MLB Showdown
Encyclopedia
MLB Showdown was a collectible card game
made by Wizards of the Coast
that ran from 2000 to 2005. The game was introduced to the public in 2000, featuring Atlanta Braves
third baseman Chipper Jones
on the product cover. Since the 2000 base set, cover athletes have included Shawn Green
, Gary Sheffield
, Manny Ramírez
, Luis Gonzalez
, Torii Hunter
, Albert Pujols
, and Craig Biggio
.
through a card game, with heavy randomness. It involves a 20-sided die and cards made specifically for the game. These cards were available in booster packs, a staple of collectible card games, as well as starter games and draft packs. There are two types of cards: player cards (current and former Major League players) and strategy cards (actions that can add to or subtract from die rolls, change results, draw extra cards, etc.)
The outcome of an at-bat largely depends on the player cards. The player whose pitcher is pitching that turn rolls a die to determine whether the batting player rolls on the pitcher's chart or the batter's chart. Each of the two charts has a list of possible results from the at-bat.
For the 2005 season, the national championship was set as a different format than it was previously because of changes in organized play. Eight players were regional champions only and won the grand prize of MLB season tickets to the team of his/her choice. However, Wizards of the Coast eventually approved a national championship in Houston, Texas. Prizes were reduced to merely autographed memorabilia sent in from Wizards of the Coast. Four players split the tournament and were named national champions of the 2005 season.
There has been no formal organized play since Showdown was discontinued by Wizards of the Coast in January 2006.
Collectible card game
thumb|Players and their decksA collectible card game , also called a trading card game or customizable card game, is a game played using specially designed sets of playing cards...
made by Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast is an American publisher of games, primarily based on fantasy and science fiction themes, and formerly an operator of retail stores for games...
that ran from 2000 to 2005. The game was introduced to the public in 2000, featuring Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
third baseman Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones
Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves...
on the product cover. Since the 2000 base set, cover athletes have included Shawn Green
Shawn Green
Shawn David Green is a former Major League Baseball player.Green was a 1st round draft pick and a two-time major league All-Star...
, Gary Sheffield
Gary Sheffield
Gary Antonian Sheffield , nicknamed "Sheff", is an American retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for eight major league ball clubs from 1988 to 2009, primarily as an outfielder.-Biography:...
, Manny Ramírez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...
, Luis Gonzalez
Luis Gonzalez (baseball outfielder)
Luis Emilio Gonzalez , nicknamed "Gonzo", is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder. A Cuban-American, Gonzalez spent his best years with the Arizona Diamondbacks and was one of the most popular players in that organization's history...
, Torii Hunter
Torii Hunter
Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...
, Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols
José Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
, and Craig Biggio
Craig Biggio
Craig Alan Biggio is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, catcher, and outfielder. He played his entire 20-year baseball career with the Houston Astros . He ranks 21st all-time with 3,060 career hits, and is the ninth player in the 3000 hit club to get all his hits with the same team. He...
.
How to play the game
MLB Showdown simulates baseballBaseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
through a card game, with heavy randomness. It involves a 20-sided die and cards made specifically for the game. These cards were available in booster packs, a staple of collectible card games, as well as starter games and draft packs. There are two types of cards: player cards (current and former Major League players) and strategy cards (actions that can add to or subtract from die rolls, change results, draw extra cards, etc.)
The outcome of an at-bat largely depends on the player cards. The player whose pitcher is pitching that turn rolls a die to determine whether the batting player rolls on the pitcher's chart or the batter's chart. Each of the two charts has a list of possible results from the at-bat.
Organized play
Organized play was set into three levels: local leagues, regionals, and the national championship. The MLB Showdown card game has had four national champions: Scott Forster (2001), Gary Quinn (2002), Keith Pioro (2003), and Terry Dugan (2004).For the 2005 season, the national championship was set as a different format than it was previously because of changes in organized play. Eight players were regional champions only and won the grand prize of MLB season tickets to the team of his/her choice. However, Wizards of the Coast eventually approved a national championship in Houston, Texas. Prizes were reduced to merely autographed memorabilia sent in from Wizards of the Coast. Four players split the tournament and were named national champions of the 2005 season.
There has been no formal organized play since Showdown was discontinued by Wizards of the Coast in January 2006.
Sets
| Year | Set | Type of Card | # of Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Base | Player | 462 |
| 2000 | Base | Strategy | 55 |
| 2000 | Pennant Run | Player | 150 |
| 2000 | Pennant Run | Strategy | 25 |
| 2000 | Spring Training Promo | Player | 34 |
| 2000 | Home Run Hitter Promo | Player | 14 |
| 2000 | Pennant Run Promo | Player | 8 |
| 2001 | Base | Player | 462 |
| 2001 | Base | Strategy | 75 |
| 2001 | Pennant Run | Player | 175 |
| 2001 | Pennant Run | Strategy | 25 |
| 2001 | MLB Showdown 2001 Promo | Player | 34 |
| 2001 | Ace Pitchers Promo | Player | 16 |
| 2002 | Base | Player | 356 |
| 2002 | Base | Strategy | 50 |
| 2002 | Trading Deadline | Player | 150 |
| 2002 | Trading Deadline | Strategy | 25 |
| 2002 | Pennant Run | Player | 150 |
| 2002 | Pennant Run | Strategy | 25 |
| 2002 | All-Star Game | Player | 50 |
| 2003 | Base | Player | 304 |
| 2003 | Base | Strategy | 50 |
| 2003 | Trading Deadline | Player | 145 |
| 2003 | Trading Deadline | Strategy | 25 |
| 2003 | Pennant Run | Player | 125 |
| 2003 | Pennant Run | Strategy | 25 |
| 2004 | Base | Player | 248 |
| 2004 | Base | Strategy | 50 |
| 2004 | Trading Deadline | Player | 125 |
| 2004 | Trading Deadline | Strategy | 25 |
| 2004 | Pennant Run | Player | 125 |
| 2004 | Pennant Run | Strategy | 25 |
| 2005 | Base | Player | 348 |
| 2005 | Base | Strategy | 50 |
| 2005 | Trading Deadline | Player | 168 |
| 2005 | Trading Deadline | Strategy | 25 |
MLB Showdown timeline
- February 4, 2000: MLB Showdown 2000 is announced by Wizards of the Coast.
- April 24, 2000: MLB Showdown is put on the market at $2.99 per booster pack.
- August 14, 2000: The first expansion set, entitled "Pennant Run," is released.
- March 30, 2001: MLB Showdown 2000 is named the 2000 Collectible Card Game of the Year by Card Trade Magazine.
- April 2, 2001: MLB Showdown 2001 is released; changes in the game are made to allow more baserunning choices.
- July 2001: The strategy card set is released in Pennant Run. New cards include "Mound Conference" and "Pep Talk." "1st Edition" cards are discontinued.
- April 29, 2002: MLB Showdown 2002 is released with revamped on-base values.
- July 15, 2002: MLB Showdown 2002 Trading Deadline is announced. It was released less than a week later.
- September 2002: "Super Season" cards are created, allowing managers to play with player with stats from previous historic seasons in the "Pennant Run" expansion.
- March 7, 2003: MLB Showdown 2003 is released. Icons are put onto player cards to supplement gameplay.
- June 27, 2003: New rookie season cards let managers play with a card based on a Rookie of the Year winner's rookie season.
- August 29, 2003: In the "Pennant Run" set, the Cooperstown Collection subset is created, allowing managers to play with classic Hall of Famers such as Nolan RyanNolan RyanLynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
and Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
.
- March 26, 2004: MLB Showdown 2004 is released.
- March 25, 2005: MLB Showdown 2005 is released.
- January 8, 2006: Wizards announces the cancellation of MLB Showdown.