Introduction
Hard Sleeve Baseball (HSB) is a new type of game meant to be played with baseball cards in hard shell sleeves. HSB comes complete with it's own rating system so that any baseball card from any generation can be played in the game, enjoy!


Requirements
Hard Sleeve Baseball (HSB) must be played with existing baseball cards from current and past trading card companies. Cards must have immediate previous years statistics, from card print year, to play. No specialty cards, see Ratings. HSB is a two player game where each team must provide a full starting lineup[1] to play. All cards must be rated and entered into the scorecard prior to the first pitch, see Ratings.


Game-play
There are 1-5 dice rolled per team each at bat. The number of dice each team rolls is determined by their players pitching and batting ratings (rounded). The pitching team rolls first but cannot roll until the batter is in the batters-box, followed by the batting team. If the pitcher rolls the highest dice then the batter is out! If the batter rolls the highest dice then the batters highest dice minus the pitchers highest dice determines how many bases the batter is awarded. If there is a tie then the player with the highest full rating draws an action card.[2] Pitchers incur a -.1 point pitch count penalty per inning pitched.


Hits
Forced runners advance on a hit. Runners not forced on the hit can choose to take a base but must draw a steal card per base, see Steals.


Steals
If a base-runner intends to steal a base he must announce, by leading-off, and draw a steal card prior to the pitching teams next roll. If the number on the back of the steal card is greater than the base-runners previous years stolen bases then the runner is out! If the number is less than the runner is safe, tie goes to runner. Each runner can steal multiple bases, though must pull a steal card per base. If a base-runner is called safe stealing, he also avoids any double-play actions. If a runner intends to steal home then it considered a squeeze play and he must beat double the number on the steal card, unless after a hit.


Scorecards
Scoring is simple. When a batter is called out, mark an X in the box for that player in that inning. When a runner scores, mark R in the box for that player in that inning. Runs should be totaled and entered in the box score at the end of the inning. Optionally, hits can be marked by base number and can assist in keeping track of the game.


Substitutions
Substitutions work the same way as in baseball including designated hitters, pinch hitters/runners, and relief pitchers.


Series-play and Leagues
Each team can have up to a maximum 25-man active roster. Pitchers retain rating between games and are awarded a .6 point rest bonus per game sat, up to their full rating.
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[1] Players must play the position listed on their card. Positions not manned count as an out when up to bat.
[2] If players have same full rating pitcher draws.