MLB The Show 23: Hitting dingers, not your funny bone - A Guide to Not Aiming Like a Chump
Ah, hitting in MLB The Show 23. The glorious pursuit of launching baseballs into the stratosphere, while pitchers unleash their best arsenal of trickery. But let's face it, aiming that virtual bat can feel like trying to herd cats with your mind. Fear not, fellow sluggers! This guide will have you trading strikeouts for souvenir sales in no time.
Step 1: Ditch the "Point and Pray" Approach
We've all been there. You see a fastball coming in hot, clench the controller like it owes you rent, and... whiff city. Here's the thing: aiming in The Show 23 isn't about pointing your bat at the ball like a magic wand. It's a dance, a tango between you and the pitcher.
Introducing your new best friend: The PCI
This fancy acronym stands for "Plate Coverage Indicator," and it's basically a crosshair that shows where your bat will make contact. Think of it as the sweet spot on your virtual bat. The goal? Line up the PCI with the incoming pitch. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. Pitchers are sneaky devils who love throwing high heat outside the zone, tempting you to flail wildly.
Master the Art of Patience
Here's the secret weapon most newbies miss: discipline. Don't chase every pitch that looks like a juicy steak. Wait for the pitch you can CRUSH. Lay off the breaking balls that dive out of the zone and focus on the meatballs coming straight down the middle. Taking a walk is way better than looking like a fool swinging at everything.
Step 2: Become a PCI Picasso
Now, let's talk about actually controlling that PCI. It's all about using the left analog stick to move the PCI around the strike zone. Here are some fancy "PCI Placement Techniques" (patent pending):
- High and Tight: Starting your PCI high is a good strategy for fastballs. It gives you more time to react if the pitch dips lower.
- Low and Behold: Expecting a curveball? Start your PCI a little lower to track that downward spiral.
- The Zen Approach: Some players like to keep the PCI centered, ready for whatever the pitcher throws. It's a risky gambit, but hey, confidence is key!
Step 3: Practice Makes Perfect (and Less Frustrated)
Don't expect to be Babe Ruth overnight. Head into batting practice and experiment with different PCI placements. See what feels comfortable for you. Remember, practice doesn't make perfect, it makes less frustrated.
Bonus Tip: Embrace the Fun!
MLB The Show 23 is a game, after all. Sure, winning is great, but don't forget to have some fun! Laugh off the strikeouts, celebrate the dingers, and enjoy the process of mastering the art of hitting. Before you know it, you'll be launching bombs left, right, and center, leaving opposing pitchers in awe (and maybe a little salty).
