In a move already generating major buzz across the sports and entertainment world, HBO Max has officially announced the release of “The Underdog,” a powerful new documentary centered on Seattle Mariners all-time legend Ken Griffey Jr. The film is set to premiere exclusively on HBO Max on August 16, 2025, and will serve as a centerpiece of the platform’s summer programming.
Told through raw archival footage, personal interviews, and modern-day reflections, “The Underdog” traces Griffey’s rise from a high school prodigy to becoming the face of baseball in the 1990s — and one of the most beloved players in MLB history.
“Ken Griffey Jr.’s legacy is more than just numbers and highlight reels,” said executive producer and HBO Sports VP Lindsay Bell. “This is a story about culture, resilience, and the impact one man had on an entire generation — both on and off the field.”
Nicknamed “The Kid”, Griffey played the game with an unmatched mix of elegance, power, and personality. His iconic backwards cap, left-handed swing, and highlight-reel defense redefined the center field position, while his humility and authenticity made him a fan favorite for life — especially in Seattle, where he spent the majority of his 22-year MLB career.
The documentary includes exclusive interviews with Griffey himself, along with commentary from his father Ken Griffey Sr., former teammates, MLB legends, and celebrity fans like LeBron James, Russell Wilson, Ken Burns, and Jay-Z, who all reflect on the cultural imprint Griffey left beyond baseball.
“The Underdog” dives into more than just the highs, including Griffey’s battle with injuries, his principled stand during the steroid era, and the weight of expectations that came with being hailed as “the next great one” before he ever stepped on a Major League field.
In partnership with MLB Productions, the documentary also features digitally remastered highlights and behind-the-scenes footage from Griffey’s All-Star appearances, Home Run Derby moments, and his emotional 2016 Hall of Fame induction.
HBO Max will premiere “The Underdog” on August 16, 2025, with a red carpet screening in Seattle planned the night before — a fitting tribute to the city that helped make Griffey Jr. a baseball immortal.
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