## World Series Ratings: Off To A Hot Start With Viewers, Best Since 2017 ### A Look at the Numbers The 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies is off to a hot start in the ratings, with Game 1 drawing an average of 11.7 million viewers on Fox. That's up from 10.2 million viewers for Game 1 of last year's World Series between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros. Game 2 of the 2022 World Series also saw a slight increase in viewership, with an average of 12.2 million viewers tuning in. That's up from 11.8 million viewers for Game 2 of last year's World Series. The early ratings success of the 2022 World Series is good news for Fox, which is paying $525 million per year to broadcast the event. It also bodes well for the future of baseball, as it shows that there is still a strong interest in the sport. ### What's Driving the Ratings? There are several factors that are likely driving the strong ratings for the 2022 World Series. * **The Astros are a popular team.** The Astros are one of the most successful teams in baseball over the past few years, and they have a large and passionate fan base. * **The Phillies are a Cinderella story.** The Phillies were not expected to make it to the World Series this year, but they have surprised everyone with their strong play. This has made them a popular underdog with viewers. * **The games have been close.** The first two games of the World Series have been close, with both games decided by one run. This has kept viewers on the edge of their seats and has made the games more exciting to watch. ### What Does This Mean for the Future of Baseball? The early ratings success of the 2022 World Series is a good sign for the future of baseball. It shows that there is still a strong interest in the sport, and it bodes well for the future of the MLB. However, it is important to note that the ratings for the World Series are just one small part of the overall picture for baseball. The sport is still facing a number of challenges, including declining attendance and interest among young people. In order to ensure the long-term success of baseball, the MLB needs to continue to work to address these challenges. They need to find ways to make the sport more appealing to young people, and they need to do a better job of promoting the game. If the MLB can do these things, then the future of baseball is bright. The sport has a long and rich history, and it has the potential to continue to be a popular pastime for generations to come.
