In 2013, Major League Baseball was hoping for a ‘Cinderella’ in the postseason, an underdog with a gripping story, a few retirements or even just good, old-fashioned baseball. The MLB front office must be putting lipstick marks on Bud Selig’s clammy, pasty receding forehead because they have seen all of the above.
And for that, MLB postseason ratings are up. Way up based on last year’s numbers and this year’s amazing storylines. According to this story in the Los Angeles Times, it appears FOX Sports can’t wait for the World Series because TBS — yes, TBS, as in the network whose sage executives hired Pedro Martinez — is enjoying the spoils of a great postseason:
TBS’ coverage of the 2013 Major League Baseball postseason is averaging a 2.3 rating through 11 telecasts, based on Nielsen fast nationals, up 5 percent compared with a 2.2 rating in 2012. The network’s average [via MLB postseason ratings] of 3,482,000 total viewers is up 2 percent over last year.
Sunday’s doubleheader – St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh and Atlanta vs. the Dodgers – averaged 3,174,000 total viewers and a 2.0 rating, up 19 percent and 18 percent over the comparable Sunday telecasts last year (1.7 U.S. rating and 2,664,000 total viewers).
The telecasts propelled TBS to win the night in prime time across all cable networks.
That is outstanding, America. Nearly 20 percent better for MLB postseason ratings, and that’s while enduring Petey’s trip down Rosetta Stone. This nation will always be the place for the NFL but it’s nice to see more fans watching good baseball, even if your team got bumped in a play-in against the Rays.
Sorry, maybe that’s just me.
