Major League Legends

Watch Major League Legends

  • 2016
  • 1 Season

Major League Legends is a riveting and entertaining docuseries presented by the Smithsonian CHANNEL. The show is a comprehensive look into the lives and careers of some of baseball's most revered players. Each episode traces the journey of a legendary baseball player starting from their early years to their eventual rise to fame in the major leagues.

The series features some of the greatest players in the history of baseball such as Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente, among many others. The presentation of each narrative is done through a combination of archive footage, interviews, and recreations. The series aims to explore not only the accomplishments of these players but their personal struggles as well.

The first episode focuses on Babe Ruth, a player who was not only a legendary athlete but an infamous celebrity as well. The documentary explores how Ruth was able to gain unprecedented stardom through his charisma and unrivaled talent. Viewers will get a closer look at his tumultuous personal life, where his excessive drinking and gambling habit often overshadowed his on-field accomplishments.

Another episode is about Jackie Robinson, who is widely known for breaking the color barrier in baseball. The documentary takes a deep dive into Robinson's early upbringing in Georgia and the barriers he faced as a black player in a game dominated by whites. The series examines how Robinson's legendary and barrier-breaking career helped shift attitudes toward racial harmony.

Willie Mays, one of the most celebrated players in baseball history, is also featured in the series. The episode highlights Mays's remarkable career, including famous moments like his famous catch in the 1954 World Series. The documentary also dives into the racism Mays faced early on in his career, which he overcame by showcasing his outstanding talent.

The series does not only focus on American baseball but also includes other legendary players outside the U.S. One of the episodes is about Roberto Clemente, who is considered by many to be the greatest Latin American player of all time. The documentary covers how Clemente rose to fame in the U.S. and how he used his platform as a prominent athlete to raise awareness for social justice causes. Along with his athletic ability, Clemente's humanitarian work and the way he used his platform for good make him a legendary figure.

As the series progresses, each episode offers a remarkable look at the lives and careers of these legendary athletes. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of these players' impact on the game of baseball and the sporting world in general. Major League Legends provides insights into these players' lives that go beyond their accomplishments, highlighting their flaws and struggles as human beings.

The presentation of Major League Legends is seamless and enables the viewer to become fully immersed in the story. The recreations, footage, and interviews are skillfully woven together, creating a cohesive tapestry that paints a vivid picture of these players' lives. The Smithsonian CHANNEL has done an outstanding job of creating a series that is both informative and entertaining.

In conclusion, Major League Legends is a gripping and informative series that celebrates some of the greatest baseball players ever to grace the diamond. The documentary offers a closer look at their lives, careers, and impact on the game, leaving viewers with a deeper appreciation for these legendary players. Any fan of baseball or sports, in general, will find this series to be a must-watch.

Major League Legends is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on February 29, 2016.

Major League Legends
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Seasons
Ted Williams
4. Ted Williams
March 21, 2016
Highlighting the baseball career of Ted Williams. He is a member of the 500 Home Run Club and the last athlete to hit .400 in on season. View rare footage and interviews of this famous Red Sox player.
Lou Gehrig
3. Lou Gehrig
March 14, 2016
Lou Gehrig was one of the best players to ever take the field, and one of the most durable. His streak of 2,130 consecutive games played earned him the nickname The Iron Horse, but it was his strength of character off the field that made him an American icon. Join us as we examine a baseball hero who was cut off in the prime of his life, but never flinched in the face of mortality. Rare archival MLB footage and interviews with historians, psychiatrists, and academic mythologists offer a wide perspective into his legendary life and career.
Babe Ruth
2. Babe Ruth
March 7, 2016
He was known as The Great Bambino, The Sultan of Swat, and simply The Babe, but in the annuls of history he's known simply as one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. Discover the rags-to-riches story of George Herman Ruth and witness his climb from reformatory student to baseball great to America's first modern mega-celebrity. His story transcends his baseball accomplishments, which were legion, and we look beyond the caricature and mythic legends to reveal the real Babe Ruth, an American Hercules who redefined the game of baseball.
Hank Aaron
1. Hank Aaron
February 29, 2016
Henry "Hank" Aaron didn't aim to become Major League Baseball's home run king, nor did he intend to grow into a Civil Rights icon. But because of his remarkable strength, both in power and in character, he became both. This is the story of Hammerin' Hank, a victim of discrimination and bigotry his whole life, from his Alabama upbringing through his days in the Negro League and notably during his quest to capture Babe Ruth's home run crown. Through it all, he stayed focused, stood up to every challenge, and 755 big swings later, became a legend.
Description
Where to Watch Major League Legends
Major League Legends is available for streaming on the Smithsonian CHANNEL website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Major League Legends on demand at Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    February 29, 2016