All thanks to the pride, love, and respect associated with this beautiful game, every regular MLB season game is important and eyes are on every result. However, once the playoffs kick in, the intensity increases as everyone comes to life with more energy. This year is no different – the top teams made it to the MLB playoffs, alongside Japanese wonder Shohei Ohtani playing his first postseason. Furthermore, with expectations turning into realities, the difference was astonishing.

Given that the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Ohtani for a hefty amount, they wanted a positive return. If sponsorship deals and the latest NLCS TV ratings that broke a decade-old record are to be believed, the “Shohei Ohtani effect” is a boon for everyone involved in this league. There is no doubt that Shohei Ohtani has been a loved MLB player since he arrived in the league. From the opposition players, and his teammates to the fans, everyone has praised him.

Now, with the MLB TV ratings released for the NLCS, the power of his fandom has further increased. According to MLB journalist Bob Nightengale, “The NLCS Game 1 between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers averaged 8.264 million viewers, the highest TV ratings for Game 1 of an LCS since the Angels and Yankees in 2009.” Moreover, these ratings have increased by almost 20 percent this season, benefitting the broadcasters.

According to apnews.com, “Major League Baseball’s postseason is averaging 3.33 million viewers going into the League Championship Series, an 18% increase over last year’s average of 2.82 million.” Notably, the contribution of the National League is immense in this, all thanks to Ohtani. The NLDS Game 5 averaged 7.5 million viewers, the most since 2017; but what’s more to it?

The National League games have fetched  4.09 million viewers, the highest since postseason baseball began airing in 2014, which helped FOX with a $5.1 billion broadcasting deal and earn more from advertisements. Now, imagine the numbers if the Dodgers make it to the World Series setting up a clash with the New York Yankees! But, for that, the team needs to win against the New York Mets.

Benefitting from the Ohtani effect, the Dodgers look to make a comeback in the NLCS.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will have a task for themselves as they return to the field in a few hours. Given that they lost the second game after a comfortable win in the first game, they have to return to their best. They will need Shohei Ohtani to hit like he did all regular season and in the first NLCS game.

The star player hit 54 HRs, and 130 runs at an average of 0.310. He continued the same form and scored two runs to start the NLCS on a high. However, will look to add more after an underperforming last outing. If the 2024 NL MVP candidate can do it again for NL East winners, TV ratings may soar even higher and another record may register its presence as the trailer ahead of the most awaited 2024 World Series.

Whom will you be rooting for in this fixture? Share your answers in the comments.