Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
By Drew Lerner on

Despite coverage that was widely panned, ESPN saw a modest increase in viewership for the Home Run Derby.

Monday’s Home Run Derby averaged 5.73 million viewers across ESPN’s traditional broadcast and ESPN2’s StatCast Edition, marking a 5% increase versus last season, which averaged 5.45 million viewers. ESPN2’s StatCast chipped in nearly 500,000 viewers to the overall number. It is worth noting that last year’s event coincided with the Republican National Convention.

Viewership for the event peaked at 6.31 million viewers in the 9:30 p.m. ET quarter-hour. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, the current MLB home run leader, took home the title in the 10 p.m. ET hour.

ESPN’s production of the Derby was heavily criticized on Monday. Viewers cited the dizzying camera cuts, the inability of camera operators to follow the baseball in flight, and the decision to fix half the screen on the pitcher and batter, rather than tracking the ball’s trajectory on every swing. It all made for a less-than-enjoyable viewing experience for some.

Nevertheless, the Home Run Derby still showed its strength as a television property. Even though some complained about the production, millions still tuned in to watch. At a time in the sports calendar with little else going on, the Home Run Derby is a tentpole summer event that can reliably attract viewers.

Perhaps to the delight of baseball fans, this could be the last year in which ESPN airs the event. With the network having opted out of its MLB package beginning next year, it’s uncertain where the Home Run Derby will end up. Fox, which already owns rights to the All-Star Game, reportedly has interest in acquiring the Derby as well.

About Drew Lerner

Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.

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