We have been blessed as a fan base since 1999 with the MLB Futures Game. This game had some of the best up and coming talent showcased from year to year in a traditional All-Star style game, pitting the American League against the National League. This year will be a little different than the past. For the first time ever instead of just the typical Futures Game, we will also be getting the inaugural Futures Skills Challenge.

The Futures Stills Challenge will showcase eight players, four from the National League, and four from the American League. These eight players will be be participating in three different rounds of hitting challenges. These challenges include “Hit it Here,” “Call your Shot,” and “Swing for the Fences.”

Hit it Here

In the Hit it Here competition, the participants will be earning points for targets placed down the right and left field lines, right-center and left-center fields, as well as bunting targets. Points range from 4 points to 24 points, the highest being in the center of the bunting circle. To make the challenge more difficult, there will be obstacles laid out on the field, representing fielders, to add to the difficulty.

Personally, I love the fact that the highest point totals are given to the bunting target, rather than the targets in the outfield. This not only represents the game in a perfect manner, but gives all players an equal opportunity, not giving the advantage to the power hitters.

Call your Shot

During the Call your Shot competition, the participants will will have ten swings to “call their shot.” The players must hit one ball to right, one ball to center, and one ball to left field, then with their remaining swings, they are able to call their shot on any part of the field they would like. Balls need to clear the infield in order to get points (6) in this competition.

Again, this competition ensures that the players can not only hit the ball in one direction, but can be able to control their bats and spray the ball to all fields. This is another competition that shows the true ability of the players, not just the power hitters who can swing as hard as they can and put the ball over the fences.

Swing for the Fences

Here is the chance for the power hitters to shine. Unlike the typical home run derby, the participants will get different points for different home runs. For pull side, and home runs to center field, the participants will be awarded six points, if a participant hits an opposite field home run, they will be awarded twelve points.

I love this setup for the Swing for the Fences challenge. Players get to showcase their power, but again, they need to be able to show their abilities to showcase power to all fields, not just to their pull side.

This has the potential to be a great way to show some of the best talent that will be coming soon to a Major League Stadium near you! Personally, I cannot wait for the stars of tomorrow to get more air time and ability to showcase their talents and abilities. I am also hoping that during the challenges, the hosts will interview some of the players and help expose them to the nation to begin their trek to becoming household names.

Photo Credit; MLB.com, Reddit,

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