Baseball Docs to Watch Before Opening Day
The 2026 MLB season kicks off on March 26 and the PBS app has the bases loaded with stories of this beloved American pastime. While we’re always rooting for our Cincinnati Reds here, these docs spotlight teams across the country, spanning generations of ballplayers. Trace the careers of legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson, and discover the legacy they’ve left behind by breaking barriers both on and off the field.
Baseball: The Tenth Inning
Meet an unforgettable array of players, teams and fans, in this two-part documentary from Ken Burns. The film showcases the era’s extraordinary accomplishments as well as its devastating disappointments, interweaving the story of the national pastime with the story of America. Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/show/tenth-inning/.
The Jackie Robinson Story (1950)
Starring the baseball legend himself, this film from Lakeshore Classic Movies shows his struggles to maintain his dignity while enduring the harassment and prejudice of being the first African-American to break organized baseball’s color barrier. Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/video/the-jackie-robinson-story-1950-vwzoxc/.
Never Drop the Ball
Explore the journey of Black baseball players during decades of exclusion from Major League Baseball, culminating in Jackie Robinson’s 1947 success. These players’ love for the game transcended Jim Crow laws and adversity, leading to the creation of new leagues: https://video.thinktv.org/video/never-drop-the-ball-W1wfgm/.
Baseball’s Been Very, Very Good to Me: Minnie Minoso Story
Trace the career of White Sox legend Minnie Minoso, who in 1951 became Chicago’s first black major league baseball player, later becoming the first black Latin American baseball star. Minoso’s story is told through rare interviews and never-before-seen footage of the star himself. Watch it now on the PBS app: https://video.thinktv.org/video/wttw-documentaries-baseballs-been-very-very-good-me-minnie-minoso-story/.
A Season to Remember: The Baseball Boys of Mon City
Uncover the poignant story of the Monongahela (a.k.a. “Mon City”) All-Star Team, told through memories of surviving players and archival game footage. Headed to the Little League World Series, this momentous accomplishment would be marred by a tragedy that shocked the entire community. Tune in Saturday, April 18, at 10pm on ThinkTV14 or watch it now on the PBS app: https://video.thinktv.org/video/a-season-to-remember-the-baseball-boys-of-mon-city-wDD507/.
Graceball: The Story of Bobby Richardson
Witness how famed New York Yankee and devoted family man Bobby Richardson embodied the American spirit through his faith and influence. Bob Costas and Yankee Historian Marty Appel join Bobby and others to tell this story. Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/video/graceball-the-story-of-bobby-richardson-LUud6j/.
The Golden Game: Baseball in Sacramento
Take a look at Sacramento’s 150-year baseball history through its first clubs and teams, including the Gilt Edge, Senators, Solons and today’s River Cats. Based on Kevin Nelson’s book, the film reveals the mark the city has left on the game. Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/video/the-golden-game-baseball-in-sacramento-pgxfkv/.
Jackie Robinson
Explore how Jack Roosevelt Robinson rose from humble origins to cross baseball’s color line and become one of the most beloved men in America. A fierce integrationist, he used his immense fame to speak out against the discrimination he saw on and off the field. Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/show/jackie-robinson/.
Babe Ruth at Sing Sing
Recount the exhibition game between the New York Yankees and the Sing Sing prison inmates on September 5, 1929. The film weaves back and forth between the careers of Babe Ruth, the major sports figure of his day, and Sing Sing Warden Lewis E. Lawes, “America’s Warden.” Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/video/babe-ruth-at-sing-sing-oc4spw/.
(re)Defining History “Hank Aaron: Beyond the Field”
Trace the impact of Hank Aaron, an exceptional home run king whose bravery shattered both records and barriers in the face of adversity both on and off the field. This episode of (re)Defining History explores his legacy, influence, and contributions to the fight for civil rights. Watch it now with ThinkTV Passport: https://video.thinktv.org/video/hank-aaron-beyond-the-field-zke6rc/.
Milwaukee’s Diamonds in the Rough
Discover why wearing the uniform is considered a rite of passage for young players honing their skills in baseball and life through two iconic youth baseball programs in Milwaukee, both inspired by hometown heroes and professional players. Watch it now on the PBS app: https://video.thinktv.org/video/milwaukees-diamonds-rough-milwaukees-diamonds-rough/.
Price of Admission: Black Baseball in Rhode Island
Follow the stories of the forgotten heroes and history of Black baseball in Rhode Island in the early 20th century. The film highlights figures like Arthur “Daddy” Black and Daniel “Big Dan” Whitehead. Watch it now on the PBS app: https://video.thinktv.org/video/price-of-admission-black-baseball-in-rhode-island-j8cvix/.
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