MLB 14 The Show News Post

MLB 14 The Show Gets Assist From Players - New "Showtime" Button Coming Next Year?

03:06 PM - March 28, 2014 by Steve_OS

Jon Robinson, over at SI Extra Mustard, has posted an interesting MLB 14 The Show article on how Buster Posey and Brandon Phillips helped with the improvements on the Road to the Show mode. In the article, Phillips also reveals something he calls the "Showtime" button, a nice little detail that could make its way to MLB 15 The Show, according to Ramone Russell.

Quote:


	"There needs to be a button to make bare-handed attempts,� says Phillips. �It should be called the �Showtime� button or something like that, where you can not only pick up the ball barehanded, but you can attempt other trademark moves like flipping the ball between your legs or behind your back for a double play. Anything highlight-worthy would be on this button. It would be like baseball�s version of the freestyle button.� The proposal brings a huge grin to Russell�s face. �A button to bare-hand the ball is a great idea,� he says. �Especially if it has a high risk/reward component. That way, you might do something amazing, but you also risk making a costly error. I�m putting it on the list for next year."

Game: MLB 14 The ShowReader Score: 8.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS Vita / PS3 / PS4Votes for game: 12 - View All

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Member Comments

# 41 DJ @ 03/29/14 12:32 PM

Good article. I hope Robinson gets to write more on SI.com, I really enjoyed his work when he was with ESPN.

I think the Showtime button idea is a great idea. Like Russell said, add in a high risk/reward element to using it based on a player's ratings and you have something.

Like with Pulse Pitching and Pure Analog controls, I'm sure if this does get implemented into the game, it will be at the gamer's discretion whether to use it or not when playing the game. I'm all for adding more options and something that could make fielding more fun.

# 42 MachoMyers @ 03/29/14 01:10 PM

Could also do it for catches in the outfield ala Willie Mays Hayes

# 43 JoeCoolMan24 @ 03/29/14 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanmc564


	the "showboat" was from The Bigs , right? don't recall that button in the regular mlb game

Nope, it was 2K baseball. 2K6 to be exact...

1:30 mark...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...utdjmLsk8#t=90

# 44 jripper09 @ 03/29/14 09:15 PM

this would be awesome element to add to MOM mode show time for the stylists, get the job done for the ones that want to keep there jobs! lol! or player specific plays both outfield and infielders. like puigs casual catches in the outfield and other players using two hands to make the catch. really looking foreward to seeing all the new catching animations! this is all for ps4 which i bought today when i went to reserve my copy of the show for the ps4. wasnt expecting them to have one but WOOO HOOO!

# 45 NewNapkin @ 03/30/14 12:28 PM

While it is a good idea, I also would wish that I did not have control over it. Sure, we'd see cool animations, but when I'm playing, why wouldn't I just take the safe route? I think it'd be cooler if your CPU players would do it on their own, because I would rarely use the button on my own, in fear of an error.

# 46 MLB Bob @ 03/30/14 01:42 PM

I like the idea. I like if theres a slow roller and and I have next to no chance without pressing the "showtime" button and I do a diving throw, a spectacular barehanded throw or something like that I'd give'r a shot and hope for the best. now if its a guy I know doesnt have a high rating I wouldnt try it, but if I still try it..Id like it to end up in the 3rd row or in the dirt..

Now if its around 2nd base...Id like to see the flips, spins, barehand transfers, DIY spin hops etc...

In the OF maybe tie that into diving, leaping catches, barehanded grabs on the hop or jump catches to keep the ball from going over your head..etc..

lots of possibilities and look forward to it being developed.

# 47 HustlinOwl @ 03/30/14 02:47 PM

what would the payoff be for using showtime an increase in fielding for an inning team wide or a decrease for team or player attempting? Something similar to the old argue call feature in MVP either an increase in team ability or nothing?

# 48 jripper09 @ 03/30/14 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmvp


	While it is a good idea, I also would wish that I did not have control over it. Sure, we'd see cool animations, but when I'm playing, why wouldn't I just take the safe route? I think it'd be cooler if your CPU players would do it on their own, because I would rarely use the button on my own, in fear of an error.

exactly i dont ever control my fielders anyway im a MOM player, just adding more realism to the game! this would make us MOM players happy witch there is only 2 or 3 of us according to Ramone! LOL!

# 49 MrOldboy @ 03/31/14 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HustlinOwl


	what would the payoff be for using showtime an increase in fielding for an inning team wide or a decrease for team or player attempting? Something similar to the old argue call feature in MVP either an increase in team ability or nothing?

I think it would just be that without using it you would not make the play under normal circumstances. It could be a faster barehand-and-throw animation frm 3B, quick behind the back flip (i.e. Phillips) or more power on your throw when doing a jump throw from SS.

# 50 TripleCrown9 @ 03/31/14 02:51 PM

The Showtime Button is a must. I want to do this.

# 51 ryanmc564 @ 03/31/14 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A_Quiet_Pro


	Hard to believe that was 4 years ago already. I'm getting old. lol

That play was even from opening day too, right?

# 52 TripleCrown9 @ 03/31/14 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanmc564


	That play was even from opening day too, right?

It was Opening Week I believe, but not Opening Day.

# 53 BA2929 @ 04/01/14 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HustlinOwl


	what would the payoff be for using showtime an increase in fielding for an inning team wide or a decrease for team or player attempting? Something similar to the old argue call feature in MVP either an increase in team ability or nothing?

Why does there have to be a payoff other than it looking sweet? To be honest, I only see myself using this feature when there's no other option to get a quick out. If I'm charging a slow roller with Brandon Phillips and I know there's not going to be enough time to make a glove/hand/throw transfer to get the out, I'd use the showtime button to hopefully make it faster by bare-handing it or flipping it with the glove. The "payoff" you're asking for should just be that you made the out and the crowd gets excited.

Also, the "risk" is that the runner is safe. For example, having a fielder lose rating points for a failed showtime move would basically make using the button a risk too big to even attempt outside of doing it when your team is blowing the opponent out. When Brandon Phillips does a sweet "showtime" move, he knows the reward far outweighs the risk of attempting one. That's how it should be portrayed in the game.

# 54 HustlinOwl @ 04/01/14 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BA2929


	Why does there have to be a payoff other than it looking sweet? To be honest, I only see myself using this feature when there's no other option to get a quick out. If I'm charging a slow roller with Brandon Phillips and I know there's not going to be enough time to make a glove/hand/throw transfer to get the out, I'd use the showtime button to hopefully make it faster by bare-handing it or flipping it with the glove. The "payoff" you're asking for should just be that you made the out and the crowd gets excited. Also, the "risk" is that the runner is safe. For example, having a fielder lose rating points for a failed showtime move would basically make using the button a risk too big to even attempt outside of doing it when your team is blowing the opponent out. When Brandon Phillips does a sweet "showtime" move, he knows the reward far outweighs the risk of attempting one. That's how it should be portrayed in the game.

simple not every player is equal defensively

# 55 Woodweaver @ 04/02/14 09:23 PM

All of this is already in the game. Acrobatic throws vs. Set throws. Risk vs. Reward. Good fielding/throwing attributes vs. poor attributes.

It all depends on how you attack the ball, and when you attempt to throw from the catch. Do you wait on a ball or charge it? Do you try to throw immediately after the ball is in your glove/hand or wait until you come set? It should be obvious which catches are more likely to be missed, and which throws are most likely to be more accurate/strong.

All the factors mentioned above are already used in rolls under the hood or in determining the sweet spot of a meter depending on the player's fielding interfaces.

Now if some fielders had access to signature, circus moves...then I could see a "ShowTime" button.

# 56 seanjeezy @ 04/02/14 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodweaver


	All of this is already in the game. Acrobatic throws vs. Set throws. Risk vs. Reward. Good fielding/throwing attributes vs. poor attributes. It all depends on how you attack the ball, and when you attempt to throw from the catch. Do you wait on a ball or charge it? Do you try to throw immediately after he ball is in your glove/hand or wait until you come set? It should be obvious which catches are more likely to be missed, and which throws are most likely to be more accurate/strong. All the factors mentioned above are already used in rolls under the hood or in determining the sweet spot of a meter depending on the player's fielding interfaces. Now if some fielders had access to signature, circus moves...then I could see a "ShowTime" button.

Didn't you guys already implement "tiered" animations last year? A higher fielding rating gives access to a wider array of animations, right?

Anyway, all I want control of is slide/dive/knock the ball down. Currently the only option we have is a full extension dive with R2/right analog and a ratings determined slide. We should be able to do a half slide, go down to the ground to smother the ball, the quick lateral dive to the left/right that only the CPU can do, etc. Currently you dive in the direction you are facing, but it would be cool to dive in the direction you point the right stick.

# 57 JoeCoolMan24 @ 04/03/14 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripleCrown9


	The Showtime Button is a must. I want to do this.

The most underrated part about the most amazing play we will ever see a pitcher make is that if you just watch Paul Konerko on that play, he doesn't even attempt to use his glove. His just puts his pimp hand out there waiting for the toss. And the toss goes right in to his open hand without having to move it an inch. We will never see a play like that ever again.

# 58 JoeCoolMan24 @ 04/03/14 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodweaver


	All of this is already in the game. Acrobatic throws vs. Set throws. Risk vs. Reward. Good fielding/throwing attributes vs. poor attributes. It all depends on how you attack the ball, and when you attempt to throw from the catch. Do you wait on a ball or charge it? Do you try to throw immediately after he ball is in your glove/hand or wait until you come set? It should be obvious which catches are more likely to be missed, and which throws are most likely to be more accurate/strong. All the factors mentioned above are already used in rolls under the hood or in determining the sweet spot of a meter depending on the player's fielding interfaces. Now if some fielders had access to signature, circus moves...then I could see a "ShowTime" button.

Speaking of that. I was playing a game on MLB '14, and Alexei Ramirez chased down a grounder up the middle. Alexei's signature move on groundballs to his left is to pirouette spin and then fire. Instead, the animation had him turn his hips open and sling it across his body. I cringed seeing that type of throw knowing that Alexei does that 0% of the time and the spin is kind of his thing.

Examples...

http://m.mlb.com/video/v31552313/lad...-hit/?c_id=mlb
http://m.mlb.com/video/v27921605/tor...hrow/?c_id=mlb
http://m.mlb.com/video/v27079197/laa...nder/?c_id=mlb
http://m.mlb.com/video/v26968087/cws...spin/?c_id=mlb

And then of course, he has his signature scissor-slide too. This one may be a bit harder to program in to the game, but it sure would be awesome to see it considering this is Alexei's alternative to a traditional backhand-jump throw....

http://m.mlb.com/video/v30088137/hou...ball/?c_id=mlb
http://m.mlb.com/video/v29104799/det...-out/?c_id=mlb
http://m.mlb.com/video/v28968239/atl...stop/?c_id=mlb
http://m.mlb.com/video/v27124129/cws...enth/?c_id=mlb

# 59 eaw913 @ 04/03/14 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeCoolMan24


	The most underrated part about the most amazing play we will ever see a pitcher make is that if you just watch Paul Konerko on that play, he doesn't even attempt to use his glove. His just puts his pimp hand out there waiting for the toss. And the toss goes right in to his open hand without having to move it an inch. We will never see a play like that ever again.

I died laughing at this. I literally had to get up and leave class.

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MLB 14 The Show Gets Assist From Players - New "Showtime" Button Coming Next Year?