You can debate about whether the Detroit Tigers' rebuild made progress in 2020.
But the increased interest from the fans was evident in the television ratings for Fox Sports Detroit, which saw a 10% increase in Metro Detroit households tuning in and 7% growth in overall viewership from 2019.
Overall, during the COVID-19-shortened, 60-game regular season, Major League Baseball saw its household ratings decline by 11% and its overall viewership drop by 13%.
"I'm not surprised by these numbers, but I'm very pleased," said Greg Hammaren, senior vice president and general manager for FSD. "Whether they're at the top of the standings or near the bottom, these fans come out in droves any way they can, whether it's at the ballpark or watching on TV.