The Designated Hitting Hustle: How to Become a Baseball Benchwarmer (But Get Paid Like a Star) in MLB The Show 23 RTTS
Ah, the Designated Hitter. The Sultan of Swat from the safety of the dugout. The envy of every outfielder with a sore arm. But my friends, fear not! Craving the glory of pure hitting (and dodging pesky fly balls) without the burden of fielding? This guide's for you!
Step 1: Embrace Your Inner Couch Potato (But Pump Up Those Arms)
Let's be honest, the DH life's a dream for the athletically challenged (like yours truly). You show up, whack some dingers, high-five your teammates, and then...well, that's about it. But hold your horses! Don't let that fool you into thinking it's all nachos and Netflix. You gotta bring the power!
- Focus on Contact and Power Hitting: Forget defense, my friend. We're all about that bat speed. Invest in those training points for Contact and Power. Launch angles that would make Mickey Mouse jealous are your specialty.
- Don't Neglect Arm Strength (Maybe): Look, you might not be patrolling the outfield, but a decent arm can help with those rare pinch-running situations (or that epic bat flip that sails into the stands). Plus, gotta keep those doubters guessing, right?
Step 2: The Art of the Negotiation (Except You're Not Really Negotiating)
This is where things get tricky. There's no official "DH" path in RTTS. Here's the thing:
- Become a Two-Way Player (But Mostly Hit): This lets you dabble in pitching, but focus on keeping your pitching stats just good enough. The goal? Become expendable on the mound, forcing your team to slot you as the DH in the American League.
- Pray to the Baseball Gods (and the Scouting Director): Sometimes, the baseball gods (or the scouting director with a questionable lunch) might draft you as a first baseman or outfielder with below-average fielding. This, my friend, is your golden ticket. Just "accidentally" whiff on a few fly balls in spring training, and you might just find yourself benched...permanently (but productively!)
Pro Tip: If all else fails, create a ton of custom leagues with the DH rule enabled. It's not the big leagues, but hey, a win's a win (and you get to DH!).
Step 3: Embrace the Spotlight (and the Snacks)
Congratulations, slugger! You've made it to the big leagues (the bench, but still!). Now comes the fun part:
- Become a Pinch-Hitting Legend: Those late-game situations where the game hangs in the balance? That's your cue. Step up, launch a three-run bomb, and bask in the glory (and the post-game pizza party).
- Master the Art of the Bat Flip: A true DH exudes confidence. So next time you crush a fastball into orbit, unleash an epic bat flip that would make Bryce Harper proud. Just make sure it lands in the stands, not the opposing dugout (unless you're feeling feisty).
Remember, the DH life ain't for everyone. But for those who crave pure hitting dominance and a love for sunflower seeds, this might just be your dream job. So grab your bat, hone your swing, and get ready to become the most feared (and well-fed) benchwarmer in MLB The Show 23!
