MLB Showdown

Overview

MLB Showdown is a collectible card game by Wizards of the Coast that simulates baseball. Each player builds a team from player cards representing real MLB players, then plays a full baseball game. A 20-sided die determines outcomes, with results modified by player card stats for batting, pitching, and fielding. The game ran from 2000 to 2005.

Components

• Player cards (collectible, featuring real MLB players)
• Strategy cards (special play modifiers)
• 1 twenty-sided die (d20)
• Score sheets or tracker

Setup

1. Each player builds a team of player cards (following deck construction rules: a pitcher, lineup of 9 batters, bench players).
2. Set up a score tracker for innings.
3. Determine home and visiting teams.
4. Each player selects their starting pitcher.

Turn Structure

The game follows baseball innings. Each half-inning:

1. Pitching: The defending player uses their pitcher card.
2. At-bat: The batting player sends batters up in lineup order.
3. Resolution: Roll the d20. Compare to control number on the pitcher or batter card to determine which card’s chart is used. Then roll again on that chart for the result.

Actions

Pitching and Batting

• Roll the d20. If the roll is equal to or less than the pitcher’s control number, use the pitcher’s chart. Otherwise, use the batter’s chart.
• Roll again on the appropriate chart to determine the outcome (out, single, double, triple, home run, walk, etc.).

Baserunning

• Track runners on bases.
• Runners advance based on hit type and specific card abilities.

Strategy Cards

• Play strategy cards for special effects (stolen bases, hit-and-run, defensive shifts, etc.).
• Some cards are played before the at-bat, others in response to results.

Pitching Changes

• Substitute relief pitchers from your bullpen during the game.
• Tired pitchers lose effectiveness.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Play 9 innings of baseball. The team with more runs after 9 innings wins. Extra innings if tied.

Scoring follows standard baseball rules: runners crossing home plate score runs.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Switch hitters bat left-handed against right-handed pitchers and vice versa.
• Fielding ratings on player cards affect defensive plays.
• Some player cards have special abilities (speed for stolen bases, power for home runs).
• The game was produced in annual sets corresponding to MLB seasons.
• Deck construction rules limit team salary/point totals for balanced gameplay.

Player Reference

At-bat: Roll d20 -> If <= pitcher’s control, use pitcher’s chart; else use batter’s chart -> Roll result on chart

Results: Out, Single, Double, Triple, Home Run, Walk, Strikeout

Game length: 9 innings (extra innings if tied)

Strategy cards: Modify results or trigger special plays