Alright folks, let me tell you about my MLB The Show 23 pitching journey. I ain’t no pro, just a regular gamer trying to figure out the best way to dominate on the mound.
So, I started like everyone else, messing around with different pitching styles. I tried pinpoint, meter, classic… you name it. Honestly, at first, I was all over the place. My ERA was sky-high, and I was getting shelled every other game. It was rough, real rough.
The Meter Method – My Initial Love
First, I gravitated towards the meter. Looked simple enough, right? Time the button press, hit the accuracy spot… easy peasy. But man, the pressure! That little accuracy window shrinks faster than my patience when I’m losing. I found myself yanking pitches all over the place. High, low, inside, outside – the batters were loving it.
- Tried different cameras: Wide, close, broadcast. Nothing seemed to help consistently.
- Experimented with different pitch speeds: Fastballs were easier to time, but predictable. Changeups were a disaster.
Pinpoint Pitching – A Brief Affair
Then I heard about pinpoint pitching. Supposedly, it’s the most accurate, but also the most difficult. I thought, “Hey, I’m up for a challenge!” Well, challenge accepted… and promptly lost. Trying to trace those gestures while simultaneously managing my stamina was a nightmare. My fingers were cramping, my controller was sweating, and my pitches were still sailing into the stands. Nope, not for me.
The Breakthough: Pure Analog
That’s when I stumbled upon pure analog. At first, I didn’t give it much thought. Seemed too simple. Just pull back on the stick and push forward? But something clicked. I started to get a feel for the timing, the motion, the release. It felt… natural.
I started small, focusing on the simple fastball. Pull back, smooth motion forward. Suddenly, I was painting corners. Then I tried a slider. That downward flick felt good, and I started getting swings and misses. The curveball became my best friend. I could finally drop it in the zone for a strike. I messed around with different types of pitches.
Here’s what I discovered:
- Practice makes perfect: Seriously, just spend time in practice mode. Get a feel for each pitch and its motion.
- Stamina Management: Pacing is key. Don’t go all out every pitch. Mix in some easy fastballs to conserve energy.
- Location is Everything: Don’t just throw heat down the middle. Move the ball around, work the corners, and keep the batter guessing.
My Current Arsenal
So, here’s my go-to setup now:
- Fastball: For getting ahead in the count and blowing it by guys.
- Slider: A nasty pitch that moves away from righties (I’m a lefty pitcher).
- Curveball: My strikeout pitch. Slow and loopy, it always seems to fool batters.
- Changeup: Throws off the timing of aggressive hitters
The Results
Since switching to pure analog, my ERA has dropped dramatically, and I’m actually enjoying pitching. I’m not saying it’s the perfect method for everyone, but it works for me. Give it a try, and see if it clicks for you too.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Find what works best for your play style. And most importantly, have fun! That’s what it’s all about, right?
