To discover who will grace the cover of MLB The Show 23, we look to previous cover athletes for insight. The cover athlete for this year’s game will be a source of excitement and anticipation for gamers and baseball fans alike. Keep reading to explore the past stars who have appeared on the cover of MLB The Show.
Who is The Cover Athlete for MLB The Show 23
For those who follow MLB The Show, it is crucial to recall the previous players featured on the game’s cover. Here is a list of legendary ballplayers who have graced the covers:
| Year | Player |
| 2006 | David Ortiz |
| 2007 | David Wright |
| 2008 | Ryan Howard |
| 2009 | Dustin Pedroia |
| 2010 | Joe Mauer |
| 2011 | Joe Mauer |
| 2012 | Adrian Gonzalez |
| 2013 | Andrew McCutchen |
| 2014 | Miguel Cabrera |
It is interesting to note that some players were lucky enough to be featured on the cover more than once. For example, Joe Mauer appeared twice in a row on different versions of the game (2010 and 2011).
The cover athletes are not just chosen randomly; instead, each player is picked for their achievements and contributions to the sport. It is an honor for any athlete to get featured and signifies their impact on baseball.
With regards to these covers, we can see how deeply ingrained baseball culture has become in video games. These covers are a mirror into baseball history, as well as demonstrate how the sport continues to evolve and change over time.
I heard they considered letting the cover athlete be chosen by a magic 8-ball, but apparently it wasn’t accurate enough.
Criteria for Selecting the Cover Athlete
To determine the new cover athlete for MLB The Show 23, the developers consider several criteria. Your performance and popularity during the previous season, as well as your marketability and appeal to the fans are crucial factors in deciding whether you’ll grace the game’s cover. Stick around as we go through the sub-sections that determine who deserves to join the ranks of previous cover athletes.
Performance and Popularity in the Previous Season
Athlete selection for the cover is based on their outstanding performance and high popularity in the previous season. This includes characteristics such as statistics, awards won, fan engagement, endorsements, social media presence, and marketing potential.
Below is a table highlighting the essential features considered for athlete selection in terms of performance and popularity in the previous season:
| Performance | Popularity |
| Statistics | Fan Engagement |
| Awards Won | Endorsements |
| Consistency | Social Media Presence |
| Impact | Marketing Potential |
It is necessary to note that while an athlete’s contemporary reputation also has a significant role in endorsing games, their performance and acceptance in recent years are crucial weightings.
It is crucial to make sure that the selected party fulfills all criteria rather than focusing solely on factors like fame or marketability. ESPN reports that there have been instances where successful athletes failed to attract sufficient attention from sponsors or struggle with fan engagement.
In light of these nuances, it is evident that selecting a player for cover requires thorough consideration beyond just how well-known they are.
According to Forbes magazine’s reportage published on July 16th, 2021: Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka was confirmed as the new face of Louis Vuitton. The Japanese athlete had already signed different sponsorship deals with Nike, Nissan Motors, Mastercard beforehand.
Because let’s be real, if the cover athlete isn’t marketable, they might as well be on the cover of a dictionary.
Marketability and Appeal to the Fans
The player chosen for the cover of a game should possess an intrinsic appeal that will attract fans towards it. This factor regarding marketability and fascination among supporters is a crucial one while picking the cover athlete.
In addition to fan appeal, the marketability aspect involves identifying what features or abilities differentiate the athlete from other potential choices, such as a unique playstyle or interesting backstory. Understanding what resonates most with the target demographic will also play a critical role in maximizing sales.
Moreover, analyzing social media trends and engaging with fan feedback are critical to assessing potential cover athletes’ current marketability and popularity. A player’s on-field performance, brand appeal, and overall public image all contribute to their desirability as potential covers.
It is essential to note that marketability can fluctuate based on various factors and alter quickly even during production times. Thus it’s vital to stay attuned to audience behavior in real-time to pivot if necessary regarding which athletes are ideal for adorning games’ covers.
To illustrate this point, consider how Michael Jordan’s inclusion in the popular NBA Jam game helped elevate his mainstream profile, helping him become one of the most well-known basketball players worldwide. Choosing a player who is both skilled and beloved among fans can catalyze their fame further.
Get ready for fan reactions hotter than a cover athlete’s muscles when they’re revealed, because we all know everyone has an opinion on who should grace the cover.
The Reveal and Reaction to the Cover Athlete Announcement
To reveal and analyze the cover athlete announcement of MLB The Show 23, we have two sub-sections. The first one is about the social media buzz and analysis of the reveal, while the second one deals with criticisms and controversies surrounding the choice of the cover athlete.
Social media buzz and analysis
Social media users and analysts responded with eagerness to the announcement of the cover athlete. Insightful comments were made about the selection process, while others expressed their preferences over different contenders. They analyzed the possible effects of this choice on the game’s success and community.
The only controversy here is that the cover athlete isn’t a cat, apparently the internet hasn’t spoken loud enough yet.
Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding the Choice
The selection of the cover athlete has been met with widespread criticism and controversies. Fans have expressed their disappointment in the choice and voiced their concerns about the lack of diversity and representation in sports video games. Many critics have also pointed out that the selected athlete may not have achieved enough to warrant such a significant honor.
Some fans have called for better representation of women and athletes from underrepresented communities. Others have criticized the selection process, claiming that it is biased towards popular athletes rather than those who genuinely deserve recognition.
Moreover, the controversy around the cover athlete has raised questions about the authenticity of sports video games. Critics argue that if developers are not willing to represent diverse athletes on their covers, how can they be trusted to provide authentic gameplay experiences?
To address these issues, some experts recommend involving fans in the selection process or creating a more transparent system for choosing cover athletes. Developers could also consider featuring lesser-known athletes who may not attract as much attention but still deserve recognition for their achievements.
Ultimately, while the choice of cover athlete has sparked backlash, it presents an opportunity for developers to listen to fan feedback and prioritize inclusivity and diversity in future releases.
“Being a cover athlete for MLB The Show is like being a sacrificial lamb – you’re adored and then mercilessly criticized by fans when the season doesn’t go as planned.”
The Impact of Being the Cover Athlete for MLB The Show
To understand the impact of being the cover athlete for MLB The Show with sub-sections ‘Increased visibility and exposure for the player’ and ‘The potential for superstition and the “Madden curse”‘, you need to consider the level of exposure and visibility granted to the athletes. Such recognition may result in new opportunities for the player while, on the other hand, it can also be accompanied by superstition and negative outcomes similar to the infamous “Madden curse”.
Increased Visibility and Exposure for the Player
The cover athlete for MLB The Show finds an increase in their visibility and exposure. This exposure extends beyond their fans, as it also introduces them to new audiences. Being featured on the cover showcases the player’s talent and success, allowing them to establish a stronger brand image.
As fans purchase and see the game on store shelves, they are simultaneously exposed to the athlete’s photo and name. Additionally, having social media posts from both Sony Interactive Entertainment and the athlete about the game creates an increased digital footprint for them.
This coverage provides opportunities for sponsorships, endorsements, and collaborations outside of sports. The player becomes recognized not only within their league but also among a broader audience of gamers and fans.
Being featured as a cover athlete brings immense prestige to a player’s career. Their achievements both on and off the pitch gain greater coverage from media outlets worldwide leading to more potential deals with bigger brands who value athletes with such level of recognition. This positioning makes them unique from others in their chosen profession while positively influencing their personal brand.
Let’s just hope the ‘Madden curse’ doesn’t spread to baseball, or we might start seeing cover athletes break out in hives and bad hair days.
The Potential for Superstition and the “Madden curse”
Covering for a popular sports game like MLB The Show comes with potential consequences. Superstition surrounding the “Madden curse” may lead individuals to fear the same for themselves. The curse claims that those on the cover will underperform or face injury.
There is no scientific proof of a “curse,” but some athletes still avoid being on the cover. While many superstitions are harmless, they can negatively influence mental preparation and self-confidence.
It’s worth noting that superstition and beliefs in curses don’t just happen to athletes on video game covers. Sometimes events outside the athlete’s control cause their performance to suffer.
Pro Tip: It’s best not to put stock into curses or superstitions, but it’s important to acknowledge any feelings of fear or anxiety they bring up and address them accordingly through positive self-talk and visualization techniques.
Deciding on the MLB The Show 23 cover athlete may not be as crucial as choosing a surgeon, but it’s definitely a decision that can make or break your virtual baseball dreams.
Conclusion: Evaluating the Choice for MLB The Show 23 Cover Athlete
The new cover athlete for MLB The Show 23 has been announced and it’s time to evaluate their choice. With a focused approach, the selection process was thorough and the decision was made considering many factors, including fan expectations and overall performance on the field. The process of choosing just one athlete from a pool of talented players is challenging, but the chosen athlete represents the game in an impeccable manner.
Keeping up with trends and fan requests comes as no easy feat, but the makers of MLB The Show 23 have managed to select an athlete that not only meets these demands but exceeds them with great player statistics and an impressive track record. Their choice reflects great potential for both fans of baseball and gaming alike.
Although focusing on personal achievements, the cover athlete should also set a precedent for other athletes aspiring to be on the cover in future years. Future selections can benefit by optimizing selection criteria further while ensuring that players’ achievements on field yield excellent results. By considering these aspects, they will surely keep this franchise relevant even in times when there are significant market fluctuations.
To increase public interest while providing new experiences for gamers along with keeping its tradition intact, MLB The Show could consider releasing covers associated with various eras or leagues – past or present. This shift could serve well in creating more excitement amongst long-time followers while bringing novices into familiar territory gradually.