All-Star game, Home Run Derby draw most combined viewers since 2010

Despite rave reviews for the new Home Run Derby format and an enjoyable All-Star game headlined by young superstars Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, the true measure of success for Major League Baseball would be determined by the number of home viewers they were to attract and keep entertained.

In that regard, the league received what should be considered encouraging news, as its two signature All-Star week events combined for the highest average viewership since 2010.

According to a league press release, the events attracted an average of 9.28 million viewers, which was up 700,000 from last season. In particular, the Home Run Derby was success as it made ESPN the most watched network in prime time on Monday.

Here's more on the numbers.

On Monday night, ESPN was the most watched prime time network on television as it aired the Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders. Based on Fast Nationals it is expected that the MLB All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile will lead FOX to a prime time win on Tuesday.

Year Average Viewership

2015 9,278,000

2014 8,559,000

2013 8,944,000

2012 8,988,000

2011 8,781,000

The All-Star game and Home Run Derby drew 9.55 million viewers back in 2010.

As for the All-Star game itself, it actually fell to a record low television rating. Fox said Wednesday that the broadcast averaged 10.9 million viewers, which is down from the 11.3 million it drew for Derek Jeter’s final All-Star appearance last season. This year's event drew a 6.6 rating and 12 share on Fox. The previous low was a 6.8 in 2012.

Ratings represent the percentage of homes with televisions tuned to a program, while shares measure the percentage of TVs in use at the time. Obviously, there are many ways to spin those numbers, but the overall increase in combined viewership and renewed interest in the Derby are definite positives.

Now it will be interesting to see if MLB can build off the heightened fan interest generated by the new Home Run Derby format. We're sure plenty of fans tuned in just to get a taste of it, and it's difficult to imagine anyone coming away disappointed. The new format accomplished everything it needed to. It picked up the pace, condensed the event to just over two hours, and brought about an increase in actual home runs and drama. The absolute perfect storm.

It regards to both events, the league could still do a better job of marketing its current stars. The league has a very special crop of young players that can connect with new fans and expand the league's audience. When they come together on the All-Star stage it should be treated as a spectacle with rare matchups and endless possibilities.

The players are doing their part. Now the league has to match the effort.