MLB 2006 is the latest installment from the “underdog” company known as 989 Sports. They have had some recent issues of providing sub-par games, especially in football and basketball, but there is hope here with this solid baseball title.

Graphically, it’s a good showing from 989. While players are animated flawlessly, from transition to base running and fielding to different batting styles, 989 paid special attention to this area. From what I know of our favorite pastime (some would argue football nowadays), the player models are spot on – every goatee, bulging bicep, and belly are portrayed accurately. Not only do the players look excellent, but so do the signature pitches, batting stances, and other mannerisms.

Stadiums are modeled accurately as well – all 30 of them, down to changing scoreboards, fan sections, and unique features such as Wrigley’s Brick-and-Ivy outfield wall and Fenway’s Green Monster. However, the textures and colors are unappealing, as well as some stuttering from time to time – mostly minor stuff that shouldn’t detract from the gameplay.

Sound wise, MLB 2006 is average at best. All the sounds of the diamond are covered, of course; the crack of the bats, leather gloves catching balls, crowd chants, and stadium music. Baseball aficionados will feel at home here. Surprisingly though, there was no walk-up music as players approached the plate. This is akin to a WWE wrestler entering the arena and fans going wild when they hear the signature tune of said wrestler. Also, the announcing duo of Dave Campbell (of ESPN fame) and Matt Vasgersian (who does Padres’ games apparently) provide natural commentary, and only rarely will you hear robotic or abrupt phrases. It does get old to hear the same lines over and over for certain events such as strikeouts or home runs. But otherwise, the announcing gets the job done.

Like most baseball games, MLB 2006 comes chock full of modes, ranging from Quick Game, Exhibition, Career, Season, Franchise, Home Run Derby, and Online Multiplayer . Perhaps the coolest aspect of this year’s title is the aforementioned Career Mode. You start and play as one player, all the way up through the minor leagues into the “show,” honing your game constantly. Don’t feel like waiting in the dugout till you’re at bat? No problem, just fast-forward the action to your next at bat, pitch, or defensive position. This dramatically speeds up gameplay and really adds a lot of fun to your role-playing.

Speaking of the latter, you can demand trades, haggle for new contracts with your agent and GM, and even speak to the press about dirty little secrets of your manager or teammates. No other game has explored this player-based Career mode. Before, it was always about the coach or owner mode, such as in EA’s latest baseball installment, MVP 2006. But seriously, who wants to set concession prices? Or how much my luxury suites cost? Or when to clean the field? These micro-management details are just pointless to me. Although, if I would have had those types of options a few years ago, I may have given them more of a chance. Thankfully with this title, you just focus on yourself and your success.

Some bugs do exist though. Some of the stats were off after some games and it seemed as if you had to do some extra roster shuffling to get your player in.

The bread and butter of every baseball game is its pitcher/batter interface. In MLB 2006, pitching is handled by selecting from a myriad of pitches: sliders, fast balls, curves, etc., and charging a power meter up before tossing it loose. You have to account for the break of the ball, though. So instead of throwing it exactly at the batter, you have to think about where it will drop or slide to. For example, to nail a slider/sinker, just aim to the right of the batter's center and the ball will sink down, hopefully getting a strike. This element adds a bit more strategy than some other “laser beam” pitching systems from other games, and adds more error.

Batting is simple enough as well. You choose a swing height and try and guess the pitch type. If you get both wrong, then a standard swing may just hit something, but not likely. It trains you to anticipate and learn certain styles, from your buddy’s to the best pitchers in MLB 2006.

Speaking of your friends, the multiplayer allows for online play, which I didn’t have access to but heard was very solid with minimal latency. You can even play with them in Franchise Mode, as well as the party game favorite, Home Run Derby.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are a few hiccups. Sometimes it’s hard to judge where a ball will land or how fast you need to move to get there. Also, shifting your fielders around can be tricky for inexperienced baseball gamers (like me for instance). I would move them in the middle, only to be singled over and over. Then when I shifted them closer, they would pop doubles and triples on me. Guess I just can’t win sometimes...

MLB 2006, like most sports game out there, comes with various settings of play. All it takes is some play time to find your niche. For me, it was on the default setting. I found a good challenge in most games, but the more seasoned vets may want to jack up the difficulty a bit. I also used Auto Fielding and Auto Base Running, so that took some management out of the equation. As long as you get down the fundamentals of fielding, batting, and roster management (read: Bullpen), you should be ready to win many a title.

MLB 2006 has great controls. Players bat with ferocity or finesse, depending on style. Pitchers ice rookies with deft curve balls or throw blistering heaters past grand-slam champs – it all feels right. The camera transition to fielding from batting may be jarring at first, and you may want to use A.I. assistance for fielding until you learn to switch to the appropriate fielder.

All in all, MLB 2006 has improved from last year’s entry, especially in the area of gameplay with a fleshed out Career mode and sly pitching. 989 Sports set their sights higher this year and will give EA’s and Take-Two’s games a run for your money. It just comes down to swinging a bit ‘o the virtual bat to figure out which one is a home run for you.