Netflix Set to Release a Movie Titled The Underdogs Featuring 8 MLB Teams Including…
In a bold and unprecedented move, Netflix has announced the upcoming release of a sports drama film titled The Underdogs, set to premiere this fall. Unlike most baseball movies that focus on a single team or legendary player, The Underdogs will feature a riveting interwoven narrative about eight Major League Baseball (MLB) teams that defied expectations and captured the hearts of fans during some of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ava Moreno and produced in collaboration with MLB Studios, The Underdogs blends real-life archival footage with scripted dramatizations. It tells the compelling, often emotional stories of teams who were counted out, written off, or overlooked—yet rose from obscurity to leave a lasting mark on the game.
The Teams
The film includes eight teams from different eras and divisions, each representing a unique underdog tale:
- The 2003 Florida Marlins
- The 2012 Oakland Athletics
- The 2021 San Francisco Giants
- The 1984 Detroit Tigers
- The 2007 Colorado Rockies
- The 1991 Atlanta Braves
- The 2015 Kansas City Royals
- The 2023 Baltimore Orioles
Each team’s story is told through the eyes of players, coaches, and fans, blending drama, humor, and inspiration.
A Narrative of Hope
The movie opens with a quiet voiceover from a fictional sportswriter played by Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali, who frames the story not as one about baseball alone, but about belief, perseverance, and the refusal to accept mediocrity. “You don’t need to win a hundred games to be a legend,” his character says. “Sometimes, you just need to believe when no one else does.”
The film’s narrative weaves in and out of the different timelines, using transitions like the crack of a bat or a game-changing pitch to cut between scenes. The result is a fast-paced, emotionally resonant journey through decades of baseball, centered around grit and heart rather than fame or fortune.
Standout Stories
The 2003 Florida Marlins storyline features the rise of a young Miguel Cabrera, then just 20 years old, hitting a walk-off home run in his first MLB game. It delves into manager Jack McKeon’s unconventional leadership style, leading a wild card team to a World Series victory against the mighty New York Yankees.
The 2012 Oakland Athletics, dubbed “The Moneyball Sequel,” is told from the perspective of rookie players and includes a powerful montage of the team’s improbable 20-win streak. Fans will see a dramatized yet grounded portrayal of the clubhouse culture that made the A’s one of the most beloved teams of the decade.
The 2023 Baltimore Orioles arc is especially poignant. With a team full of rising stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, the O’s overcame years of being at the bottom of the standings to post one of the best records in baseball, rekindling hope in a city that had almost given up on baseball glory.
A New Style of Sports Movie
What sets The Underdogs apart is its hybrid storytelling format. The producers were granted full access to MLB archives, and interviews with former players are interspersed throughout. CGI-enhanced game recreations bring pivotal moments to life, while dramatic sequences explore the mental and emotional struggles of underappreciated athletes.
In one particularly stirring scene, a fictionalized version of the 2007 Rockies’ run to the World Series is shown from the point of view of a die-hard fan in Denver. As the team goes on a historic 21-1 stretch, the fan’s life is seen improving in parallel—a subtle nod to how sports can uplift entire communities.
Reactions and Hype
Upon Netflix’s announcement, social media erupted with excitement. Baseball fans from across the country took to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok to share their favorite underdog memories. Players from the featured teams also expressed support.
Former Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer posted: “Can’t wait to see our journey on the big screen. Royals fans—this one’s for you.” Meanwhile, fans of teams not featured are already lobbying for a sequel, with hashtags like #UnderdogsPart2 trending in major cities.
What It Means for Baseball
In a time when MLB is working hard to engage younger audiences, The Underdogs is being viewed as a potential game-changer. With Netflix’s reach and a cinematic style that appeals to both die-hard fans and casual viewers, the film could help renew interest in baseball’s emotional depth and timeless appeal.
Commissioner Rob Manfred praised the project, saying, “Baseball is full of hidden stories—of players who never gave up, of cities that rallied behind impossible odds. The Underdogs captures that spirit better than anything I’ve ever seen.”
Coming This Fall
The Underdogs is set to release globally on Netflix on October 18th, 2025, just ahead of the World Series. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who’s never watched a game, this movie promises something universal: a story about fighting for respect, chasing dreams, and winning—even when the scoreboard says otherwise.
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