Toronto, ON – In a major announcement that has thrilled baseball fans across North America, Netflix has officially confirmed the release of its latest original sports documentary, “The Underdog,” a deep and emotional look into the life and career of Toronto Blue Jays pitching legend Dave Stieb. The film is set to premiere worldwide on October 13, exclusively on Netflix.
For decades, Dave Stieb has remained one of baseball’s most fascinating and often underappreciated figures. As the face of the Toronto Blue Jays during their formative years in the 1980s, Stieb was a fierce competitor, a master of the slider, and a pitcher who flirted with perfection more times than most—yet he never quite received the recognition he deserved. “The Underdog” sets out to change that narrative.
A Pitcher’s Story Worth Telling
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ava Simmons (Hardball Dreams, Iron Arm: The Rise of Latina Pitchers), “The Underdog” chronicles the rise, struggles, and legacy of Dave Stieb—from his early days as a college outfielder, to becoming the Blue Jays’ ace, to throwing the franchise’s first no-hitter in 1990.
Simmons explains, “This is a story about more than baseball. It’s about obsession, identity, and how greatness sometimes hides in plain sight. Dave Stieb wasn’t just an ace—he was a warrior on the mound. This documentary finally gives him his due.”
The film features candid interviews with Stieb himself, as well as former teammates, opponents, sports historians, and family members. Archival footage, behind-the-scenes clubhouse videos, and vintage game highlights are woven together to bring the gritty realism of 1980s baseball back to life.
Near-Misses and Unmatched Talent
Stieb’s career was as thrilling as it was heartbreaking. Known for his devastating slider and unshakable presence, he came agonizingly close to pitching multiple no-hitters, including a pair of back-to-back games in 1988 where he lost them with two outs in the ninth inning. These moments, painfully memorable for Blue Jays fans, are central to the film’s exploration of how Stieb’s greatness was often overshadowed by bad luck and a lack of fanfare.
In his 15-season career—14 of which were with Toronto—Stieb earned 176 wins, seven All-Star selections, and a reputation as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Yet, he remains one of the most overlooked elite pitchers when Hall of Fame debates arise.
Baseball historian and analyst Ken Rosenthal, who appears in the documentary, states: “Dave Stieb is the greatest pitcher of the 1980s not in the Hall of Fame. He was as good as anyone. His story isn’t just overdue—it’s essential viewing.”
Netflix’s Growing Sports Catalog
“The Underdog” is the latest in Netflix’s growing list of sports documentaries, following hits like The Last Dance, Untold, and Break Point. The streaming giant is clearly investing in stories that combine nostalgia, drama, and deep emotional resonance—especially those that spotlight under-recognized sports figures.
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