knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

[knucklecutter]

This slider set and the gameplay options are designed to be used in Franchise Mode.
The sliders have been thoroughly tested and it's highly recommended that all options be used as is.
The set is designed to be used with a clean screen with no on screen indicators except for the strike zone which is explained below.



GAMEPLAY SETTINGS


BATTING & BASERUNNING - BASIC

Hitting Difficulty = Hall of Fame
Hitting View = The Show 16 (user's choice)
In-Play Offense = Broadcast
Hitting Interface = Directional
Input Type = Buttons
Camera Shift = On
Plate Coverage Indicator = Off

BATTING & BASERUNNING - ADVANCED

Guess Pitch = Off
Baserunning Decisions = Auto (user's choice)
Sliding Decisions = On (user's choice)
Runner Windows = Off

PITCHING

Pitching Difficulty = Hall of Fame
Pitching Interface = Classic
Pitching View = Broadcast
Pitching Ball Marker = Off (classic fade for beginners)
Pitch Confidence = Off
Pitch Delay = Normal
API = Off

FIELDING

Throwing Interface = Buttons
Throwing Meter = Off
Fielding Decision = Auto
Throwing Decision = On (user's choice)
In-Play View Defense = Broadcast
Throw Cancelling = user's choice / doesn't matter if throwing decision is on
Catch Position Indicator = Off
Defensive Shift = Auto (user's choice)
Off The Wall Ribbon = Off

GENERAL - BASIC

Gameplay Style = Simulation
Fielding Aids = Off
Strike Zone On (user's choice)

*** I keep the strike zone on to emulate watching a real game while pitching, and while batting it will show briefly then disappear to help you judge the size of the zone for different batters.***

Hot Zones = Off
Wind = On
Warm Up Relievers = Off (user's choice)

*** I keep the warm up off in case my starter gets injured early on and I have to bring in a reliever unexpectedly as I don't want them to enter the game cold. ***

Tutorial Tips = Off
Post Game Auto Save = Off (I've been burned by this feature in various video game's over the years)

GENERAL - ADVANCED

Scorebar Display = On
Pitch Select Display = Off
Swing/Pitch Info = Off
Balks = On
Umpire Accuracy = Personalized
Umpire Close Plays = On
Check Swing Appeals = On
Injuries = On
Ejections = On
Vibration = Off

*** I highly recommend the vibration setting be turned off, although beginners may initially benefit with it turned on. ***



PRESENTATION


Presentation Mode = Broadcast
Pitch Select Cameras = Always (user's choice)
Pitch Selection Camera Focus = All (user's choice)
Pitch Selection Camera Frequency = Rarely (user's choice)
Batter Walkup = On
In-Game Sideline Reports = On (user's choice)
In-Game Ticker = On



AUDIO/VIDEO


Inside The Show = On (user's choice)



*** CLASSIC PITCHING ***

When the catcher gives hand signals these are the corresponding buttons to the pitch that he wants you to throw. Feel free to "shake him off" and throw whichever pitch you desire.

Pitches from best to worse (using Playstation buttons)

1 finger = X (main pitch)
2 fingers = O (second pitch)
3 fingers = TRIANGLE (third pitch)
4 fingers = SQUARE (fourth pitch)
4 fingers wiggling = R1 (fifth pitch)
fist = I honestly don't know...

Pitches from best to worse (using X Box buttons)

1 finger = A (main pitch)
2 fingers = B (second pitch)
3 fingers = Y (third pitch)
4 fingers = X (fourth pitch)
4 fingers wiggling = RB (fifth pitch)
fist = I honestly don't know...

The length of time that you hold down a button to throw a pitch determines a few things.
A quick tap = minimum effort
A long hold (until the vibration if turned on) = equals max effort.

You can tap the button or hold for any duration you feel fit.
A quick tap has less velocity, less break and more accuracy, while a long hold has more velocity, more break and less accuracy.

Pitches tend to rise when held for a long duration so keep that in mind.
A quick tap is typically not recommended, at least not very often, as that's a good way to get a pitch sent over the fence.


*** HITTING ***

There are 3 types of swings...
Power = less contact (not very often and only with your best hitters)
Standard = natural swing
Contact = less power (I tend to use contact when I have 2 strikes or have a runner in scoring position, depending on the situation)

I don't choose a swing location very often, but there is a detailed directional hitting guide which can be found here...

https://forums.operationsports.com/forums/mlb-show/907904-directional-hitting-guide.html

SLIDERS

V 1.1 Updated May 26th 2021

Human Contact = 5
Human Power = 5
Human Timing = 6 (increase or decrease if you find the hitting difficulty too easy or too hard because of the pitch speed)
Human Foul Frequency = 6
Human Solid Hits = 4
Human Starter Stamina = 8
Human Reliever Stamina = 8
Human Pitcher Control = 6
Human Pitcher Consistency = 5
CPU Contact = 5
CPU Power = 5
CPU Timing = 3
CPU Foul Frequency = 6
CPU Solid Hits = 4
CPU Starter Stamina = 8
CPU Reliever Stamina = 8
CPU Pitcher Control = 6
CPU Pitcher Consistency = 5
CPU Strike Frequency = 5
CPU Manager Hook = 5 (updated May 26th 2021)
CPU Pickoffs = 7
Fastball Pitch Speed = 10
Offspeed Pitch Speed = 10

*** The pitch speeds being maxed out are required for realism and functionality, as lowering them could potentially and will probably unbalance some of the other human sliders. ***

Fielding Errors Infield = 5
Fielding Errors Outfield = 5
Throwing Errors Infield = 5
Throwing Errors Outfield = 5
Fielder Run Speed = 4
Fielder Reaction = 5
Fielder Arm Strength Infield = 4
Fielder Arm Strength Outfield = 6
Baserunner Speed = 5
Baserunner Steal Ability = 5
Baserunner Steal Frequency = 5 (you may keep this on 6 if you desire, although there is no shortage of steal attempts on 5)
Wind = 5
Injury Frequency = 7

Trade Frequency =

5 for Spring Training
1 for April
3 for May
4 for June
5 for July 1-29th
10 for July 30-31st
0 for rest of the regular season
5 for offseason


*** TIPS ***

1. If using 30 team control with a player and a cpu profile, which I highly suggest, try and keep the AI LRP open. Check on the AI bullpen daily before any games are played or simulated that day and move any LRP to a MRP slot if possible. Only injured day to day pitchers should remain here.
2. If you want video game faces of the players on the scoreboards start a fantasy draft and back out before the first selection is made. Your rosters will stay intact.
3. If you want the correct scores to show up on the outfield wall displays and on the ticker at the bottom of the screen go to the calendar and click on view today's games and simulate all cpu vs cpu games before you play your game for that day.


*** SPONSORSHIPS ***

If not using 30 team control with two different profiles I highly suggest that you don't use any sponsorships as the cpu won't use them and if you do you will have an unfair budget advantage.
If you do use 30 team control with two different profiles then the following budget sponsorship template is suggested.

(I am not the creator of this template, I found it on Operation Sports a while back and don't remember who the original creator was.)



1. NYY - (all diamonds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Active replay - 2.5K/hit, Walk up - 40K/win

2. LAD - (all diamonds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 25k/game, Active replay - 2.5K/hit, Walk up - 40K/win

3. BOS - (all diamonds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Walk up - 2.5K/hit

4. CHC - (all diamonds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Walk up - 3.5K/strikeout

5. SFG - (all diamonds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Walk up - 3.5K/strikeout

6. NYM - (all diamonds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Walk up - 40K/win

7. STL - (all diamonds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Walk up - 3.5K/strikeout

8. LAA - (all diamonds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Walk up - 2.5K/hit

9. PHI - (all diamonds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Walk up - 40K/win

10. HOU - (1 diamond/1 gold)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Walk up - 15K/homerun

11. WAS - (1 diamond/1 gold)
In game ticker - 25K/game, Walk up - 2K/hit

12. ATL - (all golds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 20K/game, Walk up - 2K/hit

13. TEX - (all golds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 20K/game, Walk up - 2K/hit

14. CWS - (all golds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 20K/game, Walk up - 15K/homerun

15. SEA- (all golds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 20K/game, Walk up - 55K/save

16. TOR - (all golds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 20K/game, Walk up - 15K/double play

17. SDP - (all golds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 20K/game, Walk up - 3.5K/run

18. ARI - (all golds for sponsor)
In game ticker - 20K/game, Walk up - 20K/stolen base

19. BAL - (all silvers for sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game, Walk up - 1.5K/hit

20. PIT - (all silvers for sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game, Walk up - 20K/win

21. DET- (all silvers for sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game, Walk up - 10K/homerun

22. COL - (all silvers for sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game, Walk up - 2.5K/run

23. MIN - (all silvers for sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game, Walk up - 10K/homerun

24. MIL - (all silvers for sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game, Walk up - 1.5K/hit

25. CLE - (all silvers for sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game, Walk up - 10K/double play

26. OAK - (all silvers for sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game, Walk up - 15K/stolen base

27. CIN - (all silvers for sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game, Walk up - 1.5K/hit

28. KC - (1 silver sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game

29. TB - (1 silver sponsor)
In game ticker -15K/game

30. MIA - (1 silver sponsor)
In game ticker - 15K/game



These are the sponsors that I've acquired this year to fill out the template. I have multiple sponsors in various categories to give it a little variance from team to team. You may use whichever sponsors you want that the game provides, but there are only so many options to choose from in each category.



silver

20k/win - New Balance
15k/game - Under Armour
15k/stolen base - Adidas
10k/double play - Rawlings
10k/home run - Old Hickory | Louisville Slugger
2.5k/run - Victus
1.5k/hit - Stance | Marucci | Trinity Bat Company

gold

55k/save - Wilson
20k/game - Rawlings
20k/stolen base - Franklin
15k/home run - Marucci
15k/double play - Mizuno
3.5k/run - G Form | Under Armour
2k/hit - Old Hickory | Victus

diamond

40k/win - Nike
25k/game - Easton | Louisville Slugger
3.5k/strike out - Mizuno | New Balance
2.5k/hit - Franklin


Please feel free to leave feedback, good luck and have a nice day.

[TopSide83]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

Thank you for sharing. I’ve also been trying to come up with a HOF set and will definitely give yours a try because you play the game the same way I do.

[damion2721]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

These sliders are legit! Great job man!

[MoneyMan17]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

This is definitely an interesting set and I can see how it might give the game an ultra-realistic feel, especially over a season in Franchise mode. Love that its HOF/clean screen.

Was midgame but threw these on anyway and hit a grand slam on my second batter.. but the atbat and the one before it (walked to load bases) was super challenging and rewarding.

Excited to see how these play over a few games.

Only thing that bugs me about a lot of sets is having to adjust something midgame (Manager hook). Is there any way around this at all or totally necessary? Put it in the middle at 6? Just leave on 5 or 7? I'm sure you've tested a lot more than me so interested to know what you think

[Doyoueven85]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

FYI fist is pitch out

[knucklecutter]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

This is definitely an interesting set and I can see how it might give the game an ultra-realistic feel, especially over a season in Franchise mode. Love that its HOF/clean screen.

Was midgame but threw these on anyway and hit a grand slam on my second batter.. but the atbat and the one before it (walked to load bases) was super challenging and rewarding.

Excited to see how these play over a few games.

Only thing that bugs me about a lot of sets is having to adjust something midgame (Manager hook). Is there any way around this at all or totally necessary? Put it in the middle at 6? Just leave on 5 or 7? I'm sure you've tested a lot more than me so interested to know what you think

I've played quite a few games with various manager hook settings, prior to and after the relievers come in... Initially I was going to use 4 for the hook like has been suggested by a few people, but under certain situations that I manipulated intentionally by switching teams, the starter stayed out just a little too long for my liking, although these were in very specific situations. I felt 5 was a good compromise. As far as the 7 for relievers, that is based on numerous simmed games, checking on the pitchers stats. As far as actually playing games, 6 might be a decent compromise compared to 7, but 7 basically insures that the manager replaces the relievers as would be expected. The goal that we're trying to get to is that you want the manager to replace the starter and the relievers as expected instead of "protecting" the bullpen by not not replacing pitchers both starters and relievers, and 8 on the stamina seems to accomplish that goal. If you want to use 6 as the hook all game long, under certain situations the starter may be pulled early , but the bullpen should be ok. To each is his own i guess.

[joshf142]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

Your slider set seems to be the one that makes the most sense to me because having pitch speeds maxed at 10 for both fastballs and offspeed is the way to go for realism, even thought you're on HOF and I play everything on Legend using yours as a base is a good start. The majority of sliders on this site like TNK and Joshc are basically for the casual/newbie sorta players so its good seeing a set geared towards more experienced players. Last year I used Mikelowe slider cause he based his on Legend for everything even though I think his pitch speeds was on default 5 but with a slight adjustment and pitch speeds at 10 made for a good set. I hope your sliders mature in the coming weeks and I'll see how it lines up with my adjustments.

[Sportsfan28]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

Your slider set seems to be the one that makes the most sense to me because having pitch speeds maxed at 10 for both fastballs and offspeed is the way to go for realism, even thought you're on HOF and I play everything on Legend using yours as a base is a good start. The majority of sliders on this site like TNK and Joshc are basically for the casual/newbie sorta players so its good seeing a set geared towards more experienced players. Last year I used Mikelowe slider cause he based his on Legend for everything even though I think his pitch speeds was on default 5 but with a slight adjustment and pitch speeds at 10 made for a good set. I hope your sliders mature in the coming weeks and I'll see how it lines up with my adjustments.

Josh’s sliders aren’t for “newbies” at all.... it’s based off player ratings. Everyone has their own opinion and different skill set. I’m sure these sliders are fine, and have a different purpose from Josh.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[joshf142]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

Sportsfan, JoshC's Sliders are based on All-Star with pitch speeds at 7, If I played at this level the game would be incredibility easy and Franchise wouldn't be fun at all. If you want to play at a realistic level max out your pitch speeds and hit and pitch on Legend with the slider set found in this post.

[Rmiok222]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

Sportsfan, JoshC's Sliders are based on All-Star with pitch speeds at 7, If I played at this level the game would be incredibility easy and Franchise wouldn't be fun at all. If you want to play at a realistic level max out your pitch speeds and hit and pitch on Legend with the slider set found in this post.

My goodness... there are PLENTY of people that play this game and get simulation style results without playing on legend with 10/10
Pitch speeds [emoji23]

I guess you’re just the best!


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[Decent at Best]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

My goodness... there are PLENTY of people that play this game and get simulation style results without playing on legend with 10/10
Pitch speeds [emoji23]

I guess you’re just the best!


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

Some people on this site man [emoji1787][emoji1787]

Sent from my SM-A102U using Operation Sports mobile app

[Rmiok222]

knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

Some people on this site man [emoji1787][emoji1787]

Sent from my SM-A102U using Operation Sports mobile app

Guy joins today, bashes josh, proceeds to tell everybody on knucklecutters thread not to use his difficulty posted on his OP and play on legend.

Good start

Edit: sorry for the derail! I’m done now.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[Sportsfan28]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

Guy joins today, bashes josh, proceeds to tell everybody on knucklecutters thread not to use his difficulty posted on his OP and play on legend.

Good start

Edit: sorry for the derail! I’m done now.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

Unbelievable.. he’s not even worth a response... smh..


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[knucklecutter]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

Please don't use my thread to belittle anyone, this is not the place for that. I do however hope everyone enjoys my sliders, if not that's fine too. There are plenty of slider sets to choose from and I'm sure one can be found to suite whatever needs you may have.

[joshf142]

Re: knucklecutter's MLB 21 HOF directional / classic sliders

Wow, calm down guys like Rmiok222 and sportsfan you two are making a fuss out of nothing. When I said TNK and JoshC sliders are for the casual players is because they are geared towards All-Star with default pitch speeds so its the middle level of skill, that's all I meant by that. When I say "realistic" with pitch speeds being 10 is its realistic to the reaction times of Real Life. A few years back someone did a frame by frame test of pitch speeds and found that on Legend at pitch speeds maxed gives about a .4 to .5 second reaction time to hit the baseball same as in RL....so this is what I meant by "realistic". I think you guys got mistaken by skill level giving simulated results and this can be done at Rookie level with pitch speed at 1. I'm not talking about simulated results, I'm talking about "realistic" gameplay to RL as close as possible as the game allows. There is another slider set on this site with Legend and pitch speeds at 10 but his set is fairly easy cause he's got Contact at 8 or something. Basically Knucklecutter's set even though its HOF makes the most sense so far for my skill level because working on my own set for the past two weeks on Legend and maxed pitch speeds we basically came up with the same results so I just wanna see how it matures to mine in the coming week