Sports Media Factoid of the Day

As heard on "Mike and Mike" this morning.

In 2012, the Pro Bowl drew 12.5 million viewers.

In 2012, the World Series drew 12.7 million viewers.

What does that say?

First, people must love football so much that they'll watch an idiotic product to fill the gap week between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.

Second, perhaps people watch the Pro Bowl intently because it's the only football game to gamble on that weekend (in fact, the Pro Bowl drew more action in Las Vegas than the top two NBA games combined).

Third, baseball just isn't made for TV.

Fourth, unless your team is in the World Series, you probably won't watch.  In contrast, many people watch the Super Bowl regardless of whose team is in the game.  Is the product that better, or was one-time (and late) Commissioner Pete Rozelle such a genius in branding pro football that the public has been captivated for almost 50 years?

Now, I don't watch as much sports on TV as I used to.  Perhaps it's because there are so many choices I don't know where to start.  Perhaps it's because I'm busy.  Perhaps it's because I find playing FIFA soccer more relaxing than watching, say, the Pro Bowl.  Or, I'd rather go to the gym or take the family somewhere.

The Lords of Football should be very happy with that viewer share.

The Lords of Baseball have some work to do.

And a lot of it.

I mean, almost tied with the Pro Bowl?  The Pro Bowl?