MLB Network's Spring Training ratings in N.Y. are also up 22% compared to this point in '16GETTY IMAGES
Buzz around the Yankees heading into the season has led to "huge numbers" for Spring Training games on YES Network, as ratings to date are up 89% from last year, according to Neil Best of NEWSDAY. Yankees games are averaging a 1.5 local rating on YES, and each of the last five games has been the day's "highest-rated sports event" in the N.Y. market. Four of those five "were played in the afternoon." Every day "seems to bring more viewership and ratings superlatives." Meanwhile, MLB Network's Spring Training ratings in N.Y. are up 22% "compared to this point" in '16. Last year's schedule was impacted by the World Baseball Classic. YES President of Programming John Filippelli said, "I don't know that I've been more excited about a season" (NEWSDAY, 3/15). YAHOO SPORTS' Mark Townsend wrote, "If you don’t think ... Yankees fans are hyped for the upcoming season, you’d better think again." The numbers on YES are "crazy" for March (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 3/14).
