Seems Nationals fans in Washington can’t even bear to watch their team on television. According to the Washington Business Journal, D.C. is the only television market where the home team played second fiddle to an out-of-town team this year…and guess which team that was, O’s fans?
That’s right — Orioles games on MASN drew a 0.67 rating and 16,000 homes in D.C. this season compared with the Nationals’ 0.60 rating and 14,000 homes.
Ouch. Like we don’t have enough reason to pity the Nationals: Attendance fell by about 500,000 to 1.8 million, they fired their manager halfway through the season, they posted a major league worst 59-103 record this year, lost 102 games last year, and the team’s general manager resigned in May amidst a player scandal.
I’m not saying the Orioles were anything to write home about this year (attendance dipped by about 43,000 to 1.9 million, they put up a 64-98 record this year and fans were embittered after yet another free agent prospect — Mark Teixeira — was lured away by more money). But it’s always nice when you don’t have to look too far to find someone who’s worse off than you are.
Here’s what MASN spokesman Todd Webster had to say to the WBJ:
“The Nationals continue to grow strong roots and build a passionate fan base, but the Baltimore-Washington region is really one large mega-market, where support for both teams transcends traditional boundaries.”
Interesting how the two cities can be one or two markets, depending on what’s convenient....
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