Netflix has officially announced the upcoming release of *“The Underdog,”* a deeply moving and richly detailed documentary chronicling the life, career, and enduring legacy of baseball legend and former Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker. Slated to premiere on **July 26, 2025**, the film is already generating buzz as one of the year’s most anticipated sports documentaries.
Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ava Thompson (*Legends of the Game*, *Soul of the South*), *“The Underdog”* promises an intimate look at a man who transcended the sport of baseball. From his early days as a promising outfielder in the 1960s and ‘70s to his evolution into one of the most respected managers in Major League Baseball history, Dusty Baker’s story is one of perseverance, quiet leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.
**An Icon of the Game**
Johnnie B. “Dusty” Baker Jr. is no stranger to the spotlight. His MLB playing career, which spanned 19 seasons, saw him suit up for teams like the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland Athletics. A two-time All-Star and a World Series champion as a player in 1981, Baker was known for his hitting prowess, steady presence in the outfield, and early role in popularizing the now-famous “high five.”
Yet, it was his second act as a manager where Baker cemented his legendary status. Over three decades, he led five different teams — the Giants, Cubs, Reds, Nationals, and most recently the Astros — to a combined 2,183 wins, earning a reputation as a master motivator and a calm hand in the most high-pressure situations. In 2022, at the age of 73, he finally secured his elusive managerial World Series title, guiding the Astros to glory and silencing critics who doubted his legacy without a ring as a skipper.
**The Underdog’s Journey**
According to Netflix, *“The Underdog”* will dive into the pivotal moments that defined Baker’s life — his upbringing in Riverside, California during the Civil Rights era, his relationship with his father, his mentorship under Hank Aaron, and his experiences navigating race, fame, and resilience in a sport that has often been slow to embrace change.
Never one to seek the spotlight, Baker’s humility and quiet strength became defining features of his leadership style. As the documentary’s title suggests, Dusty Baker has long embodied the spirit of the underdog — the overlooked, the underestimated, and the tenaciously persistent.
The film includes exclusive interviews with former players, coaches, journalists, and family members, including heartfelt commentary from Astros stars like José Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Yordan Álvarez. Fellow managers such as Bruce Bochy and Joe Maddon also reflect on Dusty’s influence in the clubhouse and his unique approach to leadership.
**A Broader Cultural Impact**
But *“The Underdog”* is more than just a sports documentary. It’s a portrait of a man who has navigated some of the most transformative decades in American culture and sport. His presence in baseball during turbulent racial times, his decision to wear a Black Lives Matter pin during the 2020 season, and his advocacy for minority hiring in coaching roles all speak to his larger significance in the cultural fabric of the game.
In a statement, director Ava Thompson said: “Dusty’s story isn’t just about baseball — it’s about dignity, integrity, and resilience. It’s about the battles we fight every day to be seen, to be heard, and to be remembered. With *‘The Underdog,’* we want to honor not just the athlete and the manager, but the man behind the uniform.”
**A Star-Studded Soundtrack and Production**
Adding to the film’s cinematic quality is its stirring soundtrack, featuring original compositions by Grammy-winning jazz musician Kamasi Washington and tracks from legends like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and Kendrick Lamar. Executive producers include LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Shonda Rhimes — a trio known for producing content that crosses boundaries and inspires conversation.
**Set to Inspire a New Generation**
*“The Underdog”* will be available exclusively on Netflix starting **July 26**, with limited theatrical screenings planned in select cities including Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. A panel discussion featuring Dusty Baker himself, along with Ava Thompson and several MLB greats, is scheduled for the film’s premiere weekend in Los Angeles.
In a recent interview, Baker humbly reflected on the film: “I never really thought my story was that special. I just tried to do right by people, play the game the right way, and give it my best every day. If that helps someone else out there, then it was all worth it.”
As the baseball world gears up for this landmark release, *“The Underdog”* stands as a powerful reminder that greatness often comes not from those who shout the loudest, but from those who show up, do the work, and never stop believing.
Stay tuned for more coverage as Netflix prepares to bring Dusty Baker’s unforgettable journey to screens worldwide.
