Become a Sultan of Swat: A Guide to Obliterating Baseballs in MLB The Show 22
Ah, the home run. The majestic flight of the white sphere, the joyous eruption of the crowd, the look of abject horror on the pitcher's face. It's the pinnacle of baseball bliss, and in MLB The Show 22, you can become a home run sculptor, Michelangelo with a bat. But fear not, aspiring sluggers, for this guide will be your Rosetta Stone to dingersville.
Step 1: Embrace the Power Within (and Also Consider Using Players Who Actually Have Some)
Let's be honest, folks. You're not going to launch moon shots with a singles hitter built like a wet noodle. Focus on players with high Power ratings. I'm talking Joey Bats, Giancarlo Stanton, the ghost of Babe Ruth himself. These are the fellows who can turn a fastball into a comet.
But here's the kicker: even with a power hitter, technique counts. You wouldn't hand a chisel to a toddler and expect a David, would you? (Although, that might be good for a chuckle.)
Step 2: Become One with the PCI (Not Literally, That Would Be Weird)
The PCI, or Perfect Contact Indicator, is your aiming reticle. It's the sweet spot where you want to meet the baseball with your lumber. Think of it as the bullseye on a dartboard, except way less sticky and way more satisfying to hit. Here's the golden rule: keep the PCI on the pitch as it comes out of the pitcher's hand.
Now, this might sound simple, but it's like trying to catch a greased pig with oven mitts. Fastballs are sneaky little devils, and breaking balls like curveballs and sliders have all the manners of a drunken fly in a room full of flypaper.
Here's the not-so-secret secret: Patience is your friend. Don't chase pitches outside the zone. Wait for the heater you can crush, and unleash the kraken of your swing.
Step 3: Master the Art of the Swing (Unless You Use "Pure Analog," Then Just Pray)
There are two main swing types: Normal and Power. Normal swings are for making consistent contact, while Power swings are for launching baseballs into the stratosphere. But here's the thing: with great power comes great responsibility (and a higher chance of whiffing entirely).
Use Power swings for fastballs you can crush, especially ones up in the zone. For anything else, a normal swing might be your best bet. Of course, if you're feeling adventurous (or just really want to see your avatar flail wildly), there's always the "Pure Analog" hitting option. Just remember, with this method, success hinges entirely on the baseball gods and the whims of your controller.
Step 4: Practice Makes Perfect (Unless You're Shohei Ohtani, Then You're Just a Baseball God)
There's no magic bullet here, folks. Hone your skills in batting practice, experiment with different players and approaches. You'll take your share of strikeouts, but that's just part of the journey. Remember, every whiff is a lesson, every foul ball a practice swing for the glorious home run to come.
Bonus Tip: Taunt Your Opponent (Because Why Not?)
After you launch a mammoth home run, why not let the pitcher know what just hit him? A well-timed bat flip or a celebratory pimp job can be the icing on the cake. Just be prepared for some payback when you come up to bat next. It's all part of the beautiful dance of baseball, you see.
So there you have it, aspiring dinger demons. With a little practice, a sprinkle of patience, and a whole lot of power, you'll be launching baseballs into the cheap seats in no time. Now go forth and conquer, and remember: there's no crying in baseball, but there sure is a lot of celebrating after a home run.
