FOX Sports North's Topic of Conversation: 600 Home Runs for Thome

A historic milestone that only a select few have ever and will ever reach: 600 home runs. FOX Sports North had the privilege of televising Monday evening’s Twins vs. Detroit game and Jim Thome’s 600^th home run. The network captured the momentous occasion and shared it with baseball fans near and far across multiple platforms.

·      Significant increase in TV ratings after the 600^th home run was hit

·      Exclusive postgame interview with Thome and his father as well as impressive “Congratulations Thome” videos from Hank Aaron and Willie Mays

·      A drastic increase in unique visitors at FOXsportsnorth.com  

·      Extended social media coverage, with hundreds of comments and feedback recorded

Production

FOX Sports North producers covered the action-packed game live, including coverage of Thome’s 599^th and 600^th home run. The words of FOX Sports North’s on-air talent and the producer’s efforts to secure multiple exclusive interviews aided in making the night unforgettable.

•  Live coverage of the historic event: Ratings spiked during the 7^th inning of the game (when 600 was hit) and averaged a 10.42 through the last hour.
• One hour postgame show:  Extensive coverage kept the audience engaged for 4.67 average rating.
• Exclusive postgame interview with Thome and his father: Watch: Chuck Thome gets emotional
• Player reaction: Watch Justin Morneau’s reaction
• Reaction from both managers
• Press conference coverage: Watch: Thome reacts to his big moment

•  Congratulations video messages from other members of the “600 Club:” Watch: Aaron and Mays words for Thome.
• National Coverage: Our reporter’s question “Is there anyone not here tonight you’d like to thank?” caused Thome to break down and mention his mentor in an emotional moment. It was replayed nationally several times with “FOX Sports North” credit.

Online: FOXsportsnorth.com

The .com crew reacted to the news immediately, first with a breaking news line and followed by extensive print, video and photo gallery coverage.

• Full attention on Thome: The web team posted three stories, a list gallery and four videos before 11:30 p.m.
• Thome hits two homers to reach 600 milestone
• Thome's family was along for the ride
• Thome comments on fellow 600 HR club members
•   'It couldn't happen to a better guy'
• Traffic: Thome coverage alone generated roughly 130,000 page views and 38,000 unique visitors to FOXsportsnorth.com overnight.

• Michael Cuddyer Exclusive: Minnesota Twins player Michael Cuddyer submitted an exclusive article related to Thome’s big night. It was posted to FOXsportsnorth.com the next morning.

o    Cuddyer: ‘Jim didn’t change a bit’

Marketing & Programming

The FOX Sports North marketing and OAP team instantly reacted and began preparations on a “Congrats” promo. The programming department scheduled encore presentations of the game and made plans to add the game as a “Twins Classic” in the following weeks.

• Congrats Jim Thome promo: Finalized and scheduled to air in-game the next day.
• Instant “Twins Classic:” The historical game was immediately considered a “Twins Classic” and scheduled to re-air during the next open programming slot on Saturday August 17.

Social Media

FOX Sports North’s social media platforms played in an important role, providing updates on Thome’s journey (including the 599 home run) post-600 home run updates.

• Facebook: Hundreds of followers “liked” Thome-related updates and sent their messages of congrats by posting comments.
• Twitter: Numerous updates and posts were sent out to fans. Many re-tweeted, responded and joined the online conversation. #Thome600.