From Keystone Kook to Defensive Diamond: A (Mostly) Serious Guide to Fielding in MLB The Show 23
Ah, fielding. The graceful art of chasing leather under the summer sun (or the harsh glare of your monitor, depending on your location). It can be the difference between a stadium-erupting double play and...well, letting the opposing team score enough runs to make a snail look like a cheetah. But fear not, fellow baseball enthusiasts! This guide will turn you from a defensive disaster to a web gem machine (with a healthy dose of laughter along the way).
Catching Fly Balls: Friend or Foe?
First things first: those soaring fly balls. They can be as majestic as a bald eagle soaring over a mountain range, or as terrifying as your aunt Mildred's fruitcake hurtling towards your face. Here's the lowdown:
- Drifting Ball: This is your friendly neighborhood "point-and-click" option. A little meter pops up, and when it hits the sweet spot, BAM! Catch made. Easy as pie (though hopefully not fruitcake pie).
- Track Ball: Feeling adventurous? Try Track Ball! It shows a highlighted area you gotta stay in to snag the ball. Think of it as playing catch blindfolded...with a baseball. Just kidding (mostly).
Pro Tip: Don't get fooled by those lazy pop-ups. They can drop faster than your controller when you lose a close game.
Throwing Like a Major Leaguer (Without the Million Dollar Arm)
So you've snagged the fly ball. Now what? Time to unleash your inner Roberto Clemente! MLB The Show 23 offers a few ways to launch the ball to the base:
- Button Mashing: This classic method lets you button-spam your way to a throw. Just remember, mashing doesn't mean flailing wildly. You still gotta aim (somewhat) in the right direction.
- Analog Stick Flick: Feeling fancy? Flick the right analog stick in the direction you wanna throw. Think of it like flicking a bug off your arm...but hopefully with more accuracy.
- Pinpoint Pitching's Evil Twin (But Way Less Frustrating): Button Accuracy throws a meter at you. Time it right, and your throw will be a laser. Time it wrong, well...let's just say you might end up throwing the ball into the stands (along with your dignity).
Warning: Button Accuracy might have a learning curve steeper than Mount Everest. But hey, practice makes perfect (or at least less embarrassing throws).
Fielding Grounders: The Art of the Scoop
Grounders: they're like rogue squirrels, darting all over the place. Here's how to handle them:
- Fielding: Hold the button and your fielder will…well, field! Grounders might require some fancy footwork (or a well-timed dive…don't break anything!), but hopefully you'll snag that ball.
- Throwing: Same throwing methods as above apply. Button mashing might be tempting, but for tricky grounders, aim for a more controlled throw (unless you're aiming for a trick shot - but that's a story for another day).
Remember: A smooth, controlled throw is better than a rocket that sails over the base. Unless you're aiming for a double play, in which case, FIRE AWAY!
The Final Innings: Tips from a Not-So-Pro
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Fielding takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't snag every ball at first. Even the best fielders make mistakes (though hopefully not in crucial moments…unless you're playing against your friend and want some bragging rights).
- Know Your Fielder: Not all fielders are created equal. Some have cannons for arms, while others have the grace of a baby giraffe on roller skates. Pay attention to your players' strengths and weaknesses. Don't try to turn your shortstop into a long-ball-launching outfielder (although that might be a hilarious experiment for a later date).
- Don't Take it Too Seriously (Unless You're in the World Series): Fielding can be stressful, but it's also a fun part of the game. Laugh at your own blunders (because hey, we've all been there), and enjoy the thrill of a perfectly executed play.
With a little practice and a dash of humor, you'll be a defensive dynamo in no time. Now get out there and snag some fly balls (and maybe impress your friends with your newfound fielding prowess)!
