MLB The Show is one of the greatest baseball games ever made: fact.
Its popularity means that there are millions of players out there, and that’s great—but how do you rise above the rest and dominate the competition?
This article is a great starting point if you’re keen to become an MLB The Show champion.
Step Up Your Baseball IQ
Before you dive headfirst into online battles, it’s going to help you a lot to brush up on your baseball knowledge.
Maybe you play MLB The Show because you already have an interest in baseball. If so, skip to the next step!
Otherwise, make sure you understand the nuances of the sport — pitch types, baserunning strategies, defensive positioning, etc. — which will give you a significant edge. If you’re not already, make the time to watch real-life games and learn from the pros. This will help you make smarter decisions when you’re playing the game.
Master the Mechanics
Precise timing gets rewarded on MLB The Show rewards, and practice makes perfect.
It’s a good idea to practice batting, pitching, and fielding in offline modes. You want to learn how to hit different pitch types and perfect your swing timing, as well as mastering how to successfully field throws.
Practice different batting stances, too, so you’re equipped to adjust to various pitchers and pitching styles. The more comfortable you are with the controls, the quicker you’ll react in online matches.
Build Your Dream Team
We all have our preferences when it comes to building the “best” team, but whether you drafting young prospects or seasoned veterans, you need to be strategic here.
Analyze the stats of the players you’re interested in, and look for hidden talents. Team chemistry is something else you should consider. Use your knowledge to assemble a squad that complements your playstyle.
Become a Pitching Pro
If you’re great at pitching, you have the potential to shut down even the hottest hitters. That’s why another skill you should master is how to throw different pitches effectively – fastballs, curveballs, sliders, changeups – and master their timing and location.
During your “training”, practice mixing pitches to keep the batter guessing and throwing them off balance. Pay close attention to the strike zone – your goal is to hit the corners to force weak contact or strikeouts. Keep in mind that a well-placed pitch can actually be more effective than just throwing the fastest fastball.
Final Word
Now that you’ve honed your skills, it’s time to test yourself against other players. When you’re playing online, you’ll need quick decision-making and a calm head under pressure. Don’t get rattled by a bad inning – just adjust your approach and stay focused on the win.
Your final takeaway is to remember that even the best players have bad games.
Don’t get discouraged by losses. Instead, as any team manager would do, take the opportunity to evaluate your gameplay, identify mistakes, and draw up an action plan to improve them. After all, failure is a part of success!
