diff --git a/backend/app/core/game_engine.py b/backend/app/core/game_engine.py
index 9511b16..aba99cc 100644
--- a/backend/app/core/game_engine.py
+++ b/backend/app/core/game_engine.py
@@ -425,6 +425,9 @@ class GameEngine:
         Save play to database using snapshot from GameState.
 
         Uses the pre-calculated snapshot fields (no database lookbacks).
+
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If required player IDs are missing
         """
         # Use snapshot from GameState (set by _prepare_next_play)
         batter_id = state.current_batter_lineup_id
@@ -432,6 +435,23 @@ class GameEngine:
         catcher_id = state.current_catcher_lineup_id
         on_base_code = state.current_on_base_code
 
+        # VERIFY required fields are present
+        if batter_id is None:
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Cannot save play: batter_id is None. "
+                f"Game {state.game_id} may need _prepare_next_play() called after recovery."
+            )
+        if pitcher_id is None:
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Cannot save play: pitcher_id is None. "
+                f"Game {state.game_id} may need _prepare_next_play() called after recovery."
+            )
+        if catcher_id is None:
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Cannot save play: catcher_id is None. "
+                f"Game {state.game_id} may need _prepare_next_play() called after recovery."
+            )
+
         # Runners on base BEFORE play (from state.runners)
         on_first_id = next((r.lineup_id for r in state.runners if r.on_base == 1), None)
         on_second_id = next((r.lineup_id for r in state.runners if r.on_base == 2), None)
diff --git a/backend/terminal_client/repl.py b/backend/terminal_client/repl.py
index f327297..14a5af6 100644
--- a/backend/terminal_client/repl.py
+++ b/backend/terminal_client/repl.py
@@ -71,6 +71,36 @@ Note: Use underscores in command names (e.g., 'new_game' not 'new-game')
             raise ValueError("No current game")
         return self.current_game_id
 
+    async def _ensure_game_loaded(self, game_id: UUID) -> None:
+        """
+        Ensure game is loaded in state_manager.
+
+        If game exists in database but not in memory, recover it using
+        state_manager.recover_game() which replays plays to rebuild state,
+        then prepare the next play to populate snapshot fields.
+        """
+        # Check if already in memory
+        state = state_manager.get_state(game_id)
+        if state is not None:
+            return  # Already loaded
+
+        # Try to recover from database
+        try:
+            display.print_info(f"Loading game {game_id} from database...")
+            recovered_state = await state_manager.recover_game(game_id)
+
+            if recovered_state and recovered_state.status == "active":
+                # Call _prepare_next_play to populate snapshot fields
+                # (batter_id, pitcher_id, catcher_id, on_base_code)
+                await game_engine._prepare_next_play(recovered_state)
+                logger.debug(f"Prepared snapshot for recovered game {game_id}")
+
+            display.print_success("Game loaded successfully")
+        except Exception as e:
+            display.print_error(f"Failed to load game: {e}")
+            logger.error(f"Game recovery failed for {game_id}: {e}", exc_info=True)
+            raise ValueError(f"Game {game_id} not found")
+
     def _run_async(self, coro):
         """
         Helper to run async functions using persistent event loop.
@@ -201,6 +231,7 @@ Note: Use underscores in command names (e.g., 'new_game' not 'new-game')
         async def _defensive():
             try:
                 gid = self._ensure_game()
+                await self._ensure_game_loaded(gid)
 
                 # Parse arguments
                 args = arg.split()
@@ -265,6 +296,7 @@ Note: Use underscores in command names (e.g., 'new_game' not 'new-game')
         async def _offensive():
             try:
                 gid = self._ensure_game()
+                await self._ensure_game_loaded(gid)
 
                 # Parse arguments
                 args = arg.split()
@@ -320,6 +352,7 @@ Note: Use underscores in command names (e.g., 'new_game' not 'new-game')
         async def _resolve():
             try:
                 gid = self._ensure_game()
+                await self._ensure_game_loaded(gid)
 
                 result = await game_engine.resolve_play(gid)
                 state = await game_engine.get_game_state(gid)
@@ -345,8 +378,9 @@ Note: Use underscores in command names (e.g., 'new_game' not 'new-game')
         async def _status():
             try:
                 gid = self._ensure_game()
-                state = await game_engine.get_game_state(gid)
+                await self._ensure_game_loaded(gid)
 
+                state = await game_engine.get_game_state(gid)
                 if state:
                     display.display_game_state(state)
                 else:
@@ -373,6 +407,8 @@ Note: Use underscores in command names (e.g., 'new_game' not 'new-game')
         async def _quick_play():
             try:
                 gid = self._ensure_game()
+                await self._ensure_game_loaded(gid)
+
                 count = int(arg) if arg.strip() else 1
 
                 for i in range(count):
@@ -420,6 +456,7 @@ Note: Use underscores in command names (e.g., 'new_game' not 'new-game')
         async def _box_score():
             try:
                 gid = self._ensure_game()
+                await self._ensure_game_loaded(gid)
                 state = await game_engine.get_game_state(gid)
 
                 if state: