Netflix Set to Release “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Chicago White Sox Legacy in Baseball History, Slated for Release on the..

In a powerful move that promises to capture the spirit, struggle, and soul of one of baseball’s most overlooked franchises, Netflix has officially announced the release of “The Underdog,” a feature-length documentary chronicling the storied, often turbulent legacy of the Chicago White Sox. The streaming giant confirmed that the documentary is slated for release on August 23, 2025, sparking excitement across both baseball and film communities.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Terrell Hayes, known for his work on “Steel & Silence” and “Legends Unwritten”, The Underdog aims to shed new light on a franchise defined not just by championships and collapses, but by resilience, reinvention, and deep-rooted connection to Chicago’s South Side.

A Franchise Revisited

From the scandal-laced 1919 Black Sox era to the long drought leading up to the dramatic 2005 World Series championship, The Underdog dives headfirst into more than a century of history, weaving together archival footage, rare interviews, and never-before-heard clubhouse stories.

“This isn’t a puff piece. This is a truth piece,” Hayes said during a Netflix-hosted virtual panel. “It’s about a team that never got the mainstream love but always had the heart, the history, and the hunger. It’s about pain and pride, and what it means to fight from the margins.”

Featured Appearances

The documentary will feature a powerhouse lineup of past and present White Sox legends, including:

Frank Thomas, the Hall of Fame slugger and face of the ‘90s resurgence
Ozzie Guillén, the fiery and beloved manager of the 2005 championship team
Mark Buehrle and Paul Konerko, key figures in one of the franchise’s most magical seasons
Tim Anderson, representing the modern generation and cultural evolution of the team
And even descendants of key figures from the early 20th century, offering a personal lens on historical events

Netflix also teased guest commentary from baseball historians, sportswriters, and even a few rivals who’ve faced the Sox in critical postseason clashes.

More Than Baseball

While the documentary focuses on the team’s journey through baseball’s toughest trenches, it also puts a spotlight on the social, racial, and economic dynamics that have shaped both the franchise and its fiercely loyal fanbase.

“The South Side of Chicago is not just a setting — it’s a character in this film,” said Hayes. “We talk about steel mills, segregation, soul food, and Sunday doubleheaders. It’s about community.”

Fans can expect scenes filmed across iconic Chicago landmarks, from old Comiskey Park to Bridgeport bars, neighborhood Little League fields, and current-day Guaranteed Rate Field. The soundtrack, according to Netflix insiders, will blend classic blues, early hip-hop, and Latin music — all key elements of the city’s cultural makeup.

Reception and Expectations

Already generating early Emmy buzz, The Underdog has sparked anticipation from fans and critics alike. With a tightly edited 90-minute runtime and a cinematic style that aims to balance grit and nostalgia, Netflix is marketing it as one of its flagship sports documentaries of the year.

“It’s more than just for Sox fans,” said Netflix’s VP of Documentary Content, Alana Porter. “This is for anyone who’s ever felt counted out. The White Sox are the story of the everyday fighter — and now their voice will echo on screens across the globe.”

A New Chapter for Baseball Documentaries

Following the success of other sports documentaries, such as The Last Dance and Quarterback, The Underdog represents a continued expansion of sports storytelling that is inclusive of teams not often in the mainstream spotlight. It’s a chance to rewrite the narrative — not through fairy tales, but through authenticity.

Mark Your Calendar

The Underdog premieres exclusively on Netflix on August 23, 2025, with a limited theatrical run in select Chicago theaters beginning the same weekend. An official trailer is expected to drop in late June, with promotional appearances by former players lined up throughout the summer.

In the words of Frank Thomas, featured in the film’s teaser:
“You can overlook us, but you’ll never forget us. That’s the Sox way.”

And now, with Netflix’s global stage, the Chicago White Sox finally get their chance to tell the world why being the underdog was always their greatest strength.