On June 10, 2025, New York Mets reliever Justin Garza shared his journey of redemption in a recent interview with The New York Post. The pitcher, who had initially contemplated quitting baseball during the 2020 pandemic, credits his return to the game to the video game MLB The Show. Specifically, he used the Diamond Dynasty mode to refine his pitching mechanics.
Garza, an eighth-round pick by the Cleveland Guardians in 2015, faced early challenges in professional baseball. He struggled in his first taste of professional ball, with only one season posting an ERA under five. However, the pandemic break provided the necessary pause for him to explore alternative methods of improving his performance, including playing MLB The Show.
As Garza integrated the gameplay into his training, he began to see tangible results. He noted that the game’s realistic mechanics and different camera angles allowed him to visualize and practice pitch techniques that he had previously overlooked. This virtual training led to a significant improvement in his skills, culminating in a successful return to the majors with the Mets after several years of setbacks.
Garza’s experience underscores the growing intersection between sports and technology. His story has sparked discussions about the potential of video games in athletic training, with other athletes recognizing similar benefits. As he continues his career with the Mets, Garza’s success may inspire a new wave of athletes to embrace technology as a tool for excellence.