After an increase in the big-market overnights — likely fueled by increased interest in New York City — final ratings for the MLB Home Run Derby only matched last year.
The 2013 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby earned a 4.1 U.S. rating and 6.7 million viewers on ESPN Monday night, flat in ratings and down 3% in viewership from last year (4.1, 6.9M), but up 3% and down 1%, respectively, compared to 2011 (4.0, 6.7M).
Monday’s telecast ranks as the least-viewed Home Run Derby since 2010 (6.4M), and is tied as the fourth-lowest rated since at least 1997.
The last time the Home Run Derby took place in New York City — 2008 — the event earned a substantially higher 5.5 U.S. rating and 9.1 million viewers.
Despite the relatively low numbers, the Home Run Derby still comfortably outdrew the NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities on TNT earlier this year (3.3, 5.9M).
In addition, the telecast ranks as the most-viewed non-football sporting event of the year on ESPN, edging Game 3 of the Heat/Bulls NBA playoff series in May (6.6M). Overall, the Home Run Derby ranks as the 7th-most viewed program of the year on ESPN or ESPN2, trailing only five college football bowl games.
MLB Home Run Derby TV Ratings (2003-13)
(Mon. finals from ESPN)
