MLB 10: The Show

I recently purchased a PS3 with the money I got for my 21st birthday (January 8). While I was pumped to finally play both Uncharted games, along with MGS4 and Killzone 2, I feel like I really bought the PS3 for MLB: The Show. I know, right? A sports game as a system seller? What in the Solid Snake am I smoking? 
 
For me, my purchase came down to how much I love baseball. While I loved/played most sports, baseball was the sport I was the best at. The highlight of my life has to be when I hit a walk-off grand slam in 7th grade in the playoffs to win, 9-7. For those not into sports, it's hard to understand just how incredible that feeling was in my body when I rounded the bases that warm March evening in Plano, Texas.
  
It's kind of crazy that a sports game has brought these emotions in me while I play it. But, it's such an accurate representation of the sport that you can't help but think that you're watching an actual game. The umpire does all the correct hand gestures. Pitchers shake their heads when they don't like the pitch called by the catcher. Almost every player's unique swing and batting stance is in the game, something that adds even more authenticity to the game.
 
Where the game really shines to me is the Road to the Show Mode. Getting to live my dream and actually get drafted by the Texas Rangers? Yup, you can do that.  The process of getting to the majors can be a long and arduous one, filled with ups and downs. The biggest problem I have with other "Create a player" modes is that it takes 4 weeks to become a starter. For this game, it took me nearly two years to finally crack the roster. Making it almost felt like coach called me and let me know the news. 
 
Overall, MLB 10: The Show is the greatest baseball game ever, and the first worthy successor to MVP Baseball 2005. Even if you are a casual sports fan, you owe it to yourself to play this game. It's that good.