In a stirring tribute to one of the most iconic figures in baseball history, Netflix has announced the upcoming release of its latest sports documentary, The Underdog, centered on the late Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela. The film is set to debut on July 4, 2025, commemorating not just America’s birthday, but also the enduring legacy of an immigrant pitcher who redefined Major League Baseball in the 1980s and became a cultural icon in the Latino community.
This highly anticipated documentary promises to be an emotional and comprehensive portrayal of Valenzuela’s life, career, and impact—not just as an athlete, but as a symbol of hope and resilience.
A Star Is Born: Fernando’s Meteoric Rise
Born in Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico, Fernando Valenzuela’s path to the majors was anything but conventional. Discovered as a teenager pitching in Mexico’s Liga Mexicana del Pacífico, he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979. Just one year later, Valenzuela burst onto the MLB scene in spectacular fashion.
In 1981, a season marred by a player strike, Fernando became the face of baseball—dominating opponents with his distinctive windup, unshakable composure, and deadly screwball. “Fernandomania” swept the nation as fans packed stadiums to witness his otherworldly performances. Valenzuela would go on to win both the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season—a feat never before achieved.
The documentary delves deeply into this incredible stretch, using archival footage, testimonials from former teammates and opponents, and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes clips to illuminate how Fernando became a beacon for hope in the Mexican-American community and beyond.
An Immigrant Hero in the City of Angels
At a time when Los Angeles was undergoing demographic changes and social tensions, Valenzuela offered unity and inspiration. In The Underdog, former Dodgers teammates like Steve Garvey, Dusty Baker, and Mike Scioscia recount how Fernando’s presence brought an influx of Latino fans into Dodger Stadium, transforming the culture of the team and the fanbase.
Journalists, historians, and cultural commentators in the documentary explain that Fernando wasn’t just playing baseball—he was reshaping the identity of Mexican-Americans. His humble beginnings, his quiet yet dignified demeanor, and his on-field brilliance created a bridge between cultures, generations, and socioeconomic divides.
Former Dodgers broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, who served as a mentor and translator to Fernando, offers moving reflections in the documentary. “He gave a voice to people who felt invisible,” Jarrín states. “Through him, we saw ourselves on the biggest stage.”
The Screwball That Changed the Game
While The Underdog is rich with personal and cultural insights, it also serves as a masterclass in baseball. Pitching coaches, analysts, and former big leaguers dissect Valenzuela’s unique mechanics, his mastery of the screwball, and the work ethic that defined his 17-year career.
Despite battling arm injuries later in his career, Fernando remained a dependable pitcher for the Dodgers and other clubs including the Angels, Orioles, and Padres. He would eventually compile 173 career wins, six All-Star appearances, and a 1981 World Series championship—though his legend far exceeds the stat sheet.
The documentary includes an interview with Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez, who credits Valenzuela with paving the way for pitchers from Latin America. “Fernando showed all of us it could be done,” Martínez says in one of the film’s most powerful moments. “He didn’t just open the door—he kicked it wide open.”
A Beloved Broadcaster, a National Icon
After his retirement, Valenzuela transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a Spanish-language commentator for the Dodgers and a revered ambassador for the game. In 2003, he became a U.S. citizen, a symbolic moment that underscored his dual identity as both a Mexican and an American hero.
The Underdog doesn’t shy away from showing the emotional depth of this transition. His children and wife, Linda, appear throughout the film, offering personal reflections and anecdotes about the man behind the fame. From throwing out the first pitch on Opening Day to mentoring young Latino players, Fernando remained a constant figure in the Dodgers’ orbit until his passing in late 2024 at the age of 64.
Netflix’s Statement and Production Team
Netflix announced the film via a teaser trailer released today, featuring clips of Valenzuela’s famous 1981 Opening Day shutout against the Astros, slow-motion footage of his mesmerizing windup, and shots of a crowd chanting “Fer-nan-do!” in unison.
In a press release, Netflix’s Head of Documentaries Lisa Nishimura said:
“The Underdog is not just a baseball film—it’s a portrait of perseverance, identity, and what it means to belong. Fernando Valenzuela’s story is the American Dream in its truest form.”
The film is directed by Eva Longoria Bastón, herself a lifelong Dodgers fan and prominent advocate for Latino representation in media. The documentary is co-produced with MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Valenzuela’s estate, ensuring authenticity and access to rare footage and intimate interviews.
“I wanted to tell this story because it’s personal to me,” Longoria said in an exclusive behind-the-scenes feature. “Growing up in Texas, my family idolized Fernando. He showed us we mattered.”
Early Buzz and Anticipated Reception
Baseball aficionados and pop culture critics are already buzzing about the film, with some speculating it could contend for awards in the upcoming documentary season. ESPN’s Jeff Passan tweeted:
“The Underdog looks like it’ll do for Fernando what The Last Dance did for MJ—finally tell the full story of a generational figure.”
Sports Illustrated has already named it one of the most anticipated sports documentaries of 2025, citing its cultural resonance and star-studded interviews, which reportedly include Magic Johnson, Vin Scully (archival footage), and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
The film’s soundtrack is also expected to draw attention, featuring original compositions by Grammy-winner Gustavo Santaolalla and a closing credits performance by Los Lobos, singing a soulful rendition of “La Bamba.”
Dodgers to Celebrate Premiere with Special Homage
In conjunction with the release, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they will host a Fernando Valenzuela Night at Dodger Stadium on July 6, 2025—two days after the film’s debut. The evening will feature a pregame screening of selected scenes from The Underdog, bilingual tributes from former players and celebrities, and the unveiling of a new mural in Chavez Ravine.
The team also plans to distribute commemorative “Fernandomania” bobbleheads and donate a portion of ticket proceeds to scholarships for Latino students pursuing sports journalism and film.
“Fernando meant everything to this franchise,” Dodgers president Stan Kasten said in a statement. “He was a once-in-a-generation talent and a forever icon. This film will help preserve his legacy for generations to come.”
Final Reflections: More Than a Ballplayer
As Netflix prepares for the premiere, fans across the world are remembering what Fernando Valenzuela represented—a figure who transcended sport and became a symbol of possibility.
In the final scenes of The Underdog, viewers see Valenzuela walking onto the field at Dodger Stadium one last time, waving to a crowd chanting his name. His image fades to black as words appear on screen:
“He wasn’t just a pitcher. He was a movement.”
With this documentary, Netflix is offering more than entertainment—it’s delivering a legacy, one worthy of a man who forever changed baseball, Los Angeles, and the hearts of millions.
