Google Doodles are usually just cute little animations. But every once in a while, they drop a game that is legitimately fantastic.
Google Baseball is one of those gems.
It was released for the Fourth of July and captures the summer BBQ vibe perfectly. But instead of pro athletes, you are playing as… food.
Yes, food. Your team is made up of classic American snacks. The batter might be a hot dog. Or a slice of watermelon. Or a cob of corn. The opposing team? They are peanuts. Literal peanuts.
It sounds silly, and it is. But the gameplay in this Doodle Baseball game is surprisingly snappy. It’s an arcade home run derby. You aren’t playing 9 innings of defense. You are just batting.
The goal is to score as many runs as possible before you get three strikes (outs).
What makes it satisfying is the sound design. The crack of the bat when you hit a perfect home run feels amazing. Fireworks explode in the sky. The crowd (which is also food) goes wild.
How to Play Google Baseball
It’s a “one-button” game, but don’t let that fool you. The pitcher throws curveballs.
The Controls:
- Swing: Spacebar (or Click).
The Roster (and Strategy):
The pitchers get harder as your score goes up.
- The Fastball: The basic pitch. Just wait for it to cross the plate.
- The Curveball: The peanut will throw a ball that loops wide and then cuts in. Wait for it. Don’t swing early.
- The Corkscrew: This one is mean. The ball spins in a spiral. It messes with your depth perception. Watch the shadow of the ball on the ground to track it.
- The Change-up: It looks like a fastball, but it floats in slow motion. If you swing too fast, you look like an idiot.
Pro Tips:
- Watch the Hat: The peanut pitcher wears a hat. Sometimes the color of the hat indicates what kind of pitch is coming (Green is usually a fastball, Blue/Purple acts weird).
- Don’t Swing at Everything: You can take a ball! If it’s outside the strike zone, let it go. (Wait, actually, in this arcade version, you should probably just swing. It’s a derby!
- The Sweet Spot: Try to hit the ball when it is right over home plate. If you hit it too early, it’s a foul ball. Too late, and you miss.
If you want more sports action where you actually control the team, go manage a franchise in Retro Bowl. Or, if you prefer arcade classics over sports, jump into Galaga.
But for a quick, cheerful game that makes you hungry for a burger, Google Baseball is the MVP.