MLB The Show 2023 Legends: Three greatest former players added to game's latest edition

Sony's hit video game series, MLB The Show, continues to thrive as the premier baseball gaming experience. The latest iteration, which is set to hit store shelves on March 28, will continue to expand upon the highly successful 2022 installment of the franchise.

In the build-up to the game's release, Sony continues to release small details about the latest installment to the franchise. One of the biggest questions every year is which athlete will be on the cover, which was revealed to be Miami Marlins star Jazz Chisholm.

"Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be on the cover of MLB The Show ‘23. While he’s one of the more electric young players in the game, the reaction to Jazz getting the nod was mixed. We’re giving our opinions on the matter and much more on today’s episode:" - Baseball is Dead

While the cover athlete reveal was both exciting and divisive, the latest announcement from Sony has been celebrated across the board. Sony San Diego has announced a new feature called Storylines, which will celebrate legends of the Negro Leagues.

The Storylines feature includes a narrative experience for each Negro League legend, with short videos about players mixed with gameplay centered on important moments of their careers. Here is a look at the top three legends that will be added to the video game series.

1. Jackie Robinson's story on MLB The Show will be one of the most anticipated features

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson changed baseball forever. He broke baseball's color barrier, becoming the first African-American player to appear in a baseball game. Robinson went on to have one of the most celebrated and iconic careers in MLB history.

"MLB The Show 23 will feature eight Negro League legends. Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and others will be available in a new narrative game mode "Storylines" and playable across other modes." - Front Office Sports

Through 11 seasons in the MLB, Robinson recorded 1,563 hits, 141 home runs, and 761 RBIs. Upon his retirement, Jackie finished his career with a .313 batting average. While his counting stats may not be as impressive compared to other stars, he made his MLB debut at 28 years old and was retired by 37.

2. Satchel Paige

At 59 years and 80 days, Satchel Paige was the oldest-ever player to play in the MLB. Paige made his professional debut in the Negro Leagues in 1927 with the Birmingham Black Barons. In 1948, he made his American/National League debut with the Cleveland Indians.

"SATCHEL PAIGE IS COMING TO MLB THE SHOW 23 LETS GOOOOOO" - @RealShelfy

Over the course of his 21-year professional baseball career, Paige posted a 121- 81 record with a career 2.70 ERA and 1,480 strikeouts. During that time, the Hall of Famer won two World Series titles and two ERA titles, as well as being selected to eight All-Star Teams. His addition to MLB The Show is not only exciting but well-deserved.

3. Hilton Smith

While Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige may be more commonly known among baseball fans, however, the addition of Hilton Smith to MLB The Show will allow fans to learn about his greatness.

"#Spotlight – Late 40’s baseball cards featuring Hilton Smith, Joshua Gibson and Willard Brown" - Teambrown Apparel

The right-handed pitcher from Giddings, Texas, was dominant during his 13 seasons in the Negro Leagues. A seven-time All-Star, Smith finished his career with a 70-39 record, going 10-0 for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1941.

Smith finished his career at 41 years old after the 1948 season. He finished his career with a 2.89 ERA and 575 strikeouts, becoming inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001 by the Veteran's Committee.