Though it was elusive on the question when the game was announced last year, ESPN Videogames today confirmed that ESPN Major League Baseball will feature broadband online play for PlayStation 2 and Xbox when it arrives later this spring. Both versions of the game will include online competition and voice chat support, and the PlayStation 2 version will have the added bonus of player-created online leagues.

Online leagues let players set up their own organization, fill it out with each individual's teams, and review statistics and ESPN-style GameCasts and game recaps after each league game concludes.

"Baseball is a sport filled with legendary contests," said Greg Thomas of developer Visual Concepts. "Whether during an inter-city showdown or a heated match-up between division rivals, the dramatic battles between pitchers and batters have created some of the most memorable moments in sports history. Adding online play to ESPN Major League Baseball is key to capturing this competitive spirit. Gamers will now have the ability to create their own extraordinary moments as they battle others from anywhere in the country."

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in 1UP.