In a thrilling display of international baseball prowess, the 2024 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees captivated audiences worldwide, with Japan leading the charge in record-breaking viewership. The star power of Shohei Ohtani and the electrifying debut of rookie sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto propelled the Fall Classic to new heights, averaging an astounding 12.9 million viewers in Japan alone – the most-watched World Series in the nation’s history.
Ohtani and Yamamoto: A Dynamic Duo
The anticipation surrounding Ohtani and Yamamoto’s first World Series appearance was palpable, and fans across the globe tuned in to witness their historic performances. Ohtani, already a global superstar, continued to showcase his unparalleled two-way skills, while Yamamoto’s dominant pitching in Game 2 solidified his status as a rising star.
Game 2: A Japanese Baseball Milestone
Yamamoto’s masterful performance in Game 2, allowing just one run and one hit over 6 1/3 innings, drew an astonishing 15.9 million viewers in Japan, setting a new record for the most-watched postseason game in the nation’s history. The 22-year-old phenom’s poise and precision on the global stage captivated fans and solidified Japan’s status as a baseball powerhouse.
Yamamoto’s performance was a revelation. His composure and skill at such a young age are truly remarkable. He has a bright future ahead of him.
– Anonymous MLB scout
International Appeal: Records Shattered Worldwide
The Ohtani-Yamamoto effect extended far beyond Japan, as the World Series delivered record viewership in Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Taiwan. The global appeal of these international stars highlights baseball’s growing popularity and the sport’s ability to transcend borders.
- Canada: Record viewership, surpassing previous highs
- Mexico: Unprecedented ratings, showcasing baseball’s popularity
- Dominican Republic: Highest-rated World Series in the nation’s history
- Taiwan: Groundbreaking viewership, solidifying baseball’s status as a national pastime
A Resurgence in the United States
The World Series also marked a significant rebound in United States viewership, averaging 15.8 million viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes, and streaming platforms. This represents a remarkable 67% increase over the previous year and the best performance since 2017. The Dodgers-Yankees rivalry, coupled with the international star power, reignited American interest in the Fall Classic.
| Market | Rating | Share |
| Los Angeles | 18.9 | 53 |
| San Diego | 12.4 | 41 |
| New York | 12.4 | 41 |
The Future of Global Baseball
The 2024 World Series’ resounding success demonstrates the immense potential for baseball’s global growth. As more international stars like Ohtani and Yamamoto take center stage, the sport’s worldwide appeal will continue to flourish. Major League Baseball’s efforts to expand its global reach, combined with the increasing prominence of international talent, signal a bright future for baseball on the global stage.
As the baseball world reflects on this historic World Series, one thing is clear: the game’s international appeal has never been stronger. With stars like Ohtani and Yamamoto leading the charge, baseball is poised for a new era of global excitement and growth. The 2024 Fall Classic will be remembered not only for its thrilling on-field action but also for its role in forever changing the landscape of international baseball.
