BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog”, A Highly Anticipated Documentary About Padres Legend Tony Gwynn
June 6, 2025 — San Diego, CA
In what is already being hailed as one of the most poignant and inspiring sports documentaries of the year, Netflix has officially released “The Underdog”, a feature-length film chronicling the life and career of San Diego Padres icon Tony Gwynn. The much-anticipated documentary became available for streaming worldwide today, igniting excitement among baseball fans and documentary enthusiasts alike.
Known to many simply as “Mr. Padre,” Tony Gwynn remains one of the most beloved figures in Major League Baseball history. Over his 20-year career, all of which was spent with the Padres, Gwynn earned an incredible eight batting titles, 15 All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards, and the admiration of countless fans. More than just a gifted hitter, Gwynn was widely respected for his humility, loyalty, and relentless work ethic—qualities that “The Underdog” seeks to illuminate in unprecedented depth.
An Intimate Portrait
Produced by Netflix Sports Originals in collaboration with MLB Studios and directed by Academy Award-nominated documentarian Dawn Porter, “The Underdog” offers an intimate look at Gwynn’s life both on and off the field. The documentary weaves together rare archival footage, candid interviews with teammates and rivals, personal reflections from Gwynn’s family, and commentary from modern baseball stars who cite him as a role model.
According to Porter, the title “The Underdog” was chosen to reflect Gwynn’s improbable journey. “Tony Gwynn wasn’t the fastest or the flashiest player. He wasn’t a towering slugger or a first-round pick. But through sheer dedication and heart, he rose to become one of the greatest hitters the game has ever seen,” Porter said during the film’s San Diego premiere earlier this week. “This is a story about perseverance, humility, and the kind of greatness that transcends statistics.”
From Long Beach to the Hall of Fame
The documentary traces Gwynn’s path from a multi-sport athlete at Long Beach Polytechnic High School to a star at San Diego State University, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. It recounts the fateful day in 1981 when Gwynn was drafted by both the Padres and the NBA’s San Diego Clippers, ultimately choosing a future on the diamond.
Through in-depth storytelling, “The Underdog” revisits pivotal moments in Gwynn’s career: his first Major League hit in 1982, the magical 1994 season when he flirted with a .400 batting average, and his remarkable consistency at the plate that defied the era’s growing obsession with power hitting. The film also poignantly addresses Gwynn’s lifelong battle with weight issues, the rigorous self-discipline that kept him competitive, and his post-retirement fight against salivary gland cancer—a struggle that ended with his untimely passing in 2014 at age 54.
Voices of Reverence
One of the documentary’s strengths lies in its emotional depth, thanks to interviews with Gwynn’s family, including his widow Alicia Gwynn and children Tony Jr. and Anisha. Current MLB stars such as Mookie Betts and Juan Soto, as well as retired legends like Ken Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter, appear on camera to share how Gwynn influenced their careers and approach to the game.
Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., a longtime friend and competitor, remarks in the film: “Tony made hitting look effortless, but he was the hardest worker you’d ever meet. Every at-bat was a chess match, and more often than not, he won.”
Teammates Trevor Hoffman and Steve Garvey offer heartfelt anecdotes about Gwynn’s leadership in the clubhouse and deep connection with San Diego fans. The film also delves into Gwynn’s second career as a coach at San Diego State, where he mentored young players and continued giving back to the game he loved.
A Legacy for New Generations
“The Underdog” arrives at a fitting moment, as the Padres community continues to celebrate Gwynn’s lasting legacy. Petco Park, home of the Padres, features a prominent statue of Gwynn, and his No. 19 jersey remains one of the most popular in the team’s history.
Netflix has positioned the documentary not only as a celebration of baseball excellence but as an inspiring human story accessible to a global audience. “Tony Gwynn represents the best of us,” said Netflix content chief Bela Bajaria. “His legacy reminds us that greatness comes in many forms, and that character matters as much as talent.”
Fans and critics alike are already responding enthusiastically. Early reviews praise “The Underdog” as a “moving tribute” and “essential viewing for anyone who loves the game.”
As baseball enters a new era of analytics and power-driven play, “The Underdog” stands as a powerful reminder of the beauty of pure hitting and the enduring impact of a player who, against all odds, became a legend.