Tuesday night's 2012 MLB Home Run Derby on ESPN saw its ratings improve three percent from the 2011 competition. Approximately 6.9 million people tuned in to see Prince Fielder win his second career derby title and Robinson Cano mercilessly booed by the Kansas City crowd, up from 6.7 million the previous season.

ESPN and MLB say Home Run Derby generated a 4.81 rating and 6.9 million viewers, up 3% from 4.67 rating and 6.7 million viewers last year.

— Fang's Bites (@fangsbites) July 10, 2012

The numbers are impressive, especially with some context. More viewers tuned in to watch baseball players slap dingers Monday than during any game in the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals or this past Sunday's Wimbledon Men's Final. The competition also drew better ratings than any MLB game this season.

For more from the Home Run Derby, check out the SB Nation StoryStream. Stay tuned to Baseball Nation for more from the 2012 MLB All-Star Game.