Major League Baseball couldn’t have scripted a better matchup for the 2024 World Series than the iconic showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. The Yankees, with their storied legacy as MLB’s winningest franchise, represent the country’s largest media market.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers bring their Hollywood charm and star-studded roster to the field from the nation’s second-largest market, headlined by some of the league’s brightest talents. Together, they’ve delivered a blockbuster start, and the ratings are proof.
Game 1 of the series pulled in a massive audience, averaging 15.2 million viewers across FOX broadcasts. This makes it the most-watched World Series opener since 2017, when the Dodgers faced the Houston Astros.
Friday night’s matchup had viewers on the edge of their seats, culminating in an unforgettable finish as Dodgers’ star Freddie Freeman launched a walk-off grand slam against Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes. The electrifying ending sent the Dodgers’ fanbase into a frenzy and catapulted the ratings to historic highs.
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Freeman’s walk-off moment had an emotional layer that resonated deeply with fans. After rounding the bases, Freeman sought out his father in the crowd, embracing him in a heartfelt moment. “My swing is because of him. My approach is because of him. I am who I am because of him,” Freeman shared with reporters.
“It was kind of spur of the moment… I just wanted to share that with him because he’s been there. He’s been through a lot in his life too, and just to have a moment like that, I just wanted to be a part of that with him.”
Reflecting on the monumental swing, Freeman noted he sensed he’d hit a home run immediately upon contact. “As soon as he swung, I knew it was a good swing,” he told The Athletic. “But you never know. [I thought] is it far enough? Is it far enough?” Freeman added, “Then I saw him do the mic drop with the bat. And I knew it was gone.”
With the series just beginning, the riveting start promises a viewership boost as fans tune in to witness two powerhouse teams compete.
The Game 1 ratings, emotional moments, and thrilling play have set a high bar, reminding audiences everywhere why the Yankees-Dodgers rivalry remains one of the most captivating in sports history.
