.

MICKEY McLEAN