MLB Installs World Series Simulator in Manhattan Oculus
Major League Baseball brought a 65-foot glass box to the city to mimic the suspense of a World Series Game 7.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Baseball
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Major League Baseball transformed the Oculus in Manhattan on Thursday with a 65-foot glass installation designed to capture the intensity of a championship moment. The display featured a simulated pitcher and batter accompanied by broadcast commentary from Joe Davis and John Smoltz.
Why it matters
The installation aimed to generate public excitement and simulate the unique tension of the World Series for New York City residents ahead of the upcoming championship games. It allowed fans to engage directly with the sport in a high-traffic urban space through immersive technology and celebrity appearances.
The glass box installation stood at 65 feet tall and remained active for 12 hours. The display featured a pitcher dressed in Rays gear and a batter wearing a Brewers uniform, simulating the pressure of a Game 7 scenario.
The players
Gary Sheffield
A former professional baseball player who was a nine-time All-Star and hit 509 career home runs.
Roy Wood Jr.
A well-known comedian and television personality who participated in the event to engage with the public.
Joe Davis
A prominent sportscaster who provided the voiceover commentary for the simulation.
John Smoltz
A Hall of Fame pitcher and baseball broadcaster who contributed to the simulated Game 7 audio.
Major League Baseball
The professional baseball organization that manages the World Series and official league marketing events.
The details
The interactive display used pre-recorded audio from announcers Joe Davis and John Smoltz while clearing the glass visibility at the conclusion of each pitch. Fans at the site also received various baseball-themed promotional items, including hot dogs, lanyards, and collectible cards.
Timeline
The simulation installation was active in the Oculus for 12 hours on Thursday.
Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled to begin Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
Season Trajectory
This activation highlights the league's efforts to sustain fan engagement during the transition between the regular season and the World Series. It marks a departure from traditional broadcast advertising by utilizing public infrastructure in New York City to build anticipation for the championship.
Fans visiting the Oculus received free baseball cards and lanyards, providing a direct link to the league's promotional efforts. The event serves as a temporary hub for local engagement before the postseason action intensifies with Game 1.
The takeaway
Using interactive installations can bridge the gap between fans and the professional sport during high-stakes championship periods. Attendees can benefit from keeping an eye on local league pop-ups, as they frequently offer limited-edition memorabilia and early access to postseason celebrations.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest league news in the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB.
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