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We all think of Major League Baseball as part of the corporate machine run by outlandish contracts, business sponsorships, and heavy handed ball club owners who prioritize profits over fun. Back in 1973, actor Bing Russell, known mostly for his roles in Bonanza and The Magnificent Seven, formed the country’s first and only independent baseball team, the Portland Mavericks. The single-A team had no affiliation with any MLB team, allowing Russell to run the organization as he saw fit. His vision for a team that actually focused on fun helped the Mavericks win the single-A pennant that year and also set attendance records.
The Battered Bastards of Baseball debuted at Sundance earlier this year to positive reviews. Directed by Maclain Way and Chapman Way, Russell’s own grandsons, the documentary features archival footage from the Mavericks’ run from 1973 to 1977 as well as interviews from Kurt Russell, Bing’s son, and other former Mavericks players.
The Bastards of Baseball will be premiering exclusively on Netflix on July 11th at 12:01am PDT.