Baserunning 101: Mastering the Art of the Tag Up in MLB The Show 23
Let's face it, folks, stealing bases is fun. It's audacious, it's exciting, and it can leave the opposing pitcher fuming into his glove. But before you go all Rickey Henderson on everyone, there's a crucial baserunning skill you gotta nail: the tag up.
Tag Up? More Like Tag YOU'RE IT!
The tag up is your secret weapon when a fly ball goes soaring into the outfield. It's a coordinated dance between you (the base coach... virtually, of course) and your daring baserunner. Here's how to execute this move like a seasoned pro:
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Know Your Runners: Not every baserunner is cut out for a daring dash. Yordan Alvarez? Sure, that dude can hustle. Your pitcher, Bartolo Colon? Maybe not so much. Keep your runner's speed in mind before you send them packing.
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The Button Mash (or the Zen Master Approach): There are two schools of thought here. You've got the L1 mashers, who hammer that button the moment the ball leaves the bat. This can lead to some hilariously close calls at the bag if the outfielder makes a Superman snag. Then there are the Zen baserunning masters. They wait until the exact moment the ball hits the leather, triggering a perfectly timed dash for extra bases.
Pro Tip: Both methods work! But for beginners, I recommend the Zen master approach. It gives you more control and avoids those awkward "caught stealing by a mile" situations.
When to Tag Up: Fly Ball Frenzy
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Deep Fly Balls: This is your bread and butter. See a ball soaring towards the warning track? That's your cue to send your baserunner on a milk run... I mean, a daring tag up!
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Line Drives? Maybe Not: Unless you've got a psychic connection with the hitter, tagging up on liners can be a risky proposition. Those rockets can turn into outs faster than you can say "double play."
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Read the Outfielder: Is that center fielder camped under the ball like a statue? Tag up city! But if that outfielder looks like they're auditioning for the track team, you might want to hold your horses.
The Art of the Fake Tag
Feeling spicy? Try the fake tag. Tap L1 just before the catch, then immediately cancel it (by tapping L1 again). This can sometimes trick the outfielder into throwing home, creating an opening for a runner on second to steal third! Just remember, this is a risky maneuver, use it wisely, young grasshopper.
So there you have it, folks! With a little practice, you'll be a tag up maestro, racking up extra bases and leaving the other team scratching their heads. Now get out there and make them tag you're it!
