Major League Baseball is enjoying a ratings resurgence this postseason and a dreamy New York Yankees-Los Angeles Dodgers matchup is providing the largest numbers yet.

Large American audiences have been outdone by the numbers coming in from Japan, where 14.4 million people watched Game 1 of the Fall Classic, a record quickly surpassed by Game 2 garnering 15.9 million viewers. The 2024 World Series is averaging 29.7 million viewers combined in the United States and Japan.

The presence of Shohei Ohtani is obviously largely responsible for the interest, which is even more impressive considering that Games 1 and 2 aired at 9 a.m. local time in Japan. As the series shifts to New York for Games 3-5, the viewership may dip a bit as the games will be taking place during the normal weekday working hours. If it lasts until Game 6 or Game 7 to send the series to the weekend and back to Los Angeles, it's reasonable to expect yet another record.

Something Major League Baseball highlighted that's also of interest is how well they are doing with younger viewers.

Considering how hard baseball has been trying to capture more youthful eyeballs, this has to be seen as one of the biggest wins for the sport in a long time. It's a special series with special players so it's tough to say just how sustainable this explosion or if it's a one-time perfect storm.

Still, plenty of reasons for stockholders to be happy about. Plus the fans have been treated to two great games with the promise of five more.