The Battered Bastards of Baseball poster

The Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014)

Documentary

Feel-Good80 minR2014
TMDB7.4100On 1 watchlist here

Stream itit is a punchy, heartwarming celebration of independent spirit and the pure joy of the game.

An exuberant and rebellious underdog story that celebrates the grit of independent sportsmanship and local community. It is high-energy, funny, and deeply satisfying for anyone who loves a defiance of the corporate establishment.

What The Battered Bastards of Baseball is like, and who it is for

What it is like to watch

Watching this is a brisk, infectious experience that mirrors the chaotic energy of the Portland Mavericks themselves. It moves at a clip, blending nostalgic archive footage with charismatic interviews that capture the 1970s counter-culture vibe. The intensity is derived from the genuine passion of the players and the clear-eyed defiance they held against Major League Baseball’s rigid bureaucracy. It feels less like a dry history lesson and more like a rollicking tall tale that happens to be entirely true.

Who it is for, and who should skip it

This is essential viewing for sports fans who prefer grit over glamour and anyone who enjoys a David-and-Goliath narrative. It appeals to viewers who like seeing corporate structures challenged by raw enthusiasm. However, those looking for a deep technical analysis of baseball strategy might find it a bit slight; it prioritises character and folklore over statistical breakdowns. It is unapologetically one-sided, told from the perspective of the rebels who lived it.

The right evening for it

It is perfect for a low-stakes, high-reward evening when you want something uplifting but intellectually stimulating. It pairs well with a casual atmosphere and a genuine appreciation for the underdog.

Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.

If you like this, try

  • Moneyball (2011)

    the clash between traditional baseball gatekeepers and disruptive new ideas

  • Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

    the rediscovery of a forgotten, colourful legend against the odds

  • The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

    the same underdog spirit within a niche, competitive subculture

Suggested by our AI for what they share with this one. Linked titles have a page here; the rest are worth a search on the browse page.

More from Chapman Way

What it is about

Hollywood veteran Bing Russell creates the only independent baseball team in the country—alarming the baseball establishment and sparking the meteoric rise of the 1970s Portland Mavericks.

Trailer

More clips

  • Featurette · Kurt Russell & 'The Battered Bastards Of Baseball' Co-Directors Q&A at Park City Live During Sundanc

Stills

  • The Battered Bastards of Baseball still
  • The Battered Bastards of Baseball still
  • The Battered Bastards of Baseball still
  • The Battered Bastards of Baseball still
  • The Battered Bastards of Baseball still
  • The Battered Bastards of Baseball still

Images from TMDB.

Questions people ask

Is The Battered Bastards of Baseball a feel-good documentary?
Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Feel-Good. An exuberant and rebellious underdog story that celebrates the grit of independent sportsmanship and local community. It is high-energy, funny, and deeply satisfying for anyone who loves a defiance of the corporate establishment.
How long is The Battered Bastards of Baseball?
The Battered Bastards of Baseball runs 80 min and was released in 2014.
Is The Battered Bastards of Baseball worth watching?
Stream it: it is a punchy, heartwarming celebration of independent spirit and the pure joy of the game. TMDB users rate it 7.4 out of 10 from 100 votes.

More feel-good titles

Same mood, saved by people here. See all feel-good titles.