The entire world is suddenly under the influence of national media telling them that Game 7 between the Cubs and Indians was the best in World Series history.
You might agree. You might not. But when Twins and Braves fans feel slighted about their unforgettable Game 7 in 1991, they at least can go to bed knowing that 10 million more people watched that series on TV than did this year, according to Darren Rovell.
Nielsen confirms last night's Game 7 was watched by 40 million people, the biggest audience for a Game 7 since Twins-Braves in 1991 (50.3M)
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 3, 2016
Since ’91, the World Series has gone to seven games in 1997 (Marlins over Indians), 2001 (Diamondbacks over Yankees), 2002 (Angels over Giants), 2011 (Cardinals over Rangers), and 2014 (Giants over Royals).
Baseball might have been more popular back then, but the Twins and Braves didn’t have 108 years of misery helping pull in viewers – and that’s exactly what the Cubs brought with them this year.
As for the overall series, it’s still hard to argue there’s been a better series than the Twins and Braves gave the world 25 years ago. ESPN Classic put it best:
“You want tense? Three games went into extra innings. Three games ended with the winning run scoring on the final pitch. Four ended with a team scoring the winner in its final at-bat. Five games were decided by one run. By the time it ended, no one in Minnesota or Atlanta had a centimeter of cuticle remaining.”
Kirby Puckett’s Game 6 and Jack Morris’ Game 7 will always stand the test of time.
