I Shall Not Be Overcome
In case you were wondering why I haven't been blogging lately (thanks for the concern, I'm fine, by the way), it is because I am in the midst of an epic battle. A futile combat that could put Lou Kang and Johnny Cage to shame. A fierce melee that's bigger than the World Cup, World Series and World War II combined.
The enemy?
MLB 08: THE SHOW
Yes, I said it, a video game. A baseball video game.
No, I'm not a dork, geek, or a loser (although some may disagree). I am simply a baseball addict jonesing for a fix amidst the boredom and frustration that is the MLB off-season.
Undoubtedly, I would be much more interested if I was on the inside. Instead, I am on the outside looking in. Better yet, I am in the nose bleeds of left field and a fat guy with personal hygiene issues just sat down in front of me with a six pack of hot dogs (oh, how I can't wait for them to digest!).
Point is, I'm bored.
For Christmas, my father gave me this video game which was once a curiosity (I'm normally a 2K kinda guy), and has now become the bain of my existence. To anyone who owns this game: HOW DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT?!?!?
I have played this game day and night, dawn 'til dusk since Christmas morning. I have delved into the "Road To The Show" mode which lets you take control of a player and lead him from the minors up through to "The Show."
Problem is, you start out as, well, as the french might say "le sucktastic." A .250 average is awesome considering your skills and homeruns are completely out of the question. I began the 2008 season as an 18 year old third baseman in the Phillies organization and after completing the 2010 season, I still suck and I'm still in the minors.
65 gaming hours have been spent and I haven't enjoyed one second. I play video games for fun, not a challenge. I have plenty of real life challenges, I want my video games to be easy and egotistically rewarding. This one is neither and I'm beginning to lose my hair.
I will not quit! I will not be defeated! I shall not be overcome!
Scott - they have support groups for people like you. Might I suggest that you drink a little less coffee and get some sleep! Good luck.
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
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Jules - As a matter of fact, I hate coffee. I'm afraid I suffer from good old-fashioned American insomnia. However, my name is Scott, and I have a problem. There, I took the first step. Haha
Thank you for reading.
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Oh Scott,
I think I might have to look into this video game... I like video games too :). Especially one that will allow me to procrastinate more. Good luck getting out of the minors, I'm rooting for you! I'll even whip up a wonderful scouting report for you if I see you play during Spring Training (do they have that in the video game?)
-Elizabeth
http://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com
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Isn't that awesome when you find a game you are so into right up to the point you look at how much time you've logged and you feel really bad because that time is never coming back! I think wow I spent a week of my life playing that I could have...then I grab for the sticks again and the rest is history.
tom
http://rockymountainway.mlblogs.com
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You know what, this is why I'm not into video games. They take up a lot of time in your life and they make your brain dull. Try to have fun with that, though!
http://kaybee.mlblogs.com
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I'm not as into video games as some. I know a few guys who use video games as an excuse to avoid every day life and only come out from their mom's basement to grab a sandwich from WaWa. I'm not that bad. Video games are more of a cure for boredom and sometimes a way to unwind from a tough day. I like it when my mind is numb for an hour or two. Can't be going 100mph all the time. But I can see your point.
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Thank you, Elizabeth! I like having a fan! It's going better since I discovered the "power swing" button. And yes, there is Spring Training but only when you're in the bigs. That's how you start your career as a Spring Training Invitee and if you do well you start at AAA, do bad and you start at AA. Right now I'm with the AAA Lehigh Valley Iron pigs who play a mile and a half from my mom's house.
I've accepted my struggles and will continue trying until the spring semester begins and I have no more time left to waste away.
I'll be sure to call a press conference when I get called up.
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Scott,
I can definately relate with you on the MLB 09 'the show.' I've actually posted a couple blogs on the very same topic.
http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/12/mlb_08_the_show_blue_jays_list.html
http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/05/video_game_review_mlb_the_show.html
I played 'road to the show' with myself being trying to be starting center fielder for the Jays. I made it to the show, but after my third year (some simulating was involved, I don't have that much time) the Jays wanted to change my position and wouldn't offer me a great contract. I ended up being the centerfielder on the Yankees. I didn't like it, so I asked for trade. I think I ended up in Oakland? I simulated the rest. Then I retired, and they told me I didn't make the Hall of Fame. I was pretty upset about that. Then I turned back to the online play, which is awesome on MLB; however, I found a number of 'big jerks' in the world of online gaming.
Good luck! I think you have devote a lot of time into it, to make it to the Hall of Fame. I'm job hunting now, so I can't be doing that.
http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/
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You may refer to me as "Mark Lesh", a power-hitting right fielder in the Astros organization. Although when I say "power-hitting", I mean that is what I made the player for, to be a power hitter. Apparently, that is not in Mr. Lesh's plans: 2 HR in 187 AB. Ahh, but I love (hate) The Show, and I HAVE for record been inducted in to the HOF. Yep, I broke the all-time saves record (as a Phillie). Good times.
Aaron
http://districtboy.mlblogs.com/
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Scott - MLB The Show 09 is coming out this Spring! Get ready; Dustin Pedroia is on the cover!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
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When I first heard about MLB '09 I thought to my slef "I've put waaaay too much work into MLB '08 to just give it up for the '09 version!" But then again, I say that every year about Madden, too. I just read about it on GameStop.com and it sounds 100 times better than '08 so I guess I'll have to re-invest my time.
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