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by Digger

World Series 2008

Philadelphia has won their franchise second World Series Championship over first time playoff contenders Tampa Bay Rays. Phillies southpaw starter Cole Hamels earned MVP hardware for his efforts.

Tampa's magical ride to the Series and Philadelphia's hard nosed battles figured to reign in large television audiences. This wasn't the case. Heading into Wednesday nights continuation of rain suspended Game 5, television ratings were off 24% from last years Rockies/Red Sox battle... and 20% behind the previously recorded record low Series of 2006.

Those who didn't tune in weren't missing much except for sloppy fielding (11 combined errors) and multiple blown calls from tag outs to balks to one-sided balls and strikes gaffe's. Nearly all umpiring mishaps went against Tampa. Umpire crews admitted to a few blown calls. Did this make the difference for Philadelphia winning it all? Probably not. Yet, when in the heat of battle (especially in Series play) it had to take a toll on Rays players. It's often said the best umpiring occurs when nobody notices them. How true.

So what was the motivating factor behind the lowest ratings ever? No interest by anyone west of east coast viewers? Politics? Football season? Perhaps suspended Game 5 which took 2 days to complete? New Yorker's weren't all that enthused after both Yanks and Mets failed to qualify. Illinois and California fans must have been put off after two teams from Chicago and two from Los Angeles got dumped. Maybe all of the above.

Major League Baseball usually puts on a very festive show for World Series play. Not this year. MLB and Fox Sports dropped the ball before the first pitch was thrown. Game One was played in Tampa. Prior to every single World Series, except this year, each player and coach from both teams is introduced one by one. For some reason only starting lineups were introduced and many players were miffed. The lame-o excuse given was due to time constraints. Excuses, excuses. Players were neglected due to time constraints in the games biggest showcase? Unacceptable.

2008 was a great season. Yankee haters got their wish when New York failed to qualify for post season play for the first time since 1994. Dodgers manager Joe Torre had the last laugh after the Yanks failed to resign their star skipper. Cross town rival Mets figured out another way to blow it in September. Manny Ramirez electrified Los Angeles. Tampa Bay shocked baseball by beating out both Boston and New York for the AL East crown. Cubs fans thought their team finally had a legit Series shot after 100 consecutive years of shame. Triple crown threats. Superb rookies. Trade deadline deals and no deals. Pennant races witnessed many teams jockeying for position all year long.

TV ratings spiked... until.... the World Series.