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The Software Construction Co. Presents ... Diamond Data (tm) Version 4.4 April 1993 _______ ____|__ | (tm) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | | -------------------- |___|___| MEMBER The Software Construction Co. P.O. Box 160 North Billerica, MA 01862 CIS: 70313,3615 GEnie: W.GEISER (C) Copyright 1989-1993 The Software Construction Co., All Rights Reserved. 1. Introduction 1 2. Getting Started 3 3. Using Menus 4 3.1 Return Key 4 3.2 Escape Key 4 3.3 Cursor Control Keys 4 3.4 Mouse Support 4 4. Options 5 4.1 DO.<function-key> 5 4.2 MONITOR 5 4.3 OO.<function-key> 6 4.4 PO.<function-key> 7 5. Errors 8 6. Files 9 6.1 Database Files 9 6.2 Options File 9 7. Menus 10 7.1 Edit Data 10 7.1.1 Add a new player 10 7.1.2 Add player data 10 7.1.3 Edit player data 12 7.1.4 Delete player 13 7.1.5 Delete player data 13 7.1.6 Add new game 14 7.1.7 Editing game data 14 7.1.8 Delete game 14 7.2 Read a Database 14 7.3 Write a Database 15 7.4 Clear Memory 15 7.5 Reports 15 7.5.1 Run Report 16 7.5.2 Choose Order 16 7.5.3 Filter Players 17 7.6 Merge Database 17 8. User Supported Software 19 9. Bug Reports 23 10. Known Problems/Limitations 24 Appendices 25 A. Statistics Definitions 25 B. Addresses 32 Diamond Data Version 4.4 1. Introduction As you are reading this, you must have some interest in softball or baseball. This program will be of use for either sport because the statistical record keeping is much the same for both sports. Diamond Data [1] is intended to aid a player or coach in maintaining the potentially large amount of statistics that can be generated by a team, league, or individual player. In addition, the report writing facilities can be of help in making some of coaching decisions (e.g. generating batting orders, etc.). It is particularly good at maintaining individual player statistics for a team during a season. Diamond Data can also be used to keep track of statistics for an individual player across multiple seasons. This is easily accomplished by treating each season as if it were a player. For example, the player's "name" might be "1990 season." In this way, a player's "career" can be examined at a glance by looking at "team" statistics. Below is a list of statistics this version of Diamond Data can track. Those with an * before them are calculated from other statistics entered and cannot be changed except by changing the statistics upon which they are based. The symbol following (if any) in parentheses is the abreviation used in reports. See Appendix A for a description of these statistics and how they are calculated. Assists (Ass) At Bats (AB) *Batting Average (Avg) Doubles (2B) *Earned Run Average (ERA) Earned Runs (ER) Errors (ERR) *Fielding Percentage (Fld%) Game Winning RBIs (GWR) Games (G) 1. Diamond Data is a trademark of The Software Construction Co. 1 Diamond Data Version 4.4 Hits Hits given up (H) Hit by Pitch (HP) Home Runs (HR) Home Runs Given Up (HR) Innings Pitched (IP) Losses (L) *On Base Average (OBA) Putouts (PO) *Runners Per Inning Pitched (R/IP) Runs Runs Batted In (RBI) Runs Given Up (R) Sacrifices (SAC) Saves (S) *Slugging Percentage (SLG) Stolen bases (SB) Strike Outs (SO) Strike Outs Pitched (SO) Triples (3B) Walks (BB) Walks Given Up (BB) *Winning Percentage (W%) Wins (W) Diamond Data is designed to run on MS-DOS [1] or PC-DOS [2] machines. It requires version 2.0 or greater to operate correctly. Diamond Data performs quite adequately from a floppy drive, but as with nearly all programs, better performance can be had if run from a hard disk. Diamond Data has mouse support built in but has no support at this time for a floating point coprocessor. 1. MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. 2. PC-DOS is a registered trademark of IBM. 2 Diamond Data Version 4.4 2. Getting Started Before running the program for the first time, it is a good idea to make a backup of the original program disk. Yes, we know that EVERY program you have ever used says to make a backup before you use it. We also know that many of you ignore that advice. We would like you to know that this advice is not given because we have stock in diskette companies (we don't even know what brand of diskettes you might use). It is given as good, friendly, advice that is intended to possibly save you trouble. We believe you know how to make a backup. So, we won't describe how. If you need help, read the DISKCOPY entry in your DOS manual. Now that you've made the backup, you'd probably like to know how to use this masterpiece we've slaved over (and we hope it shows). The format of the command line is: diamond [<database-name>] <database-name> is the optional database name to load (You'll be able to load a database from within Diamond Data regardless of whether you specify this parameter or not.) The title screen is displayed first. Type any character to remove the title screen from your display and begin the program. If a database name was specified on the command line, it will be loaded. If you'd like to exit back to DOS without entering the program, use the escape key (Esc on your keyboard). The initial screen has two parts. In the upper left hand corner is the main menu. In it, you will see selections to read and write databases, generate reports, etc. Across the bottom of the screen is another window which is used to display various values (such as the name of the database which is loaded) during the running of the program. 3 Diamond Data Version 4.4 3. Using Menus 3.1 Return Key The return key saves any data you may have just entered. To exit the menu without saving, use the escape key (described in section 3.2). 3.2 Escape Key The escape key (Esc on your keyboard) is designed to get you out of each menu without saving. Any data you may have changed just before striking this key will be lost. To save the data you may have just entered, use the return key (described in section 3.1). 3.3 Cursor Control Keys The cursor control keys let you select a different choice from the current menu. To select the highlighted choice, press return (described in section 3.1). To exit the menu without saving, press the escape key (described in section 3.2). 3.4 Mouse Support Diamond Data is designed to work with any Microsoft [1], Mouse Systems [2], LOGITECH [3], or compatible mouse. Mouse movement will move the highlighted choice within the menu. To select the choice, use the left mouse button (or use return on the keyboard). Exiting a menu without saving works the same as with the cursor control keys (use the escape key). 1. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. 2. Mouse Systems is a trademark of MSC Technologies, Inc. 3. LOGITECH is a trademark of LOGITECH, Inc. 4 Diamond Data Version 4.4 4. Options Diamond Data can be configured to make the program better match your hardware or your tastes. For example, you can indicate whether you have a monochrome or color monitor and indicate your preferences for default values for some of the sorting functions, etc. The way this is accomplished is through a file named DIAMOND.CFG. Each line in this file must either start with a #, which indicates a comment line (i.e. will be ignored), or be of the form <option> = <value> The values for <option> and <value> that are currently supported are described below. The default value, if there is one, is listed in ()'s after the option name. 4.1 DO.<function-key> This set of options allow you to configure the default settings used in the Choose Order menu (see section 7.5.2) when generating defensive reports. <function-key> can be f1, f2, f3, or f4. Valid values are: assists errors fielding-percentage putouts This set of options will make more sense after running through the program a few times. As distributed by us, the configuration file contains a sample set of values. For now either ignore them or delete them from the file completely. (Placing a # in front of the line is a good way of having your cake and eating it too. They will be ignored by Diamond Data but can easily be retrieved if necessary.) 4.2 MONITOR (MONO) This option allows you to configure the program to match the monitor attached to your machine. Valid values are MONO (for monochrome) and COLOR. Note that red windows are reserved for error conditions. The other window colors are randomly selected as each window needs to be created. 5 Diamond Data Version 4.4 If you choose MONO and have a color monitor, you will see all menus in black and white. If you choose COLOR and have a color monitor, you may get various results depending on your monitor and display adapter. Some monitors will display various shades, or intensities. Others will display purely monochrome output. You may notice that some of the window titles appear to be missing in this situation. Others, still, may generate errors or cause the program to fail. We haven't encountered this problem, but we suppose it IS possible. Simply alter the file to reflect the other type of monitor and start the program over. 4.3 OO.<function-key> This set of options allow you to configure the default settings in the Choose Order menu (see section 7.5.2) when generating offensive reports. <function-key> can be f1, f2, f3, f4, or f5. Valid values are: The old CO.<function-key> syntax from when Diamond Data was known as Softball Coach is still available. It means exactly the same thing as OO.<function-key>. We suggest, however, that you change over to the new syntax at your earliest convenience in case it becomes necessary to withdraw support of this feature. at-bats batting-average doubles game-winning-rbis games hit-by-pitch hits home_runs on-base-average runs runs-batted-in sacrifices slugging-percentage stolen-bases strike-outs triples walks 6 Diamond Data Version 4.4 This set of options will make more sense after running through the program a few times. As distributed by us, the configuration file contains a sample set of values. For now either ignore them or delete them from the file completely. (Placing a # in front of the line is a good way of having your cake and eating it too. They will be ignored by Diamond Data but can easily be retrieved if necessary.) 4.4 PO.<function-key> This set of options allow you to configure the default settings in the Choose Order menu (see section 7.5.2) when generating pitching reports. <function-key> can be f1, f2, f3, f4, or f5. Valid values are: earned-run-average earned-runs hits home-runs innings-pitched losses runners-per-inning-pitched runs saves strike-outs walks winning-percentage wins This set of options will make more sense after running through the program a few times. As distributed by us, the configuration file contains a sample set of values. For now either ignore them or delete them from the file completely. (Placing a # in front of the line is a good way of having your cake and eating it too. They will be ignored by Diamond Data but can easily be retrieved if necessary.) 7 Diamond Data Version 4.4 5. Errors Diamond Data displays a separate window to describe any error condition which may arise. This window appear red on those monitors which can display color if the MONITOR option has the value COLOR. Note, only errors will appear in a red window. The other window's colors will be selected at random at the time that window is created. 8 Diamond Data Version 4.4 6. Files Diamond Data uses several kinds of files in the course of its operation. We list them here so that you may decide whether you need to keep these files on your disk. Be aware that some of these files may only be manipulated by Diamond Data. Any attempt to alter the contents may make the program behave oddly (in the very least!). If you are interested in writing a utility which may read any of these files, contact us. We'll be happy to send you the format. 6.1 Database Files Any file in your directory with a .SBL extension will be treated as a database file by Diamond Data. You may quite effectively hide a database from the program by changing this extension. 6.2 Options File DIAMOND.CFG contains information needed to set the various options within the program. See section 4 for details about how to manipulate this file. Don't worry if you don't have a configuration file. Diamond Data will choose default values for options that will work in any situation. 9 Diamond Data Version 4.4 7. Menus This section describes each of the menus that you may encounter under the main menu and what they attempt to accomplish. 7.1 Edit Data This function allows you to manipulate player and/or game data. The editing menu gives the following choices: 7.1.1 Add a new player This selection guides you through adding a new player record to the database. This new record may be a new team member if the database is to contain a team's data for a particular season or a particular season for one player if the database is to contain a player's data across multiple seasons. When you create a player, a minimal amount of data is created in the database. To associate data with this player, you'll have to use the Add player data menu item (see section 7.2). This is necessary as each player may or may not have each of the different types of data (defensive, offensive, or pitching). You will be prompted for the player's name. This name can be anything you can type in (e.g. You can maintain your team as full names or initials or it could be a year {1989} if you are maintaining career statistics for a single player). 7.1.2 Add player data This selection allows you to attach a data record to a player. The player should not have data already defined for this particular data (i.e. pitching data, offensive data, or defensive data for the particular position in which you are interested) or you will receive an error. To edit existing data records, see the Edit player data menu option (section 7.1.3). After selecting this menu option, a new menu will appear, asking you to choose between offensive, defensive, or pitching data. After choosing the type of data, a window is created listing all players in the database. An arrow on the 10 Diamond Data Version 4.4 left side of the first or last line of the window signifies that there are more names than could be displayed in this window. You may use the PgUp and PgDn keys to display more entries. You may use the cursor control keys or mouse to highlight the name of the player you wish to edit. See sections 3.3 and 3.4 for more information concerning these topics. An edit window is created with zeros in all the statistics fields. The statistics you see will be different for each type of data record (e.g. you won't see IP in the window you get when adding an offensive record). The following keys have meanings in this window: + Increase the value of the statistic to which the cursor points by 1. - Decrease the value of the statistic to which the cursor points by 1. F1 Create a window allowing the user to edit the player's name. F2 Create a window allowing the user to edit the player's uniform number. Note that we do check that the uniform number is positive (or 0) and less than 100. F10 Accept the data input so far and return to the editing menu. esc Cancel adding the new player and return to the editing menu. return In the data entry form, the return key performs the same function as the down arrow key (moves to the next field. It does not end data entry as it had done in earlier versions of the software. In addition, you can type the numeric value of the statistic at each field. This is helpful if you are starting to use the program after more than a small amount of data has been generated (e.g., mid-season or to enter previous season's data). 11 Diamond Data Version 4.4 Note that typing a number changes that field to the number typed and DOES NOT add that number to the value already present. Note, also, that you are only allowed to alter those statistics which are not calculated by the program. You can't move the cursor to a field that will be calculated automatically. These values are updated after each keystroke. 7.1.3 Edit player data This selection allows you to select a player's record and edit the data on it. After selecting this menu option, a new menu will appear, asking you to choose between offensive, defensive, or pitching data. After choosing the type of data record in which you are interested, a window is created listing all players in the database. An arrow on the left side of the first or last line of the window signifies that there are more names than could be displayed in this window. You may use the PgUp and PgDn keys to display more entries. You may use the cursor control keys or mouse to highlight the name of the player you wish to edit. See sections 3.3 and 3.4 for more information concerning these topics. An edit window is created with all the current statistics for this player. The following keys have meanings in this window: + Increase the value of the statistic to which the cursor points by 1. - Decrease the value of the statistic to which the cursor points by 1. F1 Create a window allowing the user to edit the player's name. F2 Create a window allowing the user to edit the player's uniform number. Note that we do check that the uniform number is positive (or 0) and less than 100. F10 Accept the data input so far and return to the editing menu. 12 Diamond Data Version 4.4 esc Cancel adding the new player and return to the editing menu. return In the data entry form, the return key performs the same function as the down arrow key (moves to the next field. It does not end data entry as it had done in earlier versions of the software. In addition, you can type the numeric value of the statistic at each field. This is helpful if you are starting to use the program after more than a small amount of data has been generated (e.g., mid-season or to enter previous season's data). Note that typing a number changes that field to the number typed and DOES NOT add that number to the value already present. Note, also, that you are only allowed to alter those statistics which are not calculated by the program. You can't move the cursor to a field that will be calculated automatically. These values are updated after each keystroke. 7.1.4 Delete player This selection allows you to delete an existing record in the database. There is a final check made before the actual deletion takes place to help make certain that data is not accidentally deleted. 7.1.5 Delete player data This selection allows you to delete a particular part of a players data (e.g. offensive data). After selecting this menu option, a new menu will appear, asking you to choose between offensive, defensive, or pitching data. After choosing the type of data record in which you are interested, a window is created listing all players in the database. An arrow on the left side of the first or last line of the window signifies that there are more names than could be displayed in this window. You may use the PgUp and PgDn keys to display more entries. 13 Diamond Data Version 4.4 Note that there is a final check made before any deletion takes place to help make certain that data is not accidentally deleted. 7.1.6 Add new game This selection guides you through the process of adding a new game record. A window will appear with spaces for the data items which can be stored in this record. Use the return key to move from field to field. When you are finished, the title on the window will change and prompt you for a response as to whether you'd like to keep the data as entered or edit it. 7.1.7 Editing game data Selecting this menu option causes a window to appear containing all the games currently entered. Select the game you'd like to edit. A window will appear just like the one that appears when a game is added. The major difference is that this time the fields are pre-filled in with the current data. Correct what you'd like and, again, the title on the window will change, prompting you for a response as to whether you'd like to keep the data as displayed or edit it. 7.1.8 Delete game Selecting this menu option causes a window to appear containing all the games currently entered. Select the game you'd like to delete. The game record indicated will then be deleted. Note that there is a final check made before any deletion takes place to help make certain that data is not accidentally deleted. 7.2 Read a Database This function allows you to read in a new database without leaving the program. You may change directories by using the F1 key. A list of already existing databases in the current directory will be displayed to help your selection. Note that the program remembers what directory you started the 14 Diamond Data Version 4.4 program in and will return to the same place upon normal exit from the program regardless of how many times you change directories within the program. If you have made changes to the currently loaded data, a confirmation window will appear, asking if you really wish to lose those changes. If you do not, answer 'n' to this prompt and save the data using the Write Database (section 7.3) menu option. Then re-select the Read Database menu option. 7.3 Write a Database This function allows you to save a database to disk. You may change directories by using the F1 key. A list of already existing databases in the current directory will be displayed to help your selection. Note that the program remembers what directory you started the program in and will return to the same place upon normal exit from the program regardless of how many times you change directories within the program. If you specify a database name that already exists, a window will appear asking you to confirm that you really want to overwrite the data already on disk. 7.4 Clear Memory This function allows you to clear a loaded database out of memory so that a new one can be started. If you wish to read in another database, there is no need to select this menu choice as the old database will be removed from memory automatically before the new database is read in. If you have made changes to the currently loaded data, a confirmation window will appear, asking if you really wish to lose those changes. If you do not, answer 'n' to this prompt and save the data using the Write Database (section 7.3) menu option. Then re-select the Clear Memory menu option. 7.5 Reports This menu item is selected to choose and generate any of the reports. After selecting this menu option, a new menu will appear, asking you to choose between offensive, defensive, pitching, or game data. 15 Diamond Data Version 4.4 After selecting this menu option, you are presented with a menu giving three selections as described below. 7.5.1 Run Report After selecting this menu option, you must choose whether you'd like your output to appear on the screen, the printer, or a disk file. Be sure your printer is turned on if sending your output there. However, we'll tell you if something isn't right. If you've selected a disk file for output, another window will appear, prompting you for the pathname of the file you'd like written. 7.5.2 Choose Order This option is used to select the statistics upon which you'd like the order of your report based. You are presented with a list of statistics. In order to select the sorting order, place the cursor next to the statistic you desire and press one of the function keys listed to the right of the list of statistics. The players on your team are sorted based upon the statistic next to F1. If there is a tie in that statistic, the tied players are sorted based upon the statistic next to F2. This continues through all statistics selected. If there is STILL no difference between two players' statistics, they are sorted in the order in which they were originally added to the database. Note that you needn't select statistics for ALL the function keys available. In some cases, you may be interested in only one or two statistics. If two players are identical in those statistics, you don't care about the rest. In fact, you needn't select F1 before you select any other function key. If you are only interested in a single statistic, you may select ANY of the listed function keys. This works because we ignore any un-assigned selections. If you have specified values in the configuration file (see section 4) for the appropriate options (oo.<function-key>, do.<function-key>, or po.<function-key>), you will see that 16 Diamond Data Version 4.4 the spaces next to the function keys in the window will be pre-filled with the values you've specified. You may make any changes you like to this list. Your changes will be in effect throughout the rest of this run of Diamond Data unless, of course, you make further changes later. Notice the special selection at the bottom of the list labelled "*** Clear ***". It is used to erase a value for a without having to select a different value. 7.5.3 Filter Players This option is used to select the statistics upon which you'd like players selected for your report. You will be presented with a list of statistics. In order to select a filtering criterion, place the cursor next to the statistic you desire and press one of the function keys listed to the right of the list of statistics. A ">" symbol will appear to the right of the statistic name just displayed and the title of the window will change to prompt you for a minimum value. All players with at least that value in that statistic will be included in the report. 7.6. Merge Database This menu option allows you to combine several databases. You can, of course, save the newly combined databases to a disk, or print reports from this utility. Adding a database works much like reading a new database. The major difference is that the old database is not removed before the new one is read. The statistics for whatever data is read are added to the data records already in memory. See section 7.2 for details on reading a database into Diamond Data. Player data records for players with the same name are added together and the game records are simply inserted along with the rest. To illustrate this, if you were to merge a database with itself, the result would be a database with the same number of players as before each of whom have twice as many at bats, twice as many games played, etc. 17 Diamond Data Version 4.4 A window will appear on the right of the screen to keep track of all the databases already merged or loaded. 18 Diamond Data Version 4.4 8. User Supported Software This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). The ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, the ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it. 19 Diamond Data Version 4.4 DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT Users of Diamond Data must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "Diamond Data is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of Diamond Data." The Software Construction Co. warrants any physical diskette(s) and physical documentation distributed by The Software Construction Co. directly to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ninety days from the date of registration. If the Software Construction Co. receives notification within the warranty period of defects in materials or workmanship, and such notification is determined by The Software Construction Co. to be correct, The Software Construction Co. will replace the defective diskette(s) and/or documentation. The entire and exclusive liability and remedy for breach of this Limited Warranty shall be limited to replacement of defective diskette(s) and/or documentation and shall not include or extend to any claim for or right to recover any other damages, including but not limited to, loss of profit, data, or use of the software, or special incidental, or consequential damages or other similar claims, even if The Software Construction Co. has been specifically advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will The Software Construction Co.'s liability for any damages to you or any other person ever exceed the lower of suggested list price or actual price paid for the license to use the software, regardless of any form of the claim. Diamond Data is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using Diamond Data and continue to use Diamond Data after a reasonable trial period, you must make registration payment of $25.00 20 Diamond Data Version 4.4 (US funds) to The Software Construction Co. Massachusetts residents should also include sales tax of $1.25. The $25.00 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time. Commercial users of Diamond Data must register and pay for their copies of Diamond Data within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting The Software Construction Co. Anyone distributing Diamond Data for any kind of remuneration must first contact The Software Construction Co. via one of the means below for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the ASP as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering Diamond Data immediately (However The Software Construction Co. must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of Diamond Data). You are encouraged to pass a copy of Diamond Data along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive all the registration benefits listed below. If you have received this software through one of the so called "Shareware Houses" (companies whose business is selling disks containing other author's software), please not that none of the money you have paid so far has (or will) make its way to the author. You have simply paid the duplication and distribution costs. Registration benefits include: + Notification of any updates. 21 Diamond Data Version 4.4 + The latest version of the software. + A printed copy of this manual. + A small program developed to generate "magic" numbers. Although we encourage copying and sharing of Diamond Data to distribute our product, we must insist that you NOT share the "magic" number utility nor photocopy the printed manual. We retain full copyrights to these products. It is an infringement of copyright law to distribute these products. 1 Please contact us at: The Software Construction Co. P.O. Box 160 North Billerica, MA 01862 Alternatively, we can be reached electronically at: CIS: 70313,3615 GEnie: W.GEISER Internet: softcons@world.std.com Other ways of registering (besides directly through us) can be found on the registration form, REGISTER.DOC. If you do not use this software, we'd also like to know why. It is obvious you're somewhat interested or you wouldn't have gotten this far into the manual. We'd like to know how we can make these product better. Please contact us using the same means listed above and let us know what we could have done to make them useful to you. For $5 to cover the cost of the diskette(s) and shipping (refunded when you register), we will supply you with the latest evaluation version of the software (if registering, note that you will get the latest version of the software included in the registration price). Please specify 5.25" or 3.5" diskettes. We would sincerely like to thank you for giving this, the fruits of our labor, a trial. We hope it proves useful to you. 22 Diamond Data Version 4.4 9. Bug Reports Should you believe you've discovered a bug in our code, please let us know using the same mechanisms listed in section 8. We regret that we can't provide phone support at this time (maybe in the future). Provide us with as much of a description of the problem as you can, as well as your name and address. If you would prefer being contacted by phone, by all means, add your phone number and the hours you will be available at that number. What do you get for your trouble? We will send a copy of the fixed program to the first registered user to report the problem. Regardless, we will respond to all bug reports! The normal support period for Diamond Data will be at least three (3) months after registration. In general, however, we do not expect there to be any limit to the length of time support will be offered. ASP membership requires that we provide at least three months of support and so we mention it here in case you were concerned. 23 Diamond Data Version 4.4 10. Known Problems/Limitations Statistics must be less than 65,535. If they get larger than that, they will wrap (i.e. 65,536 becomes 0). 24 Diamond Data Version 4.4 A. Statistics Definitions The following is a detailed list of the statistics that can be tracked with this software and a definition of their intended use. If there is a symbol in parentheses after the name of the statistic, it is the abbreviation used within the program for that statistic. These definitions are intended to give the user a general idea of how to use the statistics provided. In order to understand how these statistics are used for the level of play for the team in which you are interested, please consult the appropriate official rule book (e.g. Official Baseball Rules for Major League Baseball or the Amateur Softball Association of America Official Guide and Rule Book for softball). See Appendix B for addresses for these governing bodies as well as other interesting leagues, associations, etc. 1. Assists (Ass) A fielder who throws or deflects a batted or thrown ball such that a putout results, or would have resulted except for a subsequent error by any fielder gets credited with an assist. Note: only one assist is credited to each fielder involved in a run-down play. 2. At Bats Any time a player makes a trip to the plate and becomes a baserunner through any means other than a walk. The lone exception to this rule is a sacrifice (see below). It is not counted as an "at bat." Note that a batter who is not allowed to finish his "trip to the plate" is not considered to have been at bat and becomes the first batter in the following inning. 3. Batting Average (Avg) Base hits divided by at bats. 25 Diamond Data Version 4.4 4. Doubles (2B) A base hit on which the batter reaches second base safely and the defensive team has committed no errors. 5. Earned Run Average (ERA) Earned Runs times nine divided by Innings Pitched. The idea behind this statistic is to try to come up with a theoretical average number of earned runs given up in a game. 6. Earned Runs (ER) An Earned Run is a run for which the pitcher is held accountable. In order to figure this out, the inning must be reconstructed without errors (including catcher's interference) or passed balls. The benefit of the doubt should always go to the pitcher. This becomes complicated if there is a pitching change during one batter's At Bat. The runner is the responsibility of the original pitcher if the batter has the advantage in the ball and strike count (i.e. balls >= 2 and balls > strikes). Otherwise, the batter is the responsibility of the relieving pitcher. Note: an intentional walk is to be treated exactly the same as any other walk. 7. Errors (Err) A player that misplays a ball such that a batter's time at bat is prolonged, a runner's life is prolonged, or a runner advances one or more bases is credited with an Error. Note: each misplay is regarded as an error, so a player may make multiple errors during a single play. 26 Diamond Data Version 4.4 8. Fielding Percentage (Fld%) The sum of putouts and Assists divided by the sum of putouts, assists, and errors. 9. Game Winning RBIs (GWR) A Run Batted In (RBI) which increases the score to one greater than your opponent's final score. For example, if your team wins by as score of 21 to 12, the player credited with the RBI for the 13th run for your team is also credited with a Game Winning RBI. Note that this means you can only credit a player with a Game Winning RBI when your team wins and only one Game Winning RBI may be scored in any game. Note, also that it is possible to have a game with neither team being able to credit a player with a GWR. One example of this situation is if a batter hits into a double play but the game winning run scores. No RBI is credited to a batter who hits into a double play, therefore, no GWR can be credited. 10. Games (G) You're kidding, right? OK, if someone plays in a game, increment this statistic. 11. Hit by Pitch (HP) The batter is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit unless the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or the batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball. 12. Hits Also known as Base Hits. A "hit" is scored when the batter hits the ball and reaches a base safely and the defensive team has committed no errors and 27 Diamond Data Version 4.4 no other baserunner was forced out (fielder's choice). 13. Hits Given Up (H) This statistic is increased by one for a pitcher for each base hit which occurs while that pitcher is on the mound. 14. Home Runs (HR) A hit where the batter is able to touch all bases without the other team committing an error and, in so doing, score a run. 15. Home Runs Given Up (HR) This statistic is increased by one for a pitcher for each home run which occurs while that pitcher is on the mound. 16. Innings Pitched (IP) Each time a batter is retired, the pitcher is given credit for one third of an inning pitched (i.e. 0.1 innings - innings are counted 0.1, 0.2, 1.0, 1.1, etc.). 17. Losses (L) A pitcher is credited with a Loss if he leaves the game when his team is trailing (or falls behind due to runs he is responsible for) and his team is not able to tie the score or gain the lead after that. The idea is that if the leading team were to score no more runs the rest of the game and the team still would have lost after that pitcher's earned runs were taken into account, he/she is the losing pitcher. 18. On Base Average (OBA) The sum of hits, walks, and hit by pitch divided by the sum of at bats, walks, and hit by pitch. 28 Diamond Data Version 4.4 19. Putouts (PO) A fielder is credited with a putout when he/she catches a ball in the air, causing the batter to be called out, catches a thrown ball which causes a batter to be called out, or tags a runner causing that runner to be called out. 20. Runners Per Inning Pitched (R/IP) The sum of Hits Given Up and Walks Given Up divided by Innings Pitched. This statistic is used for Rotisserie baseball leagues. The idea is to account for the number of runners who successfully reach base on a pitcher. See appendix B for the address of the Rotisserie League Baseball Association. 21. Runs Batted In (RBI) An RBI is scored for a batter when a baserunner scores when that batter makes a base hit, a sacrifice, or walks. 22. Runs A run is scored when a player safely touches home plate. 23. Runs Given Up (R) Each run that scores while a pitcher is in the game increases this statistic by one for that pitcher. Note: it does not matter how the scoring runner or any other runner behind the scoring runner got on base. 24. Sacrifices (SAC) A sacrifice fly is a fly ball which is caught for an out and which also allows a baserunner to tag up and score. A sacrifice bunt is a bunt that allows a baserunner to advance at the expense of the 29 Diamond Data Version 4.4 batter being putout. 25. Saves (S) A pitcher gets a Save if he/she can meet ALL of the following conditions: - is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his/her team. - is not the winning pitcher (i.e. you cannot get a win and a save for the same game) - can meet one of the following conditions: + entered the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches at least one inning + entered the game with the potential tieing run on base, at bat, or on deck + pitches effectively for at least three innings 26. Slugging percentage (SLG) The sum of singles, 2 times doubles, 3 times triples, and 4 times home runs divided by at bats. This statistic indicates the average number of bases gained per at bat (i.e. 4.000 is a perfect SLG). 27. Stolen Bases (SB) A stolen base is scored when a runner advances a base unaided by a hit, another runner making an out, an error, a passed ball, a wild pitch, or a balk. 28. Strike Outs (SO) A strike out is scored when a batter is called out after three strikes have been called. 30 Diamond Data Version 4.4 29. Strike Outs Pitched (SO) Each batter struck out by a pitcher increases this statistic for a pitcher by one. The pitcher who throws the third strike is credited. This makes a difference when there is a pitching change in the middle of a batter's at bat. 30. Triples (3B) A base hit on which the batter reaches third base safely and the defensive team has committed no errors. 31. Walks (BB) Also known as Base on Balls. A walk is scored when a batter reaches first base as a result of having four pitches called balls during an at bat. 32. Walks Given Up (BB) This statistic is increased by one for a pitcher for each batter who reaches base because of a walk while that pitcher is still in the game. The pitcher that throws the fourth ball is credited with giving up the walk. This makes a difference it there is a pitching change during a batter's at bat. 33. Winning Percentage (W%) Wins divided by the sum of Wins and Losses. 34. Wins (W) A pitcher is credited with a Win if he/she has pitched at least five innings, his/her team is in the lead when replaced, and his/her team stays in the lead throughout the rest of the game. 31 Diamond Data Version 4.4 B. Addresses Amateur Softball Association of America 2801 NE 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 American Amateur Baseball Congress 118-19 Redfield Plaza Marshall, MI 49068 Cinderella Softball League P.O. Box 1411 Corning, NY 14830 Little League Baseball P.O. Box 3485 S. Williamsport, PA 17701 Major League Baseball 350 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 National Baseball Congress P.O. Box 1420 Wichita, KS 67201 NCAA 6201 College Boulevard Overland Park, KS 66211 Rotisserie League Baseball Association 41 Union Square West, Suite 1226 New York, NY 10003 Society for American Baseball Research P.O. Box 93183 Cleveland, OH 44101 32 2B see "doubles" 3B see "triples" - A - AB see "at bats" adding a game 14 adding a new player 10 adding data records 10 address 22, 23 addresses 32 Amateur Softball Assoc. 32 arrow 11, 12, 13 ASA see "Amateur Softball Assoc." Ass see "assists" assists 1, 5, 25 Assoc. of Shareware Prof. 19 at bats 1, 6, 25 average see "batting average" avg see "batting average" - B - backup 3 base hits 1, 6, 27 base on balls 2, 6, 25, 28, 31 baseball 1 batting average 1, 6, 25 BB see "base on balls" BB see "walks given up" benefits, registration 21 bugs see "reporting bugs" - C - career statistics 1, 10 changing directories 14, 15 choosing reporting order 16 clearing memory 15 CO option 6 coach 1 command line 3 comment 5 CompuServe 22 configuring the program 5 copyright 19 criterion 16 cursor control keys 4, 11, 12 - D - database files 9 database name 3 deleting a game 14 deleting a player 13 deleting player data 13 disclaimer 19 disk file 16 DO option 5 doubles 1, 6, 25 - E - earned run average 1, 7, 26 earned runs 1, 7, 26 editing a game 14 editing data 10 editing existing players 12 ER see "earned runs" ERA see "earned run average" Err see "errors" error window 5, 8 errors 1, 5, 26 escape key 3, 4, 11, 12 - F - F1 key 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 F2 key 11, 12, 16 fielding percentage 1, 5, 26 file format 9 files 9 files, *.SBL 9 files, DIAMOND.CFG 5, 9, 16 filtering players 17 Fld% see "fielding percentage" floating point coprocessor 2 floppy systems 2 function keys 16 - G - G see "games" game winning RBIs 1, 6, 27 games 1, 6, 27 generating reports 16 getting started 3 GWR see "game winning RBIs" - H - H see "hits given up" hit by pitch 2, 6, 27 hits see "base hits" hits given up 2, 7, 28 home runs 2, 6, 28 home runs given up 2, 7, 28 HP see "hit by pitch" HR see "home runs given up" HR see "home runs" - I - innings pitched 2, 7, 28 introduction 1 IP see "innings pitched" - L - L see "losses" league 1 limitations 24 Little League 32 loading a database see "reading a new database" LOGITECH 4 losses 2, 7, 28 - M - magic number generator 22 main menu 3, 10 Major League Baseball 32 menus 4, 10 merging databases 17 Microsoft 4 MONITOR option 6, 8 monitor, color 5, 8 monitor, monochrome 5 mouse 2, 4, 11, 12 mouse button, left 4 mouse support 4 Mouse Systems 4 - N - name 10 - O - OBA see "on base average" Ombudsman, ASP 19 on base average 2, 6, 28 OO option 6 options 5 options file 9 - P - PgDn 11, 12, 13 PgUp 11, 12, 13 player 1 PO see "putouts" PO option 7 printed manual 22 printer 16 problems see "reporting bugs" problems, known 24 putouts 2, 5, 28 - R - R see "runs given up" R/IP see "runners per inning pitched" RBI see "runs batted in" reading a new database 14 registration 19, 20 reporting bugs 23 reports 15 return key 4, 11, 12, 13 Rotisserie League 29, 32 runners per inning pitched 2, 7, 29 runs 2, 6, 29 runs batted in 2, 6, 29 runs given up 2, 7, 29 - S - S see "saves" SABR 32 SAC see "sacrifices" sacrifices 2, 6, 25, 29 sales tax 20 saves 2, 7, 30 saving a database see "writing a database to disk" SB see "stolen bases" screen 16 season 1, 10 selecting reporting criterion 16 shareware 19 shareware house 21 SLG see "slugging percentage" slugging percentage 2, 6, 30 SO see "strike outs pitched" SO see "strike outs" Soc. for Amer. Baseball Res. see "SABR" softball 1 Softball Coach 6 sorting order 16 statistics definitions 25 stolen bases 2, 6, 30 strike outs 2, 6, 7, 30 strike outs pitched 2, 30 support policy 23 supported statistics 1 system requirements 2 - T - team statistics 1 title screen 3 trial period 20 triples 2, 6, 31 - U - update notification 21 user supported software 19 using menus 4 - W - W see "wins" W% see "winning percentage" walks see "base on balls" walks given up 2, 7, 31 warranty 20 window colors 5 winning percentage 2, 7, 31 wins 2, 7, 31 writing a database to disk 15 - Misc - + key 11, 12 - key 11, 12 The Software Construction Co. P.O. Box 160 North Billerica, MA 01862 CIS: 70313,3615 GEnie: W.GEISER Internet: softcons@world.std.com Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________ Register Diamond Data ($25.00) __________ Sales tax (MA residents - 5%) __________ Total (please pay this amount) __________ From Title screen: Version __________ Serial Number ________ Where did you get your copy of Diamond Data? The Software Construction Co. _____ BBS _____ Friend _____ Shareware Dealer _____ If you checked BBS or Shareware Dealer above please tell us which one: _________________________________________________________________ What format media would you like? 5.25" _____ 3.5" _____ Please add any comments or suggestions to the back of this form. Thank you. Diamond Data can be ordered from the following sources in addition to directly from The Software Construction Co.: Public (software) Library BUDGETWARE P.O. Box 35705 P.O. Box 496 Houston, TX 77235-5705 Newtown NSW 2042 USA AUSTRALIA (800) 2424-PsL or (713) 524-6394 (02) 519-4233 (713) 524-6398 FAX (02) 516-4236 FAX CIS email: 71355,470 Accepts: Cheques Accepts: Mastercard Money Orders Visa Bankcard American Express Mastercard Discover Visacard Price $49 Australian Note: These sources are for orders only! ALL other correspondence should be directed to The Software Construction Co.