It's a small World Series
Since they started compiling such things, no World Series ever has averaged less than 10 percent of the nation's television audience. But barring a huge increase in viewers for however many telecasts are left, this year's Phillies-Rays Series might not hit a 9.0 rating. Through the water-slogged, suspended Game 5, the Series is averaging 8.1 (as reported by Associated Press).
And here's another example of why the Rays' home fans don't deserve a team in the World Series: Game 5's rating in the Tampa-St. Petersburg market was 28.1, with a 40 share. (In Philadelphia, the numbers were 45.2/60.) So with its team facing Series elimination, not even half of the home market that was watching TV could be bothered to flip the channel to check out the game.
