Table of Contents

Is Barry Bonds in MLB The Show 22? The Definitive Answer and FAQs

The short answer, delivered with a dose of melancholy for baseball purists and video game nostalgists alike, is: No, Barry Bonds is not in MLB The Show 22. He hasn’t been in the game for quite some time, and unfortunately, there’s no indication that he will be added in future iterations either.

Now, before the collective groan becomes deafening, let’s delve into why the game’s virtual diamond lacks the presence of arguably one of the greatest, and most controversial, hitters to ever grip a bat. And, of course, we’ll explore related questions to provide the full picture.

The Licensing Labyrinth: Why Legends Are Often Missing

The absence of Barry Bonds, along with other legendary players from baseball’s storied past, is rarely a reflection of a simple oversight. It’s almost always tied to a complex web of licensing agreements. MLB The Show needs to secure the rights to use a player’s likeness, name, and biographical information. These rights don’t automatically come with being a Hall of Famer (which, notably, Bonds is not at this time, a point we’ll return to).

Player Associations and Individual Agreements: MLB The Show typically works with the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) to secure rights for active players. For retired players, however, the situation is more complicated. Sony San Diego, the developer, usually has to negotiate individual agreements with each former player or, more often, with their representatives.
Financial Demands: Securing these rights can be expensive. A player like Barry Bonds, with his immense popularity (and notoriety), commands a premium. The cost can be prohibitive, especially when considering the risk. Is the inclusion of Bonds guaranteed to boost sales enough to justify the hefty licensing fee? That’s the question Sony San Diego needs to answer.
Image Concerns: This is where the Bonds situation becomes even more nuanced. The shadow of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has irrevocably altered his legacy. While some fans champion his abilities, others view him with skepticism and outright disdain. MLB The Show, and its parent company Sony, must consider the potential backlash from including a player so closely associated with the steroid era. It’s not just about money; it’s about brand perception.

The Unfortunate Reality for Fans

While reasons can be given and analyzed, the truth is that the absence of Barry Bonds from MLB The Show 22 (and previous editions) is a significant disappointment for many fans. His virtual presence would add immense value to the game’s franchise mode, Diamond Dynasty, and other modes where historical players enhance the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Barry Bonds and MLB The Show

Here are 12 frequently asked questions related to Barry Bonds’ absence from MLB The Show, providing further insight into this complex issue:

1. Has Barry Bonds Ever Been in an MLB The Show Game?

Yes, he has. Barry Bonds was featured in earlier iterations of the game when licensing agreements were in place. His inclusion was common before his retirement and the heightening of PED scrutiny. However, he hasn’t been in the game for well over a decade.

2. Why Doesn’t MLB The Show Just Pay Whatever It Takes to Get Him in the Game?

It’s not just about the money. While licensing fees are a significant factor, Sony San Diego must also consider the potential impact on the game’s reputation and brand image. A controversial figure like Bonds carries risks that need to be weighed against the potential benefits. There’s also a budget and resource allocation across many different players, not just him.

3. Could Fan Pressure Force Sony San Diego to Include Barry Bonds?

While fan pressure can influence decisions, it’s unlikely to be the sole determining factor. Sony San Diego will carefully analyze market demand, licensing costs, and the potential impact on the game’s overall appeal. A vocal minority of fans may want Bonds, but the company needs to consider the broader audience.

4. Are There Any Other Players With Similar Licensing Issues?

Absolutely. Numerous legendary players face similar hurdles due to licensing costs, image concerns, or simply the complexities of negotiating with individual estates or representatives. Roger Clemens, Pete Rose, and Shoeless Joe Jackson are just a few examples of players whose absence is often attributed to similar issues.

5. Does Barry Bonds’ Hall of Fame Status (or Lack Thereof) Affect His Inclusion?

Indirectly, yes. While not a direct requirement for inclusion, the Hall of Fame debate surrounding Bonds amplifies the scrutiny and controversy surrounding his legacy. If he were a universally celebrated Hall of Famer, the potential for backlash from his inclusion in the game would likely be lower.

6. Could a Third-Party Mod Bring Barry Bonds to MLB The Show?

On PC versions of MLB The Show, community-created modifications (mods) can sometimes add players that aren’t officially licensed. However, this is against the game’s official terms of service and is done entirely at the user’s own risk. These mods are also not available on console versions of the game.

7. Is There Any Hope for Barry Bonds Being Included in Future MLB The Show Games?

It’s impossible to say definitively. Licensing agreements are constantly renegotiated, and public perception can shift. A change in ownership of Bonds’ licensing rights, a shift in public opinion, or a strategic decision by Sony San Diego could potentially open the door for his inclusion in a future installment. However, as of right now, there are no announcements of this happening.

8. How Does MLB The Show Decide Which Legends to Include?

The decision-making process is likely complex and involves a combination of factors, including:

Market Demand: Which players are most popular and requested by fans?
Licensing Costs: How much will it cost to secure the rights?
Historical Significance: What impact did the player have on baseball history?
Image and Reputation: Does the player’s legacy align with the game’s brand?

9. If MLB The Show Includes Other Players Associated With PEDs, Why Not Barry Bonds?

The inclusion of other players with ties to PEDs doesn’t necessarily open the door for Bonds. Each player’s situation is unique, and the level of controversy and scrutiny surrounding them can vary. Bonds’ connection to PEDs is arguably more prominent and polarizing than that of some other players.

10. Are There Any Alternatives to Playing as Barry Bonds in MLB The Show?

While you can’t play as the Barry Bonds, you can create a custom player with similar attributes and appearance. While it won’t be the official Bonds, it allows you to simulate his abilities and integrate him into your franchise or Diamond Dynasty team.

11. Does MLB Itself Play a Role in Whether Bonds Is Included in the Game?

MLB and MLBPA are involved in licensing matters, so yes, MLB does play a role. Sony needs to collaborate with both entities to include any player, active or retired. MLB’s stance on controversial players like Bonds can certainly influence the decision-making process.

12. Is It Possible to Boycott MLB The Show Until Barry Bonds Is Included?

While fans are free to express their opinions and choose not to purchase the game, a boycott is unlikely to have a significant impact unless it gains widespread traction. Ultimately, the decision to include Barry Bonds rests with Sony San Diego, and they will weigh various factors beyond fan protests.

The Bottom Line: A Complex and Unresolved Situation

The absence of Barry Bonds from MLB The Show 22, and its preceding versions, is a complex issue rooted in licensing challenges, financial considerations, and concerns about brand image. While his exclusion is undoubtedly disappointing for many fans, it reflects the realities of the sports video game industry and the ongoing debate surrounding his legacy. Only time will tell if he will ever don the virtual cleats again in MLB The Show.