MLB
Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto set new viewing records
The Los Angeles Dodgers superstars thanked their trustful Asian fans who have been following the Major League Baseball postseason broadcast so far.
The 2024 Major League Baseball postseason has caught the attention of many fans around the world, especially in Japan. Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s arrivals at the Los Angeles Dodgers have caused Asian fans to follow the live broadcasts of each game despite the time difference.
According to numbers reported by the network that broadcasts Dodgers games, FOX and FS1, since 2015 there has been a steady increase in viewership, especially during this year’s National League Division Series.
According to the report, nearly 4.1 million viewers have followed Shohei Ohtani and company during the postseason, an increase of 18.8 percent compared to the 2023 season and the highest audience since 2007.
Shohei Ohtani thanks Japanese fans for their support
The Los Angeles Dodgers' victory in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, with pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto starting, drew nearly 8.5 million viewers, the most since 2009. MLB Communications reported that game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Padres drew 13 million viewers from Japan.
“I’m sure it’s not easy for people in Japan to be able to watch these games because of the time difference,” Ohtani said. “But Yoshinobu pitched very well. We’ve been playing very well. And I hope to continue to perform well for the fans in Japan as well.”
Viewership numbers are expected to increase during the World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees, which begins Friday, Oct. 25, in Los Angeles.