Like the rest of the world, San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler is on hold waiting for his life to resume. But he’s trying to make sure the sitting around prepares him for a Major League Baseball season he hopes will take place.
Kapler is playing video games, specifically “MLB The Show 20,” to keep his managerial mind sharp amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Playing the video game was a suggestion of one of his coaches, and they now compete against each other daily.
Kapler’s focus is in-game strategy, so he’s going with the “quick manage” mode to hone his decision-making prowess. “MLB The Show 20” provides a realistic simulation of circumstances that big-league managers often come across, even handling the bullpen.
It’s a great way to evaluate opposing players, too, Kapler says, though he’s seen plenty of them in his two seasons as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Kapler, who has a Jewish-themed tattoo on each leg, was hired by the Giants shortly after being fired by the Phillies, who failed to make the postseason despite high expectations.
