RBI learning curve

[Daaah Evans]

When I learned how to play RBI I had to endure many an ass-kicking from my friend Konrad, a self-proclaimed RBI master.  I was wondering if anyone has an interesting story about learning RBI, which is clearly a game of intense skill?

[vgp100]

I don't know--I just played it over and over and over. I was probably 13 or 14 when I first played it, and just played it like every day after school. That and Tecmo.  
The best part then was the loser players to make fun of. I knew a lot about baseball and just never heard of some of these guys.

[Gwynn3k]

we started at the age of 8 and have been playing ever since... we are still learning new tricks which is why it is the greatest game in the universe.

[sucka free]

I honestly feel that with NES sports game your either born with an innate ability to win or you shouldn't play at all.  RBI and tecmo are two great games that I could just sit down and play.  I have been great at both since the first time I played.  You can't practice to be a great player.  Either you are or your not.  You just practice for refinement.

[Gwynn3k]

i wouldnt call it practice...  more of getting sharp...  speaking from experience,  if you take time off you lose your edge...or at least i did... it takes a while to get it back.

[Gantry]

Taking time off definitely hurts you, a la Sperling at this year's tourney.   Even with straight pitch, your timing is totally off when you take time off...

As for the learning curve, there are a few things that take awhile to master.  It took most of us a year or so to really get the fast throws down.  Now we were all throwing quickly after a couple weeks, but were much more inconsistent back then.  

Another thing that takes time in straight pitch is getting a swinging stance you can utilize.  The retreat came about after a couple years of playing, and is now my preferred batting style.  Before that it was batting at the very top of the box.  I can't do that anymore...

[The__Rocket]

i definitely had to endure many an asskicking when i first started playing RBI baseball and i did have to practice at it to get better there is no way you can just pick this game up and be great at it not if you are playing quality players