Shohei Ohtani In MLB The Show 17: A Complete Guide

Hey baseball fanatics, ever wondered if the two-way phenom, Shohei Ohtani, was gracing the virtual diamond in MLB The Show 17? Well, you're in the right place! We're diving deep into the digital archives to uncover the truth and give you the lowdown on Ohtani's presence, or absence, in this particular installment of the beloved baseball video game series. Get ready to have all of your questions answered as we explore the digital rosters, delve into the player databases, and assess the timing of his MLB debut relative to the game's release. Whether you are a casual gamer or a die-hard baseball fan, this is the article for you!

This article is designed to give you a clear and concise answer to the question of Ohtani's appearance in MLB The Show 17. We'll also provide some context around his career trajectory and the game's release to help you understand why he might or might not have been included. So, buckle up, grab your virtual bat, and let's get started. MLB The Show has been a staple in many households, and it is a yearly tradition for a lot of people to get the latest installment to enjoy the updated rosters, gameplay, and graphics. The anticipation of the new game is always exciting, and the community loves discussing which players made the cut and which ones didn't. This can lead to a lot of research to see what players are available in the game and how the player is rated. In today's digital age, it is easy to look up all of this information, but this wasn't always the case.

The Timing of Shohei Ohtani's MLB Debut

To understand whether Ohtani was in MLB The Show 17, we first need to look at his actual baseball career. Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese sensation, began his professional baseball career in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. It was only after a stellar career in Japan that he made the leap to Major League Baseball (MLB). Ohtani's MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels occurred in the 2018 season. Now, here's the crucial piece of the puzzle: MLB The Show 17 was released in March 2017. That means the game came out more than a year before Ohtani officially stepped onto an MLB field.

Since Ohtani wasn't playing in MLB at the time of MLB The Show 17's release, it's highly improbable that he would have been included in the game's official roster. The game's developers, Sony San Diego Studio, meticulously update the rosters each year to reflect the players currently in the league. However, at the time, Ohtani was still showcasing his talents in Japan. Thus, the timing was not right for his inclusion. The game's database is always up-to-date with current MLB players, but they are not going to add players who have yet to play in the MLB. Ohtani's journey to the MLB was highly anticipated, and fans were eager to see how he would perform. His performance in Japan created a lot of hype, and a lot of people wanted to get their hands on his baseball card to try to get in on the ground floor. It is important to remember that baseball cards were still a major thing at this time, and players getting into the MLB were still a big deal to a lot of people. The game developers wanted to accurately reflect the MLB, and that is why they didn't include him in the roster. The hype was real for Ohtani.

Digital Rosters and Player Databases

MLB The Show games are known for their accuracy in terms of player likeness and team rosters. The development team goes to great lengths to ensure that the players, their stats, and their appearances are as close to reality as possible. The game relies heavily on data from the MLB and MLB Players Association to build its rosters. This includes contracts, player performance data, and even detailed facial scans for player models. The roster updates are usually a big talking point when the game is released, and people are always looking to see if their favorite players made the cut. Every year the rosters change, and it is interesting to see what players are making a name for themselves and are getting into the game. The developers really try to make the game as realistic as possible.

Since Ohtani was not playing in the MLB in 2017, he would not have been part of the official data used to create the game's roster. Therefore, he would not have been present in any of the game modes, such as exhibition games, franchise mode, or Road to the Show. Even if you were to create a custom roster, you would have to manually add him in, which wasn't as easy back then as it is today. Games today allow you to add any player that you want, so the options are endless. Back in the day, the game would only allow you to add players who were in the official MLB roster. This is how the game maintained its high level of accuracy. It's a great feature to include, and it really brought the game to life.

Potential Workarounds and Custom Rosters

While Ohtani wasn't officially in MLB The Show 17, there might have been a few workarounds that gamers could explore to get him into the game. This usually involves creating custom rosters. The community is fantastic, and they are always trying to find a way to include their favorite players into the game, even if they aren't included in the official roster. This includes player models, stats, and even accurate representations of their hitting stances and pitching motions. Custom rosters can be found online and shared among players. MLB The Show has always had a strong community, and they always provide solutions to a lot of the game's shortcomings. It's a great feature to include, and it gives the players a lot of freedom to do what they want. It is a fantastic feature to the game.

This would have involved players spending time to create a digital version of Ohtani, including his name, attributes, and appearance. Some players in the community are very talented, and they are capable of creating very realistic versions of players. The realism is what makes the game so great, and the customization options that are available help make the game even better. The level of detail that the players provide is incredible, and it enhances the game greatly. This is a very time-consuming process, but for fans eager to play with Ohtani, it was a way to make it happen. The options for players were endless, and there was always a solution. It is a great feature to include, and it really brought the game to life.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Shohei Ohtani in MLB The Show 17

So, after thorough research and analysis, the answer is pretty clear: Shohei Ohtani was not in MLB The Show 17 in its official capacity. His debut in the MLB came after the game's release. But for those who are interested, you could always create a custom roster. That's the beauty of video games – the ability to create your own digital baseball universe! You can always make him apart of the team, and you can play with him whenever you want. This is a really great feature that is included.

While Ohtani's absence from MLB The Show 17 is a fact, it doesn't diminish the game's quality or the excitement surrounding his eventual arrival in MLB. It simply highlights the timing of his career relative to the game's release. As the years went by, Ohtani would of course become a fixture in subsequent editions of MLB The Show, allowing players to finally experience the thrill of controlling the two-way superstar. The anticipation surrounding his debut in the MLB was high, and a lot of people were excited to see him play. He did not disappoint, and he quickly became one of the league's top players. Now, you can play with him, and you can enjoy his amazing skill set. You can finally create a team around him, and the options are endless. Enjoy!