EDITOR'S NOTE: From time to time, as these numbers become available, we'll be posting reports on Cubs TV ratings through this season.
CSN Chicago is reaping the benefits from the Cubs' stellar play so far in 2016. Games on the cable channel this season are up 30 percent to an average of 4.3, compared to last year's season-long average of 3.3. That represents a full rating point increase, indicating fans are hot to see the best team in baseball.
Last Monday's game against the Phillies scored a 6 rating, Comcast's highest for a Cubs game since August 2009 (the translates to 208,000 Chicago market homes). The game, a 6-4 Cubs win, peaked at a 7.8 rating during the 9 p.m. hour.
By comparison, White Sox games on CSN are up a striking 62 percent, but still average just a 1.3 rating. That means Cub games are three times as popular as the Pale Hose.
CSN should continue to benefit as the Cubs storm through the National League the rest of this summer.