With 2009 almost upon us, baseball fans are thinking of one thing: Spring Training is right around the corner. And that also means that baseball video games are gearing up for the new season too. Sony Computer Entertainment America today officially announced MLB 09 The Show for PS3, PSP and PS2, to "arrive in stores in time for Spring Training."

MLB 08 was widely considered one of the top baseball simulation games ever created and Sony is aiming to make MLB 09 even better. In addition to the usual features and modes (Franchise, Road to The Show, etc.), Sony is adding the ability to put your voice in the game. Public relations manager Alex Armour explained on the PlayStation blog, "...have you ever screamed at your TV at a bad (or good) play when engaged in a sports game? Well now your voice can be heard IN THE GAME by allowing users to record their own fan chants and yells and integrate them seamlessly into the ambient crowd noise. It'll sound like you're really there."

Players will also see increased stadium detail and signage, wear and tear on the field, dusk to night lighting transitions, and stadium JumboTron animations.

"The MLB franchise has been recognized as the industry leader in terms of realism and overall gameplay and we're looking to stay at the forefront by taking it to another level with MLB 09 The Show," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. "With enhanced gameplay features and more attention to detail than ever before, MLB 09 The Show is prepared to deliver an unsurpassed next-gen baseball experience."