The Art of the Slide: How to Avoid Being an MLB The Show 19 Basepath Belly Flop
Ah, the slide. A graceful maneuver separating the wheat from the chaff on the basepaths, the difference between a dirt-eating dud and a highlight-reel hero. But mastering the slide in MLB The Show 19 can feel trickier than wrangling a greased pig with oven mitts. Fear not, fellow base-stealing brethren! This guide will turn you from a basepath blunderbuss into a sliding savant.
But First, Why Slide?
Let's be honest, sliding looks cool. Like, seriously cool. It's the baseball equivalent of a superhero landing. But beyond aesthetics, there are tactical advantages:
- Cheating the Tag: A well-timed slide can just barely get your foot (or, you know, your whole body) on the base before the fielder's glove arrives. It's like stealing candy from a first baseman... who throws like a toddler.
- Avoiding the Outfield Cannon: Ever seen a throw from that one outfielder with the arm of a major league trebuchet? Yeah, a slide can be your best friend in those situations. Just pray you don't get pegged in the helmet mid-slide.
Remember: A misplaced slide is a recipe for an out and a bruised ego. Slide responsibly, folks.
Slide School 101: It's All in the Stick
The key to a successful slide lies within your trusty controller, specifically the right thumbstick. Here's the breakdown:
- Headfirst Hero: Feeling like Superman? Push the right thumbstick up as you approach the base. You'll launch into a headfirst dive, perfect for dramatic last-second steals.
- Feet First Frenzy: Need raw speed? Flick the right thumbstick down near the base. This is your fastest option, but watch out – a misplaced feet-first slide can leave you looking like a beached whale.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment! You can even flick the stick diagonally for a fancy "hook slide" that might just confuse the fielder (and maybe yourself).
Now You're Cooking with Gas (or Pine Tar?)
Mastering the slide takes practice. Here's how to hone your skills:
- Baserunning Practice: This hidden gem in the practice menu is your friend. Here you can perfect your slide timing and avoid the embarrassment of flailing all over the basepath in a real game.
- Be a Slide Opportunist: Don't just slide for show! Look for situations where a slide can benefit you, like close plays at the plate or stealing a base against a sleepy pitcher.
Remember: With great sliding power comes great responsibility. Don't become a "slide-happy" menace who throws away outs with reckless abandon.
With a little practice and this guide, you'll be sliding into bases like a seasoned pro. So get out there, own those basepaths, and remember: always look cool doing it.
