For many fans, The Negro League mode alone makes it worth buying MLB The Show 23. The historical mode is seen as one of the best in the history of sports video games.
The MLB The Show 23 Negro League game mode covers an important period in baseball, and it does it in a very detailed way. It reminds us of the importance the league had and introduces us to some of the best players in baseball history.
So, let's see who are the stars of the Negro League.
MLB The Show 23 The Stars Of The Negro League
The Negro League was created at a time when racial segregation still existed in the USA, and when African Americans couldn't play in the MLB. This is what makes the league so important since it had a huge impact on the sport but also on society.
When we start the Negro League mode in MLB The Show 23, Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro League Baseball Museum, perfectly explains the history of the league. As the mode progresses, he also introduces us to seven extraordinary players. These players are the stars of the Negro League.
These players changed the face of the game and paved the way that helped Jackie Robinson break the color barrier in MLB. They are all true legends of the game, and their impact on the history of baseball should not be underestimated.
Satchel Paige
The first player the MLB The Show 23 mode talks about is the legendary pitcher Satchel Paige. Paige was the first Negro League athlete to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
He had a unique pitching style and was a strike-out machine. On many occasions, Satchel would ask his infielders to sit beside him and then proceeded to strike out batter after batter.
At 42 years old, he became the oldest player to debut in the MLB, a record that still stands today. What's even more impressive, is that he helped Cleveland win the World Series that same year. He played until the age of 59 and was always a nightmare for opponents.
Hilton Smith
Hilton Smith is seen by many as the forgotten star of baseball since his teammate Satchel Paige outshined him. It's hard to stand out when you play with one of the best pitchers in baseball history. However, Smith was also an incredible pitcher, being predominantly an off-speed pitcher.
Smith's curveballs were deadly, with the ball barely catching the outside or the inside corner of the plate for a strike. However, he wasn't just an amazing pitcher. Kendrick describes him as the Shoehei Ohtani of the Negro Leagues, as he was a phenomenal two-way player.
Jackie Robinson
To many, Jackie Robinson is considered the most important player in baseball history. He was the one that broke the color line when in 1947 he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers. His great hitting ability, and electrifying style of play, make him an all-time great.
Robinson could also steal bases with ease and was crucial for the Brooklyn Dodgers World Series victory in 1955. He was respected by his peers, and to this day, he is still considered one of the best second basemen of all time. Robinson was equally impressive outside of the field, as he had a big role in the civil rights movement.
MartĂn Dihigo
MartĂn Dihigo is another one of the stars of the Negro League, and MLB The Show 23 offer us the opportunity to relieve his history. El Maestro was the true definition of an all-around player. He excelled as a pitcher and second basemen, but he could play all nine positions at an elite level.
He lead the Negro League in home runs in 1926 and 1935. Dihigo was such a great pitcher, that he once defeated Paige. Similar to Smith, he was an astonishing two-way player. Dihigo is arguably the most versatile player ever, and he showed why throughout his career.
Buck O'Neil
Buck O'Neil was a great player and an extraordinary leader. He had everything you need to be an elite first basemen. O'Neil was fast, he had great fielding awareness and a strong arm.
However, he wasn´t just a great first basemen, he also shined as a hitter, especially in important moments. O'Neil also made history as a manager, becoming the first African American coach, and played a big role in establishing the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Rube Foster
Rube Foster is considered the father of Black baseball, as he organized the Negro National League. He also founded and managed the Chicago American Giant, which was one of the most successful teams in the league.
As a player, Foster was a fantastic pitcher, and many believe he has the creator of the screwball. He perfected this pitch and it became the strongest weapon in his arsenal. Foster's savviness, and astuteness of the game, allowed his team to dominate the Negro National League for a long period. For many fans, he is the brightest mind in baseball history.
Hank Thompson
A true superstar, Hank Thompson played in the infield, primarily as a third basemen. Thompson was fast, had a strong arm, great power when bating, and had impressive field awareness. All of these attributes made him the perfect third basemen, and a player everyone wanted to have on their team.
Thompson's versatility made him a one-of-a-kind player. Throughout his whole career, he had astonishing numbers and was always considered one of the best players in the game. Thompson was the first black player to play for two different MLB teams and won a World Series in 1954 with the New York Giants.
John Donaldson
Regarded as the greatest pitcher of his era, John Donaldson was a strike-out machine. Batters trembled when facing the pitcher, who had an astonishing 5,221 strike-outs. The left-handed pitcher had a very strong arm and is considered by many as one of the best pitchers o all time.
Donaldson was also a very good hitter, which makes him a two-way star. His skillset allowed him to have a huge impact as a pitcher and as a batter. Unfortunately, he never played in the MLB, where he could have showcased his talents, and tested his skill against other great players.