Juan Marichal

Follow Willie Mays’ life both on and off the field over five decades as he navigated the American sports landscape and the country’s ever-evolving cultural backdrop, all while helping to define what it means to be one of America’s first Black sports superstars. He left an indelible mark in New York City and San Francisco, building a love affair with both cities’ fans.

In this third entry of the ongoing HBO documentary series celebrating America's favorite pastime, the focus is on the 1960s, when Major League Baseball was slowly evolving from pure sport to big-bucks entertainment. Using footage of players and fans, the film covers the Yankees' ascension to greatness, the western expansion of both leagues, the increasing inclusion of black players and the rise of free agency.

Documentary on the history of the Giants baseball organization

A biography of Puerto Rican baseball star Orlando Cepeda, who started his career in the 60's and had to contend with racism inside and outside the ballpark. In San Francisco, he quickly became a fan favorite, which led to animosity with legend and fellow team member Willie Mays. He garnered many awards including Rookie of the Year, MVP, and won the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. After his retirement, he was arrested for drug smuggling and sentenced to a year in jail. He then turned his life around and became a Buddhist. In 1999, he was bestowed the greatest achievement any baseball player can receive -- induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Emanating from Studio 42 -- named in honor of Jackie Robinson -- in MLB Network's Secaucus, N.J., headquarters, this series features the Hall of Fame-worthy interview skills of Bob Costas talking baseball with the legends of the game, Hall of Famers in their own right. Guests including Willie Mays, Bob Feller, Hank Aaron, George Brett, Reggie Jackson and Cal Ripken Jr. have graced the replica baseball field-designed studio set, reminiscing with Costas about their days on the diamond while also discussing current events and issues surrounding the game. Costas has also spent time on the show with broadcasters Al Michaels and Ernie Harwell, entertainer and big-time baseball fan Billy Crystal, and fronted episodes discussing baseball in Cuba and the state of umpiring.