BREAKING NEWS: Netflix releases “The Underdog,” a documentary about the Chicago White Sox’s greatest legend, Luke Appling (who passed away on January 3, 1991), slated for release on June 15, 2025. It offers a look at Appling’s life on and off the diamond.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Sarah Mills, The Underdog draws on rare footage from the White Sox archives and personal interviews with Appling’s family and former teammates. Viewers will witness his journey from rural Georgia to baseball stardom, capturing his two American League batting titles and All-Star selections in 1936 and 1937. The film also examines his durability, earning him the nickname “Old Aches and Pains,” and his enduring impact on Chicago’s sports culture.
Netflix secured unprecedented access to Appling’s private letters and diaries, some of which have never been publicly displayed. Archivist Laura Bennett, who curated the White Sox’s historical collection, describes the discovery of personal correspondence revealing Appling’s philosophies on perseverance and sportsmanship. “These writings humanize a legend whose public persona often eclipsed his private struggles,” she notes, emphasizing the documentary’s intimate tone.
Director Sarah Mills collaborated with Emmy-winning cinematographer Carlos Ruiz to recreate key moments from Appling’s career, blending colorized game footage with stylized reenactments. The score, composed by jazz musician Marcus Lee, infuses soulful motifs reflective of the 1930s era. Memoirs from Hall of Famer Al Simmons and insights from current White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson round out the narrative, bridging past and present.
Netflix’s growing lineup of sports documentaries, including recent hits like Drive for Five and Dynasty: Lakers, underscores the platform’s investment in long-form storytelling. The Underdog joins this slate, promising to appeal to both baseball aficionados and general audiences seeking human-interest stories. Early festival screenings at Tribeca and SXSW have generated buzz, with critics praising its heartfelt approach and archival richness.
Netflix’s Vice President of Unscripted Content, Maria Chen, notes, “Luke Appling’s story embodies resilience, integrity, and the spirit of baseball that resonates across generations.” The Underdog arrives at a moment when audiences crave authentic narratives that celebrate unsung heroes. As American sports culture evolves, this documentary serves as both a tribute and a timely reminder of the values that defined an era and continue to inspire fans today.
The Underdog will premiere globally on Netflix June 15, 2025. Audiences in over 190 countries will stream the film with subtitles and dubbed options available.