Getting Started
So I popped in MLB 16 on my dusty PS4 last weekend thinking it’d be fun. Big mistake. That tutorial screen looked like alphabet soup to me. Fumbled around pressing every button trying to swing while my poor player kept missing the ball. Felt like swinging a wet noodle blindfolded.
The Learning Curve Struggle
First time in Exhibition mode was brutal. That pitch speed? Might as well be throwing bullets. Couldn’t even tell a fastball from breaking ball until it smacked the catcher’s mitt. Tried stealing bases once – my runner got tagged out before I even blinked. Dugout camera made me dizzy watching replays of my guy faceplanting.
Few things that helped me survive:
- Simplified controls: Switched to “Directional Hitting” instead of fancy zone stuff
- Rookie difficulty: Swallowed my pride and dropped it down
- Batting practice: Spent whole innings just watching pitcher windups
Slow Progress Wins
After maybe ten games I finally connected one solid hit. Nearly yelled loud enough to wake neighbors! Started bunting to get guys on base instead of swinging for fences every time. Learned to check pitcher stats during loading screens too – if they got low stamina I make em throw pitches until their arm falls off.
Seriously though:
- Patience at plate: Letting bad balls pass is hardest but most important
- Runner management: Don’t get greedy stealing bases with slow players
- Defensive positions: Moving outfielders back against power hitters saves homers
Where I’m At Now
Can finally play full 9-inning games without wanting to throw controller. Still lose plenty but at least know why now. Friend came over thinking he’d crush me last Tuesday – beat him 3-2 on walk-off base hit! Of course next game I struck out 15 times. Baseball’s cruel that way.
Main takeaway? Stick with it through frustration. Game won’t hold your hand but feels amazing when things click. Just keep swinging.