MLB The Show 22 marked a landmark release for San Diego Studio and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Selecting a single athlete to represent an entire franchise is always a major decision, but the 2022 edition delivered one of the most celebrated cover choices in modern sports video game history. Beyond the primary cover star, the game highlighted numerous legendary and active baseball figures through dedicated card series and game modes.
The Main Cover Athlete Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels was selected as the official cover star for MLB The Show 22 following a historic 2021 American League MVP season. His unique ability to dominate as both a elite starting pitcher and a powerhouse hitter captivated baseball fans globally. Featuring Ohtani on the box art reflected a modern era of baseball defined by unprecedented versatility and international appeal.
His inclusion across all platform covers, including the franchise debut on the Nintendo Switch, helped draw significant attention to the release. Players were eager to recreate Ohtani's historic two-way performances within the virtual diamond. San Diego Studio celebrated his achievements with unique in-game items, special programs, and custom diamond player cards.
The Cover Athletes Card Series
In addition to highlighting Shohei Ohtani, MLB The Show 22 featured a popular Cover Athletes program in Diamond Dynasty mode. This collection showcased previous stars who had graced the cover of past entries in the series. Players could earn or collect special flashback cards celebrating iconic seasons from these superstars.
Among the notable featured cover athletes were Javier Báez, Bryce Harper, Fernando Tatis Jr., and David Ortiz. By completing targeted moments and showdown missions, gamers could add these high-tier diamond player items to their custom squads. This initiative gave fans a fun way to honor baseball history while building competitive lineups.
Special Edition Homages and Collector Content
Beyond the standard edition, special collector versions of the game provided deeper celebrations of featured athletes. These premium packages included artwork inspired by anime and street style, further elevating Ohtani's status as a global sports icon. The creative artistic direction made physical copies highly sought after by collectors.
These special editions offered players bonus packs, extra stubs, and early access options to start their gaming experience early. Dedicated fans appreciated the extra polish given to both the physical presentation and the digital rewards. The overall presentation stood out as a highlight for the entire franchise.
Impact on the MLB The Show Franchise
The choice of cover stars and featured legends in MLB The Show 22 set a high standard for subsequent releases. By expanding to multi-platform cross-play and highlighting two-way playstyles, the title successfully broadened its overall player base. It demonstrated how effective box art stars can be in generating enthusiasm for sports simulation games.
Ultimately, MLB The Show 22 succeeded in delivering an engaging tribute to modern talent and historic icons alike. The combination of Shohei Ohtani's star power and the nostalgia of past cover athletes created a memorable gaming package. Baseball video game enthusiasts continue to view this entry as a pivotal moment for the series.
