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Relief Pitcher

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Relief Pitcher was produced by Atari Games in 1992. Baseball game with play-by-play announcer, and option of playing a standard baseball game or playing as a relief pitcher through a series of games. Doesn't use real teams or players but allows operator to choose up to 4 cities for players to ...

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Developer
Atari Games

Released on
1992

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Sports

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

Relief Pitcher was produced by Atari Games in 1992.

Baseball game with play-by-play announcer, and option of playing a standard baseball game or playing as a relief pitcher through a series of games. Doesn’t use real teams or players but allows operator to choose up to 4 cities for players to select from. Keeps detailed statistics.

Each player can select the throwing arm, throwing motion overhand or sidearm, and special pitch sinker, etc. for their pitcher. The three-button control allows each pitch to be a fastball, curveball, or special pitch and the joystick controls the location and movement. The batter can choose a standard swing, power swing, or bunt with the buttons. The player can choose to play a normal baseball game from start to finish or play as a relief pitcher, and finish up computer generated games starting in the 8th or 9th inning of each.

The game offers an “All-Star” game after you make six relief appearances.
SOUND: The announcer calls the plays as they happen. Curiously, when creating your pitcher, one of the special pitches you can choose from is a “Rising Fastball”. Even an overhand pitcher can throw this pitch in a game. In reality, though, you can’t throw a rising fastball, it is physically impossible.

The announcer is St. Louis Cardinals’ broadcaster Jack Buck, and his likeness is even digitized.
Diehard Atari fans might recognize the names of some of the batters. Several batters are named after Atari employees, including the legendary Ed Rotberg.

While the game does not have an official Major League license, the ballparks for the four teams in the game are based on actual ballparks in Boston, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. A setting in test mode allows up to 32 different cities to be used for the teams, but the ballparks remain the same.

Relief Pitcher

Overview & History

Released by Atari Games in 1992, Relief Pitcher is a quirky, baseball-themed arcade sports title that leans heavily into exaggerated slapstick comedy rather than strict simulation. Operating on Atari's custom hardware, the game sets itself apart from standard baseball titles by challenging players to step into high-pressure ninth-inning scenarios where a team's victory is on the line. Rather than playing all nine innings, you inherit chaotic, bases-loaded jams against eccentric fictional teams with cartoonish mascots and outlandish ballparks. The game is celebrated in retro circles for its unique spin on the sports genre, combining precision arcade timing with arcade-cabinet physical cues, occasionally utilizing specialized trackball or rotary controls depending on the cabinet iteration, making every strikeout and double-play feel intensely theatrical.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Gameplay in Relief Pitcher revolves entirely around the art of closing out games under extreme duress. You select your relief pitcher, each boasting distinct stats for fastball velocity, breaking ball sharpness, and stamina. Once on the mound, the core mechanics rely on a dynamic pitching grid where you must time your button presses to select pitch types—ranging from rising fastballs to devastating knuckleballs—while factoring in wind speed, batter stance, and runner positioning on base. If the ball is hit into play, the perspective shifts dynamically, requiring lightning-fast reflexes to control your fielders, execute diving catches, throw runners out at home, or initiate double plays. Between innings, humorous cutscenes play out, highlighting the frantic manager pacing the dugout and the roaring, peanut-throwing crowds, injecting pure arcade charm into America's pastime.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move pitcher/fielder, aim pitch trajectory
Action Keys: Throw pitch / Execute defensive throw / Dive (Context-sensitive)
Enter: Start / Pause