Earlier this week, FishStripes.com, the SBNation site covering the Miami Marlins, cited a press release that stated the Marlins television ratings are up 42% from their 2013 ratings. According to the press release, in addition to the increase, games started by Marlins ace Jose Fernandez were up an additional 19% above the April 2014 average.
According to the Quinnipac University May 2012 survey, 2% of Tampa Bay area baseball fans identify as Marlins fans. While such a small amount (approximately 56,000), holds little sway on the Marlins overall ratings, Fox Sports Florida's reach does cover the Tampa Bay area. Every season, over 100 Miami Marlins games are broadcast to the Tampa Bay region.
The Marlins have two of the National League's most exciting players: pitcher Jose Fernandez and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton. I wouldn't doubt if some Tampa Bay area baseball fans tune in to watch the stars of the other Florida team on occasion. There might even be some fans of the National League Phillies (5% of the 33712 zip code), Mets, or the Braves who keep tabs on their preferred team via the Marlins broadcast.
I know I've been guilty of flipping the channel to watch Fernandez or Stanton on occasion. I can't be the only one. I wonder if the same could be true for South Florida baseball fans when David Price pitches or when Evan Longoria comes to bat.