MLB The Show has revealed that the upcoming installment, MLB The Show 24, will introduce the series' first female player in the form of Toni Stone, a notable figure from the Negro Leagues. This addition follows the introduction of the Negro Leagues feature in the previous year's title, MLB The Show 23.
The integration of the Negro Leagues in MLB The Show 23 offered users narrative journeys that allowed them to experience key moments from the careers of various Negro League players and gain insights into their personal histories through short videos. The roster of legendary players included the likes of Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Buck O'Neil. Upon completing a player's missions, users could acquire a 90 overall version of the player to enhance their Diamond Dynasty lineup. Due to the scarcity of 90+ rated cards in the early stages of each MLB The Show game, the Negro Leagues feature gained popularity for its historical significance and practical benefits. It appears that MLB The Show 24 will continue this trend.
Confirmation from MLB The Show's Twitter account has indicated that the Negro Leagues in MLB The Show 24 will encompass Toni Stone, recognized for her two-year tenure as a professional second baseman. Stone's impressive .243 batting average against top African American pitchers during her career with the Indianapolis Clowns and Kansas City Monarchs reflects her skill. Hank Aaron lauded her as a 'very good baseball player,' while Ernie Banks, upon witnessing her play, described her as 'smooth.' Remarkably, Stone replaced Aaron on the Clowns' roster after his signing with the Milwaukee Braves. She even achieved a hit off Satchel Paige, widely regarded as the premier pitcher in the history of the Negro Leagues.
MLB The Show 24 Unveils the Negro League Players Available at Launch
- Toni Stone, the first female professional baseball player
- Hank Aaron, Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard, and all of last year's Negro Leagues players will also be included
- More Negro League players to be introduced in early April
Building on last year's Negro Leagues feature, it is anticipated that players will have the opportunity to unlock a Diamond Dynasty card for Toni Stone by fulfilling her missions. The game, featuring Vlad Guerrero Jr. on the cover, will incorporate other legendary figures from the Negro Leagues such as Hank Aaron, Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard, and all players from the previous installment of the feature. An additional three Negro League players are scheduled to join the game through a content update in early April.
Expectations for MLB The Show 24 encompass leveraging the capabilities of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 to deliver enhanced graphics and more vibrant ballparks. While many AAA titles in other genres have demonstrated the potential of current-gen consoles, sports games have lagged in this aspect.
Anticipated features of MLB The Show 24 include refinements to card sets in Diamond Dynasty, the addition of more legendary ballplayers to Diamond Dynasty, and various gameplay enhancements. The game is set to launch on March 19 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, and will be accessible to Xbox Game Pass subscribers.