They can’t step on real grass, swing for real fences or hear the cheers of real fans, but Seattle Mariners players are still getting in some baseball, albeit virtually, during a showdown that pits them against fans in “MLB The Show 20” on PS4.
Sixteen fans and 16 Mariners players, selected during a special YouTube presentation hosted by broadcaster Dave Sims on Monday, began playing on Tuesday. The first round continues Wednesday through Friday.
The Mariners reported on the matchups and winners on the team’s blog, and video highlights are posted below. Players including Dee Gordon, Shed Long, Daniel Vogelbach and Dan Altavilla are taking part.
The winners from each of those days’ four games advance to round 2, which will be played next week.
Viewers can follow along on the Mariners Showdown page for schedules, results and highlights from the competition, and view the livestreams on the team’s Twitch channel.
The Mariners said in a news release that they will make a $5,000 donation through the team’s nonprofit foundation, Mariners Care, to COVID-19 relief efforts in the name of the winner. If a fan is crowned champion, that person will receive front row tickets to a future Mariners game and the opportunity to throw out a first pitch.
