TV sports take a hit

Pandemic did not drive viewership

Good morning, all! It’s hump day!!!!!

You would think, as a sequestered nation entering year 2 of the pandemic, viewership of sporting events on television would be sailing through the roof. Such is not the case. In an interesting piece by Boston Globe sports media critic Chad Finn, the numbers have fallen faster than a one-year wonder. Here are some figures on which to chew, while you watch that next sporting event:

• World Series ratings down 36%

• NBA finals ratings down 51%

• The Stanley Cup Final ratings down 61%

• The Masters (aired in November) down 49%

• NFL down 7% (Super Bowl down 9%)

There are numerous theories as to why ratings dipped rather than increased, including more people viewed events via smartphone streams. But those who opted for the streaming route do not offset the huge ratings dip on TV. Is it possible the younger generation is not drawn to sports, as we were? Is it possible they have a difficult time associating with today’s athletes? These and other questions are being pondered by the sports pooh-bahs, as we continue with no or minimal crowds permitted at sporting events.

Lindor’s remarks worth analyzing

It did not take long for the new shortstop of the New York Mets to stir the pot. Meeting with reporters after his first workout in a Mets’ uniform on Monday, Francisco Lindor - one of the game’s most talented players - had some interesting things to say about how analytics is dominating the game too much.

“Analytics are great, they’re good. But they don’t need to take over the game. That’s something that’s just - it’s not right. Let the players play the game.”

Like keeping Blake Snell in a World Series game, as he flung zeroes at the opposition. Right on, Francisco!

Greatest quarterback in Green Bay history

Who is Bart Starr? Or is it Aaron Rodgers? The Packers quarterback is all set to serve as celebrity host of Jeopardy. USA Today’s Gary Levin notes Rodgers will begin his stint (taped) on Monday, April 5. Levin revealed the entire list of guest hosts on Monday.

When long time host Alex Trebek passed away, it was announced a series of celebrity guests would replace him, before a permanent host is named.

No question who was Sterling’s idol*

New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling, 82, will be at the mic for another season of Yankees baseball in 2021. He has been broadcasting Yankees games since 1989. Before that, he broadcast games for the Atlanta Braves. And before that, he hosted a talk show on WMCA 570 in New York, when that station was the flagship for Yankees’ games. In 1976, when the Yankees ended their 12-year World Series drought, he hosted the World Series pregame shows with the “Voice of the New York Yankees,” Mel Allen. Allen was fired by the team, after the 1964 season. He was only 51 at the time of his dismissal.

Here is the pregame show with Sterling and Allen, before Game 1 of that series, which the Cincinnati Reds swept in four games. When you listen to it, you can tell how much Sterling worshipped Allen. Enjoy.

*Name the Yankees’ radio broadcast team Sterling succeeded? (Answer in Friday’s newsletter)

Have a great day, and thank you for your support!

SPORTSCASTER DAN