Tushar
Already a highlight of the baseball calendar, the MLB All-Star weekend is made even more exciting by the Home Run Derby, which annually captivates spectators.
But the recent news from MLB regarding the debut of a Futures Skills Showcase raises the stakes and presents a new way for fans to get involved with the game.
This skills tournament, which is scheduled to take place on July 13 after the Futures Game, will see some of the most talented young players in the game demonstrate their abilities in three different categories. Here are the things we discovered and the reasons this development matters to the sport and its supporters.
Fans have long called for a skills tournament that would feature players showcasing their unique talents in a variety of tasks, like to those found in the NBA, NFL, and NHL. At last, MLB has responded, if initially with prospects for the Futures Game instead of current All-Stars.
In addition to responding to fan requests, this action explores the possibility of adding major league players down the road.
Three competitions focused on various facets of hitting prowess are scheduled at the Futures Skills Showcase:
Round 1: “Hit it Here”: In order to score points based on accuracy, hitters are need to target particular infield and outfield locations during this event.
It is similar to the KBO Bunt King tournament in that it incorporates qualities of talent, control, and precision.
This challenge highlights the value of hitting placement strategy, an ability that is sometimes overlooked in favor of the raw power that is usually praised in the sport.
Round 2: “Call Your Shot”: Hitters will show off their skills to automatically direct the ball to designated fields. This calls for accuracy as well as a thorough comprehension of one’s own swing mechanics and situational hitting—two abilities that are essential for any professional player.
Round 3: Swing for the Fences is a modern take on the traditional power hitting demonstration. Points are given for hitting to the opposite field in addition to home runs, which promotes a more comprehensive display of hitting prowess. This part is similar to the Home Run Derby, but it includes more calculated aspects.
MLB Chief Baseball Development Officer Tony Reagins said in a statement, “The Futures Skills Showcase added to All-Star Saturday will enhance the experience for both players and fans.”
The All-Star Futures Game is a premier event on the baseball calendar for the next generation of Major League stars.
“Building on the success and popularity of the inaugural Spring Breakout, this is another exciting opportunity for Baseball to engage with a young audience while providing a platform for these great young players to display their incredible talents in a competitive format.”
Hopefully this is popular enough that MLB realizes it can do something similar with the All-Stars on Monday before the Derby, but I’m dubious.
So many of them just want to enjoy the short vacation with their families and it’s difficult enough to fill the entire Derby field. We could even lose the third round there, since the Derby serves as the “swing for the fence” exercise.
*This is an opinion based article by Tushar, @09sports.com
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