MLB The Show 25: How to Unlock 99 OVR Hilton Smith
The Negro Leagues Legacy continues in MLB The Show 25, and this time, one of baseball's most versatile legends takes center stage. Hilton L. Smith, remembered as both a dominant pitcher and a capable hitter, headlines the newest reward path in the 42 Conquest Map. Known for his precise control and devastating curveball, Smith's 99 OVR card represents the pinnacle of two-way play — power, finesse, and historical greatness all wrapped into one.
In this guide, we'll break down how to unlock Hilton Smith's 87 OVR and 99 OVR cards, complete every stage of the 42 Conquest Map efficiently, and build the best strategies to dominate the diamond with this Negro Leagues icon on your team.
Who Is Hilton L. Smith?
Before diving into gameplay mechanics, it's important to understand the legend you're unlocking. Hilton Smith was one of the greatest pitchers in Negro Leagues history, serving as a key teammate of Satchel Paige with the Kansas City Monarchs. While Paige was known for his showmanship, Smith brought relentless consistency. His fastball was sharp, but his curveball was feared across the league, often described as one of the best breaking pitches ever thrown.
In MLB The Show 25, Smith's two-way versatility mirrors his real-life talent. He's equally effective on the mound and at the plate — a hybrid powerhouse reminiscent of Shohei Ohtani, but with a throwback touch of 1940s precision and power.
How to Unlock 87 OVR Hilton Smith (Negro Leagues Series)
Your first step toward the 99 OVR version begins with the 42 Conquest Map, a thematic challenge celebrating the Negro Leagues legacy. Completing it rewards you with the 87 OVR Hilton Smith card, which you'll then use to evolve or exchange for his 99 overall version.
Step 1: Access the 42 Conquest Map
Go to Diamond Dynasty → Conquest → Programs → Negro Leagues: The 42 Map.
The map is designed in the shape of the number 42, representing Jackie Robinson's iconic number.
Expect roughly 30–35 Strongholds, including classic MLB teams and historical Negro Leagues symbols.
Objective:
Capture every Stronghold on the map.
Accumulate territory fans through simulated games and quick wins.
Finish all goals listed in the Conquest Missions tab.
Estimated Completion Time:
Casual pace: 5–7 hours
Efficient speed-run (using simulation strategy): 3–4 hours
Step-by-Step Guide to Conquering the 42 Map
Phase 1: Expansion & Resource Management
Start Strong: Use the first few turns to build fans around your home base.
Simulate Easy Wins: Attack empty territories adjacent to your home base with 3–5 fans. Avoid confronting enemy strongholds early.
Steal Fans: Every few turns, play a "Steal Fans" game at Veteran difficulty to chip away at nearby rivals. This reduces their power and gives you momentum.
Pro Tip: Focus on building a cluster around your base before moving outward. The AI prioritizes aggression — you can trap them later by cutting off routes.
Phase 2: Stronghold Captures
Once you've gathered enough fans (8–12 per attack), begin capturing strongholds. These are your main progress points.
Difficulty Suggestion: Play on Veteran for manageable difficulty and reliable rewards.
Play Style: Use your strongest lineup — preferably one with speed and contact hitters.
Team Captain Bonus: Equip a Negro Leagues Captain (like Rube Foster or Martín Dihigo) to enhance chemistry.
Each stronghold conquered provides Hidden Rewards, including packs, MLB 25 Stubs, and Negro Leagues collectibles.
Hidden Rewards Include:
3x The Show Packs
1x Ballin' is a Habit Pack
500–1500 Stubs each
Negro Leagues Bat Skin and Uniform Items
Phase 3: Hidden Reward Hotspots
Players have identified key zones on the 42 map where high-value rewards are tucked away. (Exact locations may vary slightly per console, but they're consistent across difficulty modes.)
Look for reward markers near:
The top left of the "4" (contains a Ballin' Pack).
The lower curve of the "2" (contains a Show Pack and Stubs).
The central intersection between the numbers (contains a Hidden Negro Leagues Collectible).
Tip: Capture these regions early to accelerate your reward path and minimize backtracking.
Phase 4: Final Sweep & Completion Rewards
Once every Stronghold is under your control, you'll receive:
Negro Leagues Series 87 OVR Hilton Smith
3x Show Packs
2,500 XP in the Negro Leagues Program
1 Negro Leagues Bat Skin
"42 Legacy" Stadium Sound and Banner
Now that you have the 87 OVR version, you're ready for the next step — evolving to his 99 OVR card.
How to Unlock 99 OVR Hilton Smith
Once you've unlocked the 87 OVR version, you'll notice that it's part of a Parallel Path in the Negro Leagues Program that evolves into the 99 OVR Hilton Smith. This process combines missions, moments, and challenges that showcase his legendary two-way ability.
Step 1: Equip 87 OVR Hilton Smith
Add the 87 OVR card to your Diamond Dynasty squad and select him as your active Pitcher/Outfielder.
Key Attributes of 87 OVR Hilton Smith:
83 Stamina
88 Control
82 Break
76 Velocity
75 Contact (vs. RHP)
70 Power (vs. LHP)
This version focuses more on accuracy and consistency — an excellent card for beginners testing hybrid builds.
Step 2: Complete Evolution Missions
To evolve your 87 OVR Hilton Smith into his Diamond-tier 99 OVR version, you'll need to complete a set of Evolution Missions that highlight both sides of his two-way talent. Each task reflects a key part of Smith's real-life dominance — from his sharp command on the mound to his surprising ability at the plate.
Here's what you'll need to do:
Pitching Mastery: Strike out at least 20 batters using Hilton Smith to demonstrate your control and precision. Completing this milestone grants you 2,000 XP toward your program progress.
Offensive Excellence: Step up to the plate and record 15 total hits or at least 5 extra-base hits with Smith in your lineup. This showcases his two-way capability and nets another 2,000 XP.
True Two-Way Dominance: Win five games where Hilton Smith not only takes the mound but also records at least one hit during the game. These victories are worth 3,000 XP, emphasizing his versatility as both a pitcher and a hitter.
Team Chemistry Bonus: Incorporate three other Negro Leagues players into your lineup and win games while they're active. Doing so reinforces the historical team synergy and awards 2,500 XP.
Once you complete all these objectives, your progress bar will hit 100%, unlocking the ultimate prize — 99 OVR Hilton Smith, along with his evolution rewards. You can track your progress in the Negro Leagues Program tab under the "Evolution" section.
Step 3: Unlock and Redeem the 99 OVR Hilton Smith
After completing all Evolution missions, go to the Negro Leagues Program Menu and redeem your 99 OVR reward.
You'll Receive:
99 OVR Hilton Smith (Pitcher/Outfielder)
Negro Leagues Diamond Bat Skin
5,000 XP
1x Diamond Equipment Choice Pack
99 OVR Hilton Smith — Full Card Breakdown
Series: Negro Leagues
Positions: Pitcher / Outfield
Throws/Bats: Right / Right
Key Attributes (Pitching):
Stamina: 97
Control: 95
Break: 96
Velocity: 93
K/9: 94
BB/9: 88
Pitch Arsenal:
4-Seam Fastball (96 mph)
Curveball (82 mph) — Signature Pitch
Changeup (84 mph)
Slider (88 mph)
Cutter (91 mph)
Hitting Attributes:
Contact vs RHP: 89
Contact vs LHP: 92
Power vs RHP: 78
Power vs LHP: 83
Vision: 90
Clutch: 94
Fielding/Speed:
Fielding: 85
Arm Strength: 88
Reaction: 84
Speed: 70
Best Ways to Use Hilton Smith
1. As a Starting Pitcher
Hilton Smith's true strength is as a rotation anchor. His Curveball + Cutter combo confuses batters, especially in higher difficulties. Use his Curveball low and away to induce weak contact, then mix in Changeups to strike out aggressive hitters.
2. As a Two-Way Player
In modes that allow hybrid use (like Mini Seasons and Conquest), you can bring him off the bench for late-inning pinch hits or clutch RBI chances. His high Vision and Contact ratings make him surprisingly reliable at the plate.
3. As a Theme Team Core
Pair him with other Negro Leagues legends such as Satchel Paige, Buck Leonard, and Josh Gibson for team chemistry bonuses. Using all Negro Leagues players grants passive buffs under the "Legacy of 42" Captain Tier.
Tips for Efficient Progress
Play on Veteran Difficulty
Balances challenge and speed while counting toward missions.
Use Stadiums with High Visibility
Classic Parks like Rickwood Field improve pitch recognition and reduce eye strain when batting.
Rotate to Prevent Fatigue
Hilton Smith's stamina is excellent, but swapping him every few games maintains parallel progress and avoids cooldown fatigue.
Double Up on Missions
Combine his Two-Way Mission with Conquest captures for efficient XP farming.
Parallel Training
Keep him active across game modes to reach Parallel 5, which boosts his stats to near-perfect thresholds — particularly Control (99) and Contact (95).
Rewards Beyond Hilton Smith
Completing the full 42 Conquest Map and evolving Hilton Smith also grants:
Negro Leagues Choice Pack #3 (featuring Buck Leonard, Mule Suttles, and Willard Brown)
5,000 XP toward the Keepers of the Flame Seasonal Program
42 Legacy Universal Profile Icon
Showdown Booster Pack (random 90–99 OVR player)
Final Thoughts
Hilton L. Smith embodies what makes the Negro Leagues content in MLB The Show 25 so special — skill, strategy, and legacy. His 99 OVR two-way card offers elite pitching control, a devastating curveball, and underrated hitting power, making him a unique addition to any Diamond Dynasty lineup.
Completing the 42 Conquest Map and unlocking his full potential isn't just about adding another Diamond to your roster — it's about celebrating one of baseball's greatest yet most underappreciated talents.
So, prepare your lineup, take the field, and honor the legacy of Hilton Smith. The 42 Conquest awaits — and with it, one of the best all-around cards in MLB The Show 25.
MMOexp MLB 25 Team