For a variety of reasons, I’ve found myself watching some sports documentaries recently. Here’s what those viewings have been, what I learned, and whether I’d rewatch them.
It Ain’t Over
I watched It Ain’t Over Christmas night with my father who was visiting for the holiday. The film was released in 2022 as – from what I can tell – a bit of a passion project by MLB legend Yogi Berra‘s granddaughter, Lindsay, who spends much of her time on camera reminding the viewers of the greatness her grandfather achieved. And, by and large, it achieves its goal. I’d find it hard to believe anyone who spends time with this film will walk away without a newfound appreciation for Berra and what the body of his work entailed. I’d certainly watch it again, though I’m still left wondering why Nick Swisher was one of the sitdown interviews. (Viewed on Netflix)
Black Ice
We here in the United States have this perception about our neighbors to the north in Canada that they’re a kinder and gentler people. More welcoming, more humane. You likely know the cliche. It turns out, however, when it comes to how we’ve historically treated black and brown people, we’re a fair amount more alike than we might think. I watched Black Ice on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and it provided the type of reflection that holiday is designed to instigate. Beyond a terrific historical look at the NHL and its parallels with MLB when it comes integration, I was awed by the multi-generational composition of those intereviewed and impacted by institutional racism. I certainly need to watch it again to better appreciate the history and ongoing challenges. (Viewed on Hulu)
The League
Speaking of racism – institutional, overt, or otherwise – The League takes a deep dive into the Negro Leagues. I saw this over a few days in early December and came away with a greater appreciation of the struggle for black players to find their way into MLB. And then, once integration occurred, how it began the slow death of the Negro Leagues and, utlimately, of the thriving economies in and around the communities where these teams played. Rich in information and first-person interviews from players from bygone years, this one is not to be missed. (Viewed on Hulu)
The Saint of Second Chances
Mike Veeck is part of one of the pre-eminent baseball families in history. His grandfather, Bill Veeck Sr., was a general manager with the Chicago Cubs and his father was unimitable, Bill Veeck Jr. The Saint of Second Chances, a pseudo bio-pic come documentary, takes a look at some of the Veeck family’s history, Mike’s uneven relationship with his father, the eventual reconciliation, and how he rebuilt his reputation after Comiskey Park’s Disco Demolition Night promotion that went, ahem awry. The film also attempts to tug at viewers’ heart strings by sharing the story of Mike’s daughter, Libby, who plays a huge role in the latter half of the movie. (Viewed on Netflix)
The Redeem Team
Ostensibly, The Redeem Team is the story of the 2008 U.S. Men’s Summer Olympic Team which won a Gold Medal after a series of American disappointments on the international stage. In reality, as the film moves on it, you became aware that it’s a bit of a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant who was a late addition to the squad. Likewise, viewers get a good sense – even as a younger player – of LeBron James‘ will to win and his leadership skills. Finally, Coach Mike Krzyzewski showcases his ability to motivate even the biggeset superstars in the sport. (Viewed on Netflix)
Bill Russell: Legend
Bill Russell: Legend is considered a TV series by IMDb, but let’s be honest, this is more like a 3-hour-plus documentary (split over two episodes) about one of basketball history’s most dominant and influential players, Bill Russell. It does take a deep dive into Russell’s life, dating back to his family’s beginnings in Alabama to the move to California to his time at the University of San Francisco to the crazy trade Boston Celtics’ GM/Coach Red Auerbach made to get him to Beantown (yes, he was essentially traded for the Ice Capades.) Unsurprisingly, it also explores the racial tensions between a successful black man in Boston and the greater community as well as how he became involved in the Civil Rights movement. There is a calvacade stars who opine throughout this “series” and their insights are brilliant. I especially love Jerry West‘s perspective as a long-time rival who so often found himself on the losing end of battles with Russell’s Celtics, you could feel his reverence for his foe. (Viewed on Netflix)