The World Baseball Classic is a tournament that is held every four years featuring national teams from around the world. First launched in 2006, the WBC allows some of the best players from MLB rosters to suit up for their home countries. While the tournament itself does not factor directly into MLB play, the popularity of seeing stars represent their heritage has grown the WBC into a major international baseball event.
As the official baseball video game of MLB, The Show series has incorporated World Baseball Classic teams and players into its modes and card collections over the years. Adding national team rosters and special tournament-based cards allows fans to experience the WBC both on the field during actual play or through collecting in Diamond Dynasty mode. Here’s a deeper look at how SDS has integrated this important international baseball competition into the game.
2006 World Baseball Classic
The inaugural 2006 WBC was a landmark event that really helped launch the tournament onto the global stage. Not surprisingly, the very first The Show game to feature the WBC was MLB 07: The Show on PlayStation 2. For the first time, players could build and play with national teams like Japan, Cuba, USA, Mexico, and more in Exhibition Mode.
While cards and other special content related to the ’06 WBC were not present since Diamond Dynasty was still years away, the ability to relive and replay classic tournament games from that year with licensed rosters was a big addition. Fans got to use sluggers like David Ortiz batting for the Dominican Republic or Daisuke Matsuzaka on the mound for Team Japan.
2009 World Baseball Classic
By 2009, Diamond Dynasty mode had been introduced to The Show franchise, allowing for digital card collecting along with traditional on-field play. To celebrate the ’09 WBC, which was won by Japan, Sony San Diego released special “Tournament” series cards in DD highlighting top national team performers from the classic.
Icons like South Korea’s Hyun-Jin Ryu, Puerto Rico’s Yadier Molina, and USA’s Derek Jeter received 90+ overall diamond cards to commemorate their tournament MVP level play. Dozens of gold and silver rated players from successful WBC squads also got special 2009 tournament variant cards added to packs. This kicked off the tradition of special limited time WBC content in The Show’s most popular mode.
2013 World Baseball Classic
Four years later for the 2013 WBC, the developers at Sony once again marked the occasion in DD. New Tournament series cards were released featuring the likes of Dominican Republic slugger Adrian Beltre, Netherlands standout Xander Bogaerts, and Puerto Rico’s Angel Pagan after strong showings in the classic.
This time around, special “Impact” player choice packs could be obtained containing only tournament variants of the biggest ’13 WBC stars. Limited Program missions were also introduced where completing stat milestones with Tournament cards could unlock special packs or diamond stadium/uniform rewards.
Fans could now truly build Dream Teams mixing their favorite MLB Tigers with their home country’s national heroes from past WBC tournaments. The special limited cards added serious collector’s value and memorable players to virtual lineups.
2017 World Baseball Classic
By 2017, The Show had established itself as the premier baseball franchise, and the developers celebrated the WBC with their most expansive coverage yet. All 16 participating countries’ authentic uniforms and ballparks were added to the game.
New 6-inning “Tournament Showdown” modes allowed for quick WBC single elimination matchups. Dozens of special Tournament Series cards were released through Player/Ballplayer Packs and also earned as rewards for completing Showdown moments recreating key tournament plays.
Icons like Puerto Rico’s Carlos Correa, USA’s Marcus Stroman, and Championship MVP Jeong Choi of South Korea received elite 98+ rated diamond cards. Special mission programs unlocked rare uniform/equipment rewards if certain players were used. This further blurred the lines between MLB/international play in DD.
2021 World Baseball Classic
The 2021 event was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but still recognized. Limited time programs and special packs dropped featuring recent Tournament heroes Ha-Seong Kim, Shane Baz, and Julio Urias. Select ’21 prospects also received bone fide Rookie cards with their countries’ uniforms instead of MLB clubs since the event was postponed.
“What If?” WBC showdowns were added imagining fantasy matchups between past championship squads. Rewards like rare stadium/bat/cleat items were earned. This bridged the gap until the next actual Classic could be held, keeping the spirit alive through the game. Plans are already underway for robust 2023 WBC integration as well.
Through Diamond Dynasty and other gameplay modes, SDS has enhanced The Show experience by authentically bringing the World Baseball Classic into the year-to-year releases. Special cards, rewards, and tournaments have given fans opportunities to craft lineups mixing MLB past and present with their native country’s national team heroes. It exemplifies the developer’s commitment to representing the sport on a truly world stage through innovative digital integrations of this popular international competition. As the WBC continues to grow its footprint, The Show will certainly maintain its torch-bearing role engaging players through immersive virtual experiences celebrating international pride on the diamond.
