MLB: Cardinals claim second consecutive No. 1 rank in TV ratings

With a strong record of 93-69 to lead the National League Central over four divisional rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals claimed the MLB’s No. 1 TV rating for the 2022 season, the second consecutive year for the team.

The Cardinals had a healthy viewership increase of 31 percent compared to last year. In a report by audience insights and data analytics firm Nielsen Media Research, the rise in viewership is the highest in broadcasts on Bally Sports Midwest since 2016. The Cardinals’ broadcast is also the No. 1 prime-time program in St. Louis for the 13th straight year.

Additionally, the club’s telecast number averaged 91,000 households with 141,000 viewers within the designated marketing area of St. Louis. These combined made the Cardinals the best-performing MLB franchise in local television ratings.

This season, the Cardinals’ most-viewed game is an opening-day matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 7. The game, watched by 246,000 viewers, witnessed the return of veteran first baseman and designated hitter Albert Pujols.

The Dominican-American pro returned to St. Louis following a one-year stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 11-time All-Star made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2001. He remained there until 2011 before signing with the Los Angeles Angels in the offseason.

St. Louis’ second most-watched matchup is a Game 3 of a series sweep against the New York Yankees on August 8 with 225,000 viewers. The third is a home game with the Milwaukee Brewers on September 14 at 216,000.

“This season was filled with magic, from Albert’s return to Yadi’s and Waino’s milestones to MVP-caliber play from Goldy and Arenado,” Bally Sports Midwest general manager and senior VP Jack Donovan said.

“It’s been a privilege to bring so many unforgettable moments to Cardinals fans. We salute our production and broadcast team for their tremendous work. And most of all, we thank Cardinal Nation for tuning in day after day.”