About

This blog is dedicated to the great game of MLB Showdown once produced by Wizards of the Coast back in 2000 and 2001. This is a card game has the nostalgia of classic baseball cards and the joy of fantasy sports. The player is the General Manager, Coach and Athletes. Players are assembled into teams which play against opponents like the Big Leaguers. Cards were based on how well players had done the year previous. Players could assemble All-Star teams, play with players from their favorite team or assemble a team on a salary cap for league or tournament play.

When the 2002 set of cards was introduced by Wizards of the Coast it was clear to all players for the 2000 and 2001 sets that the game had changed. The 2000 and 2001 sets were compatible with each other. The only noticeable difference between the two sets was the pricing for relief pitchers was much steeper in 2001. The 2002-2005 sets were completely incompatible with the previous sets. The offensive mechanics had been changed so drastically that elite players from 2000/2001 were over priced bench players if used along side later sets.

A quality, comprehensive version of the 2000/2001 rules is currently unavailable on the internet to my knowledge (if I am mistaken please comment). We are in the process of compiling basic rules for new users as well as alternate play styles that have been used by the MLB Showdown community. Using a 20 sided dice and pitcher and batter cards results would be generated which would be used to play the game. A serviceable Youtube video for an introduction is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzQ1jGznsos. The second half of the video is outdated information. Wizard of the Coast no longer sells any new MLB Showdown products.

We have gotten our hands on 3 new 600 card sets which are completely compatible with the 2000 and 2001 sets. These are not official Wizard of the Coast productions but information compiled from fans personal efforts. The sets consist of 20 players from each MLB team. 12 position players, 4 starters, 4 relievers. Players now have numeric speed values as well as the classic A,B and C speed values. This was an improvement to later sets which has been put into effect for these new cards. The 2011 set was the first set to offer 1/3 IP relievers. These specialist offer an interesting dynamic to the game.

The aim of this blog is to push new information on sets that it receives to the public. New card charts will be made available. Every chart of every player will be made available for free in a timely manner. Since there is no official governing body for rules anymore every league must establish their own rules. This site will offer as comprehensive of a list of potential rules and play styles as possible. New strategy cards will be made available along with new potential kinds of strategy cards like managers, stadiums and superstar cards. Blogs will come out in a variety of ways including tradition blogs, V-logs, guest write ups, and guest hosting V-logs. If you would like to be a part of this process or would like more information on anything MLB Showdown related please contact us using the contact information below.

To contact this page E-mail: Redsoxman2011@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: @mlbshowdownguru
Follow and interact with the community using #mlbshowdown or #playforthecard (our official phrase for the 2012 season)