In several markets, the 2009 MLB season got off to a great start in the ratings.
The Red Sox, Cubs and Yankees were among the teams that drew record ratings on their respective opening days. The Red Sox’ opener against the Rays on Tuesday drew a whopping 17.9 rating in Boston, the highest rating ever for a Red Sox opening day game.
In Chicago, both the Cubs and White Sox saw record numbers. The Cubs’ Monday opener against the Astros drew an 8.1 rating on CSN Chicago, the best ever for a Cubs opener on a Chicago regional sports network, and 19% higher than the previous record. Tuesday, the White Sox’ opener against the Royals drew a 3.2 on CSN Chicago, the best ever for a White Sox opening game on a Chicago RSN.
In New York, the Yankees’ opening game against the Orioles drew a 5.8 locally, “the highest-rated weekday, daytime sports event ever on a N.Y.-area RSN.” That same game saw a big increase in Baltimore; WJZ-TV and MASN combined to draw 135,000 households, up 114% from 63,000 households for last year’s Orioles opener.
Elsewhere, the Tigers’ opening game against the Blue Jays drew a 5.7 on FS Detroit, dipping to a low of 3.1 from 9:15-9:30 PM, when “the [Michigan State/North Carolina NCAA Tournament] game started.” And in the lone star state, the Rangers’ opening day game against Cleveland drew a “respectable” 3.1 rating locally.
