At a surprise press conference held at Chase Field this week, Netflix revealed the upcoming release of Underdog, a deeply personal and highly anticipated sports documentary chronicling one of baseball’s most unexpected comebacks: the return of former Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Steve Finley to Major League Baseball.
That’s right—Finley, the two-time All-Star, World Series champion, and beloved D-backs hero, is set to return to the MLB in a never-before-seen role: the league’s first-ever official Mental Resilience & Veteran Leadership Coach, a groundbreaking position created as part of MLB’s new initiative to support player mental health and leadership development.
A Comeback Like No Other
Underdog, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Rachel Chen, follows Finley’s journey over the past five years as he quietly transitioned from retired athlete to motivational mentor and advocate for mental toughness in sports. The documentary weaves together archival footage, intimate interviews, and behind-the-scenes access into a story that isn’t just about baseball—but about redemption, purpose, and the quiet power of perseverance.
“People think retirement is the end of the story,” Finley says in the trailer. “But for me, it was just the beginning of something more meaningful.”
Finley, now 60, has spent years working with college athletes and minor leaguers, building a reputation for inspiring young players with his no-nonsense wisdom and calm-under-pressure demeanor. His influence reached MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who reportedly said, “Finley represents exactly what we want the next generation of players to learn—not just how to win, but how to lead.”
The Fans React
As the news broke, fans poured into Chase Field and social media exploded with nostalgia and support. “Steve Finley coming back in any capacity is the best thing to happen to this franchise in years,” tweeted one die-hard fan. Another wrote, “Underdog is already a classic—and it hasn’t even come out yet.”
Finley famously played a pivotal role in the Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series win and remains one of the franchise’s most respected alumni. His return to MLB, while not in uniform, still feels like a home run for the Arizona faithful.
When and Where to Watch
Netflix confirmed that Underdog will be released globally on October 15th, just as the MLB postseason heats up. Early reviews from industry insiders who previewed the film at a private screening in Los Angeles are calling it “emotional,” “unexpectedly powerful,” and “a masterclass in sports storytelling.”
As one exec put it: “This isn’t just a sports documentary. It’s a call to reimagine what leadership looks like in the modern game.”
Final Thoughts
In a season full of surprises, the return of Steve Finley—armed with wisdom, experience, and a message for a new generation—might just be the most uplifting storyline of them all.
For Diamondbacks fans, it’s not just about reliving the glory days. It’s about believing that, sometimes, the best innings are still ahead.
