BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Baltimore Orioles Legend Cal Ripken Jr., Slated for Release on……

LOS GATOS, Calif. — In a move that has sports fans and documentary lovers buzzing with anticipation, Netflix has officially announced the release date for “The Underdog”, a new original documentary chronicling the life and career of Major League Baseball icon Cal Ripken Jr. The film is set to premiere globally on August 23, just ahead of the 30th anniversary of Ripken’s historic Iron Man streak, a feat that forever changed the face of professional baseball.

“The Underdog” dives deep into the inspirational story of the Baltimore Orioles legend, famously known for breaking Lou Gehrig’s record of consecutive games played. But the documentary goes beyond just numbers. It explores Ripken’s humble beginnings, relentless work ethic, and the enduring impact he had on the game and its culture.

Produced by Netflix Sports in collaboration with Imagine Documentaries, the film is directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Chapman Way (Wild Wild Country, Untold), with Brian Grazer and Ron Howard serving as executive producers. The film features never-before-seen archival footage, candid interviews with Ripken and his family, as well as commentary from teammates, journalists, and sports historians.

A Career Worthy of the Big Screen

Cal Ripken Jr., affectionately dubbed “The Iron Man,” played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball—all with the Baltimore Orioles. But it was on September 6, 1995, that he etched his name into the annals of sports history by playing his 2,131st consecutive game, surpassing Lou Gehrig’s long-standing record. Ripken would go on to extend that streak to 2,632 games before voluntarily ending it in 1998. To this day, it remains one of the most unbreakable records in all of professional sports.

The documentary doesn’t just recount Ripken’s on-field accomplishments. “The Underdog” paints a fuller picture, portraying the pressures of living under the spotlight, the family values that kept him grounded, and the quiet leadership style that made him a role model to millions. It also addresses the challenging periods in his career, such as the 1988-1989 seasons when the Orioles struggled to stay competitive, and Ripken faced personal criticism for his stoic demeanor and play-through-pain mentality.

A Timely Tribute

Netflix’s decision to release “The Underdog” in late August is no coincidence. The timing aligns with baseball’s stretch run and marks a significant moment in Ripken’s career—the run-up to the 30-year anniversary of his legendary streak. Fans and analysts alike are praising the timing, saying the documentary will rekindle interest in one of baseball’s most beloved eras.

“Cal Ripken is more than just a baseball player—he’s a symbol of perseverance, integrity, and commitment,” said director Chapman Way in a statement. “With The Underdog, we wanted to go beyond the numbers and explore what really drove him, what made him such a relentless competitor.”

Fan and Player Reactions

Reaction to the announcement has been swift and enthusiastic across social media, with hashtags like #IronManDoc and #TheUnderdog trending within hours of the press release. Former players, including Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr., have publicly expressed support and excitement about the project.

Orioles fans are especially thrilled. “This is long overdue,” said Mary Delgado, a lifelong Orioles fan from Towson, Maryland. “Cal carried this city through thick and thin. I’ll be first in line when it drops.”

Streaming Globally

The Underdog will be available exclusively on Netflix starting August 23, 2025, streaming in over 190 countries. The documentary will be subtitled in more than 20 languages, ensuring Ripken’s story reaches a global audience.

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or simply someone who appreciates an underdog story with heart, “The Underdog” promises to be one of the year’s most inspirational and emotional sports documentaries.