Netflix Unveils “THE UNDERDOG”: Alec Bohm’s Rise from Reluctant Rookie to Philadelphia’s Baseball Hero
By Amanda Reeve | April 4, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA
Netflix has once again delivered a compelling sports documentary with the announcement of its upcoming original release, THE UNDERDOG, a powerful and emotional deep dive into the life and baseball career of Alec Bohm, the Philadelphia Phillies’ dynamic third baseman. Slated to debut on April 25, the film has already stirred massive anticipation within the baseball world and broader sports community.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ezra Randolph and produced by SpringHill Entertainment, THE UNDERDOG chronicles Alec Bohm’s often-overlooked journey from a quiet, overlooked prospect to one of the most beloved and clutch-performing athletes in Philadelphia sports history.
Through exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage, raw interviews, and never-before-seen moments from both on and off the diamond, the documentary promises to explore the complex layers of an athlete who became the city’s unsung hero.
“This isn’t just a story about home runs and errors,” says director Ezra Randolph. “It’s about struggle, patience, grit, and redemption—qualities Alec Bohm embodies more than most.”
From Omaha to Philly: The Quiet Ascent
THE UNDERDOG opens with scenes from Omaha, Nebraska, where Bohm grew up—far from the flashing lights of baseball’s big markets. A multi-sport athlete with a love for the game, Alec wasn’t the most hyped recruit in high school, but he possessed something deeper: a relentless commitment to self-improvement.
Alec’s story took shape at Wichita State University, where he blossomed into one of the NCAA’s top hitters. His disciplined plate approach, natural bat speed, and calm demeanor caught the eye of MLB scouts. In 2018, the Phillies made him the third overall pick in the MLB Draft—a move that excited few but intrigued many.
“There were questions,” recalls Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski in the film. “Was he fast enough? Could he defend? Did he have enough flash to survive Philly? He proved everyone wrong—just by being himself.”
The Rocky Road to Stardom
The early MLB days were anything but glamorous. Bohm debuted in 2020 during the pandemic-shortened season and showed promise at the plate, but questions about his defense persisted. 2021 was particularly brutal. Defensive miscues piled up, and his confidence began to fade.
In one of the film’s rawest moments, THE UNDERDOG replays the now-infamous viral clip from April 11, 2022, when Bohm appeared to mouth, “I [expletive] hate this place” after making three errors in a game. The city erupted. Fans booed. Critics pounced.
But it’s what came next that turned Alec Bohm into a Philly icon.
He owned up to it.
“I said it. I was frustrated. But I meant no disrespect,” Bohm says in the documentary. “That moment could’ve broken me. Instead, it woke me up.”
The very next day, he apologized publicly. His honesty, humility, and willingness to face criticism head-on marked a turning point—not only in his career, but in his relationship with Philadelphia.
Clutch Moments and Career-Defining Seasons
The documentary devotes a full segment to Bohm’s pivotal role in the Phillies’ 2022 and 2023 postseason runs, where his steady bat and calm presence helped the team secure key victories. From late-inning RBI singles to game-saving plays at third base, Alec went from a defensive liability to a dependable cornerstone of the Phillies’ infield.
“He’s not loud. He’s not flashy. But he shows up,” teammate Bryce Harper says in an emotional interview. “And that’s Philly. We don’t need superheroes—we need grinders. Alec’s our guy.”
Fans recall the 2023 NLCS Game 6 walk-off single Bohm delivered—a moment etched into Philadelphia sports lore. The camera captures crowd reactions, teammates storming the field, and a rare, emotional outburst from Bohm, who throws his helmet in the air and embraces the moment.
“That wasn’t just for the team,” he says. “That was for every time I doubted myself.”
Mental Health, Expectations, and the Pressure Cooker of Philly
In one of the most vulnerable sections, THE UNDERDOG opens the curtain on Bohm’s struggles with mental health and performance anxiety. Speaking openly, Alec discusses the overwhelming expectations, the pressure of performing in a city as demanding as Philadelphia, and the inner battles no stat sheet could ever show.
“People see you hit .285 and think everything’s perfect. But inside, I was unraveling some days,” he admits. “Therapy helped. So did talking to veterans. And I leaned on my faith and family.”
The film includes moving interviews with Alec’s parents, longtime friends, and even sports psychologist Dr. Lisa Whitmore, who helped him rebuild his confidence from the inside out.
A Star Reimagined: Leadership and Legacy
By 2024, Alec Bohm had transformed—not just statistically, but spiritually. A veteran presence in the locker room, a community ambassador off the field, and a fan favorite across age groups, Bohm was no longer just the quiet kid from Nebraska.
He was a leader.
“Alec’s not going to give you a pump-up speech,” says Phillies manager Rob Thomson. “But if you’re watching him, you’ll want to play harder. He leads by example—and that’s rare.”
The documentary highlights Bohm’s numerous philanthropic efforts, including his foundation Bohm’s Bench, which provides youth baseball equipment and mental wellness resources to underserved communities across Pennsylvania and Nebraska.
Netflix producers also followed Alec during an offseason trip to the Dominican Republic, where he helped renovate a local baseball academy and taught fielding drills to local kids.
Powerful Voices, Unforgettable Soundtrack
Alongside the central narrative, THE UNDERDOG features commentary from notable baseball figures and cultural icons who reflect on Bohm’s unorthodox rise:
• Joe Girardi, former Phillies manager
• Chase Utley, Phillies legend and Bohm mentor
• Pedro Martinez, Hall of Famer
• Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider
• Trea Turner, teammate
• Meek Mill, Philadelphia rapper and narrator of the documentary’s opening monologue
The soundtrack, curated by Grammy-winner Jon Bellion, mixes orchestral tones with gritty hip-hop, reflecting the emotional spectrum of Bohm’s journey. The closing credits roll to a new original track titled “Humble Fire”, performed by Bellion and Meek Mill—a powerful anthem about quiet strength and staying the course.
Red Carpet, Fan Events, and Global Release
Netflix has announced that the global premiere of THE UNDERDOG will take place on April 25 at 12:00 a.m. PST, with an exclusive red carpet screening in downtown Philadelphia on April 24. The event will feature appearances by Alec Bohm, teammates, coaches, and the film’s creative team.
As part of its release campaign, Netflix will host several “Underdog Tour” pop-up events in major cities including:
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Wichita, Kansas
• Philadelphia, PA
• New York City
• Los Angeles, CA
Each pop-up will include interactive baseball experiences, free screenings, limited edition merchandise, and motivational workshops for youth athletes.
Critical Acclaim Already Pouring In
Even before its release, THE UNDERDOG is being hailed as a potential Emmy contender for Best Sports Documentary. Early screenings for critics and sports media have drawn glowing reviews.
“The best baseball documentary since The Captain,” says ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
“Alec Bohm proves that toughness doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it just shows up every day,” writes The Athletic.
“Philly fans will cry. And cheer. And probably cry again,” adds Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes.
Final Thoughts: A New Kind of Her
THE UNDERDOG doesn’t just celebrate Alec Bohm’s highlights—it confronts the lows, the uncertainty, the moments where quitting seemed easier than pushing forward. And that, says executive producer Maverick Carter, is what sets it apart.
“In an era of highlight reels and inflated egos, Alec Bohm is a throwback. He worked for everything. He owned his mistakes. He never made excuses. That’s the kind of athlete kids need to see.”
The final scene of the film features Bohm, alone at Citizens Bank Park, walking the infield as dawn breaks. He picks up a ball, tosses it in the air, and says:
“I’m still learning. I’m still growing. And yeah—I’m still that underdog.”
On April 25, the world gets to meet him.
Documentary Title: THE UNDERDOG
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