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This is a baseball-themed puzzle cache built around a city sports complex. Cachers can arrive at the final cache by making a series of observations between the attached waypoints.
This cache is a tribute to the Galac-brick Empire’s “national pastime,” and needless to say we spend aaaaaaalot of time here. Hopefully this cache will give caching parents and players something to do in between games and/or during practices… that, and we developed this “night game” as a means of honoring some of the Empire’s favorite players past and present. First, please note: This is a puzzle cache, and the listed coordinates will not take you to the location of the cache… they will only serve as the ticket to “get in the gate” (Figuratively speaking, as at no time should you need to actually get inside the fenced-in areas). However, you may only arrive at the physical cache by “running the bases.” Before you decide this is simply too much work, the cache IS located somewhere on the complex grounds, and should only require approximately 30 minutes and .9 mile of walking (Or running if you so desire… much of the “baseline” of our “diamond” is a fitness trail after all). No bat, ball, or glove required, but you will need a compass, a working knowledge of your GPS to plug in coordinates, and a bare-bones understanding of baseball. Finally, we’ve titled this cache “Night Game” due not only due to its baseball theme, but also because this area is always crawling with muggles and a daytime search could easily compromise the cache (especially during the summer season); Nighttime might provide the necessary cover to steal from base to base without attracting unwanted attention… we’ve also marked each “base” with small reflectors (“Royals” blue, “Cards” red, “Orioles” orange, and “Sox” white) to reinforce that you are well on your way.
The game is simple: 1) Find each of the three “bases,” 2) Make note of the number of particular objects located between each base/position, 3) Plug these numbers into the missing coordinates, and 4) Arrive “home” safely. Warning: This is not a traditional baseball diamond, but once you get into the “baseline” (aka. The fitness trail) you will never have to stray very far to find each base. The bases are attached as waypoints, but if you were unable to upload them, they’re also encrypted in the hints… Oh, and don’t forget we’ve marked them with reflectors, so in theory you could simply scour the entire park with a flashlight (not recommended).
A) First, from the starting coordinates, you should head towards “first base.” “Home plate,” the final location of the cache, may not be too far away, but revealing much more would ruin all the fun and make a travesty of the game (See also: Chicago “Black Sox” and Barry “Asterisk” Bonds). We’ve actually given you quite a bit of a “lead off,” or you might even say our pitcher intentionally walked you. From this starting point, first base is located 500 feet away at 210° southwest (We figure if you can do it without the “first base” waypoint you’re all-star material… but using the provided waypoint doesn’t mean you are relegated to a career in the minors). While there isn’t a single thing to note or count for the puzzle between the starting coordinates and first base, you will pass the batting cages. Imperial Trooper #5’s favorite player Hank Aaron probably would have hung out here while on his quest for his record 755 home runs (Although even if he hit every ball, it would cost him about $52 to match that record at the cages… and that’s if he hit every ball as a homer). Find the variable “A”: A= The number of items you were asked to count between the starting coordinates and first base… hint, read back two sentences. You’ve also now arrived at the “baseline,” and should stay on this outside trail in a counterclockwise direction (from the starting point) until you round third to come home. Upon arriving at first, give a passing thought to our honorary first basemen, Mickey Mantle (Imperial Trooper #4’s favorite player for his sheer greatness) and Matt Stairs (Imperial Trooper #3’s favorite player because… well, he’s Canadian and has played for eleven major league teams since 1992).
B) Between first and second “bases”… Now it’s time to count. Find the variable “B”: B= Count the total number of possible infielders (minus the catchers… where have THEY gone?) on this closest series of fields (this side of the parking lot) between our night game’s first and second “bases,” and then subtract five. Hey, coach just signaled to steal third.
C) Between “second” and “shortstop”… Hey, we’ve found the missing catchers (See pictures if you don’t see the resemblance), but they’ve shrunk, multiplied, and started glowing along this wooded stretch of baseline. Find the variable “C”: C= The number of “mini-catchers” divided by two. We’d have you stop and consider our honorary second baseman, but we seem to be stuck on first basemen and outfielders. Imperial Trooper #1’s favorite players Stan Musial and Kirby Puckett stole and stepped all over this second bag many, many times.
D) Between “shortstop” and “third”… The throw to third is going to be close, and honorary third baseman George Brett (Imperial Trooper #2’s nominee and childhood favorite) is ready to make the catch. “Slide!” coach yells, and that is exactly what you are looking for. Find the variable “D”: D= The number of slides on the complex’s playground (Look left, and be sure to count “double slides” as only one slide). “Safe!” Whew, close one, but watch out for pine tar.
E) Heading to “home”… Go! Go! Go! You now have all the information required to fill in the missing coordinates: Final Cache Location: N 39° 0C.DBB/ W 086° 3A.91D
Round “third” and head left along the fence to “home,” but good luck making it past that army of miniature catchers guarding the plate, still angry at being lost in the woods. We’d tell you what type of container to look for, but we can’t even see the plate for all the dust you’ve kicked up… We can say we’ve stocked it full of baseball memorabilia (Including a few batting cage tokens for first to find), we encourage you keep looking, and always remember there is no crying in baseball.
In a pickle? Or, questioning the math? Check out the hints… if you must, rookie.
Congratulations to mourningstar on the FTF! MVP status for sure!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Pbbeqvangrf sbe svefg onfr: A 39° 08.250’ J 086° 31.031’
Pbbeqvangrf sbe frpbaq onfr: A 39° 08.254’ J 086° 30.771’
Pbbeqvangrf sbe fubegfgbc onfr: A 39° 08.364’ J 086° 30.781’
Pbbeqvangrf sbe guveq onfr: A 39° 08.414’ J 086° 30.982’
N= Sbegl-gjb yrff guna Fnpury Cnvtr’f ntr ng uvf znwbe yrnthr cvgpuvat qrohg.
O= Trbetr Oergg’f Ahzore nqqrq gb vgfrys naq qvivqrq ol gjb (Bxnl, abj jr’er whfg zrffvat jvgu lbh).
P= Gur ahzore bs gvzrf Zhfvny jnf fryrpgrq sbe gur Nyy-Fgne Tnzr qvivqrq ol guerr.
Q= Zvpxrl Znagyr’f ahzore nf ergverq ol gur Lnaxrrf… zvahf sbhe.
Cyna ba fgrnyvat ubzr? Pbhag sbhe yvtug cbfgf nybat gur srapr sebz guveq onfr. Lbh zvtug svaq gur rkcrevrapr “vyyhzvangvat,” rfcrpvnyyl vs lbh’ir tbg “obk” frngf naq lbh “fgvpx” jvgu vg.