Never doubt the power of Derek Jeter. His going away tribute that MLB serenaded him with, helped give the League their highest All-Star Game ratings in 4 years.
The 85th MLB All-Star Game in Minneapolis had an average viewership of 11.34 million–the 2010 All-Star Game had 12 million. As even more of a boost to MLB, the All-Star Game was the highest rated among the Major League Sports in North America this year as a whole.
While many wonder what the future of baseball holds, it’s certainly an encouraging sign that the Game is still able to command ratings. The one downside is that one can argue, (and they’d be right) the reason for the ratings surge was because the face of the sport is leaving.
How MLB will fair post-Jeter, is going to be very interesting. His replacement will be dealt a near impossible task, but MVP of the All-Star Game, Mike Trout, is waging the best battle to be crowned the next Jeter. At just 22, his power is better than Jeter’s, without argument.
H/T GeeksandCleats