'Wow, I'm in a video game': Marlins pose for MLB The Show scan

February 21, 2026 - 04:12

The line between reality and simulation continues to blur, as evidenced by Miami Marlins players experiencing the surreal process of becoming video game avatars. At the club's spring training complex in Jupiter, Florida, several athletes participated in detailed 3D scanning sessions for the upcoming edition of the popular MLB The Show series.

The process involves players posing in specialized suits while surrounded by a rig of cameras, meticulously capturing their every detail—from batting stances and pitching motions to facial features and equipment. For the athletes, it’s a unique and often amusing glimpse into the technology behind the games many of them play.

“Wow, I’m in a video game,” was a common sentiment echoing through the facility. While excited to see their digital counterparts, some players, like infielder Graham Pauley, acknowledged the irony of struggling with the game's controls. “I probably lost [the games],” Pauley admitted with a laugh. “I'm not very good. The hitting, 100%.”

This annual integration highlights the deepening synergy between professional sports and interactive entertainment, offering fans an increasingly authentic experience. For the players, it’s a modern milestone, cementing their presence not just on the field, but in the digital landscape where a new generation of fans connects with the sport.