In a typical year, Major League Baseball (MLB) players would be well into their season by now, showcasing their skills on the field. However, with the world facing unprecedented challenges, many athletes, including MLB stars, have found a new way to keep their competitive edge sharp: video games. Many of them, as it turned out, play World of Warcraft, Destiny 2, Diablo 4, Dota 2, PUBG, and many more. This unexpected shift has revealed surprising benefits and a growing community among players.
World of Warcraft: A New Training Tool?
Hunter Pence, the San Francisco Giants’ right-fielder, is one such player who has embraced this trend. Instead of catching fly balls, Pence spends his evenings navigating the vast virtual landscapes of WoW. For Pence, video games are more than just a hobby. They are a tool to maintain and even enhance his athletic skills.
“There’s science behind video games helping with quick decision making because, in a lot of specific games, you’re working on timing and anticipation…similar to recognizing a pitch at the plate,” Pence explained. For him, games like WoW help with boost his peripheral vision.
It may seem a big question “Why” and “How this even be true”. But for an avid gamer, nothing is surprising. When you play PvP Arena or participate in a hardcore Mythic+ dungeon run, you have to do a lot of actions and track dozens of factors every second: press your rotation (which often includes over 20 active buttons), watch cooldowns, watch what’s happening around, watch your opponent’s cooldowns, avoid void zones, etc. It definitely boosts a crucial skill for an outfielder who must keep track of both the ball and the runners on base.
The Rise of Gaming Among MLB Players
Pence isn’t alone in turning to video games during the lockdown. Many MLB players have found solace and a competitive outlet in the gaming world. Video games help keep their minds sharp and provide a sense of community that has been lost with the suspension of regular play.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitcher Jon Duplantier, for example, enjoys playing Call of Duty, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and Madden. These games help him maintain his competitive spirit and connect with teammates in a way that the current situation otherwise prevents. “Video games keep up that competitive edge,” Duplantier said. “As athletes, we chase that feeling of competitiveness, of the goal to win.”
Mental and Physical Benefits
Research supports the idea that video games can be beneficial. A 2017 study published in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience journal analyzed over 100 different studies and found that playing video games can enhance skills such as sustained and selective attention. For athletes like Pence, this means that video games can indeed help in maintaining high levels of performance.
The study also found that video games could increase the size and efficiency of brain regions related to visuospatial skills. This is directly relevant to athletes who rely on their spatial awareness on the field.
More Than Just Fun and Games
While not all MLB players are as deeply involved in gaming as Pence, the trend is widespread. Players use video games to unwind, compete, and stay connected. This virtual interaction provides a semblance of normalcy and camaraderie during a time when physical gatherings are restricted.
Moreover, video games offer a mental escape. “As a professional athlete, everything you do is under such a huge microscope, and you can be too hard on yourself,” Pence noted. Video games allow players to “reset” after a tough game or practice, offering a distraction that can help mitigate stress and maintain mental health.
The Future of Gaming in MLB
Even when the MLB season resumes, the role of video games in players’ lives is likely to remain significant. They have become a part of the routine, helping them relax and socialize (much depends on the game genre: single-player shooters, for example, don’t imply much communication, but MMORPGs like WoW may be like a second life with dozens of new friends).
“Video games are definitely an escape,” Pence said. “I find a lot of joy entering these different worlds.” This sentiment is shared by many athletes who have discovered the benefits of gaming during the lockdown.
