SEATTLE, WA – Netflix has unveiled the release date for a highly anticipated documentary chronicling the illustrious career of Seattle Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr., set to premiere on August 15, 2025. Titled Junior: The Kid’s Legacy, the film promises an in-depth look at Griffey’s triumphant tenure with the Mariners, his impact on baseball, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into his life, offering fans a nostalgic and revealing portrait of one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
Ken Griffey Jr., nicknamed “The Kid,” is a Hall of Fame outfielder whose 22-year MLB career, primarily with the Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, left an indelible mark on baseball. Drafted first overall by Seattle in 1987, Griffey became a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, and seven-time Silver Slugger recipient. His 630 home runs rank seventh in MLB history, and his 1997 AL MVP award underscored his dominance. The documentary, produced in collaboration with MLB and Heart & Hustle Productions, will highlight Griffey’s electrifying play, including his signature backward cap, sweet left-handed swing, and jaw-dropping catches.
“We’re thrilled to bring Ken Griffey Jr.’s story to Netflix,” said executive producer Sarah Thompson. “This documentary celebrates his on-field brilliance and the personal journey that made him a beloved figure. Fans will see rare footage and hear untold stories that capture why ‘The Kid’ transcended baseball.”
Narrated by award-winning actor Sterling K. Brown, who also narrated the 2020 MLB Network documentary Junior, the film features interviews with Griffey, his father Ken Griffey Sr., former teammates Edgar Martinez, Jay Buhner, and Harold Reynolds, and sports icons like LeBron James and Gary Payton. It explores Griffey’s rise from a Cincinnati high school phenom at Moeller High to a Mariners superstar, focusing on pivotal moments like his 1995 ALDS heroics against the Yankees, where he hit five home runs and scored the series-winning run on Edgar Martinez’s double, a play credited with saving baseball in Seattle.
The documentary delves into Griffey’s unique father-son story, as he and Ken Griffey Sr. became the first father-son duo to play together in MLB, hitting back-to-back home runs for the Mariners in 1990. Behind-the-scenes footage offers intimate moments, such as Griffey’s interactions with his wife, Melissa, and their children, Trey, Taryn, and Tevin, highlighting his commitment to family. The film also addresses his injury-plagued years with the Reds and his 2016 Hall of Fame induction, where he earned 99.3 percent of the vote.
“Playing baseball was my passion,” Griffey said in a statement. “I’m honored that Netflix is sharing my journey with fans, from the highs of Seattle to the challenges I faced. This is for the fans who cheered me on and the city that embraced me.”
The announcement has sparked excitement on X, with fans posting, “Can’t wait for Griffey’s Netflix doc! August 15 is marked!” The timing aligns with the Mariners’ 2025 season, where the team, currently 20-18 and second in the AL West, is pushing for a playoff spot under manager Dan Wilson. Griffey’s legacy remains a cornerstone of the franchise, with his No. 24 retired and a statue outside T-Mobile Park.
The documentary includes exclusive access to Griffey’s personal archives, showcasing never-before-seen footage of his early days in Seattle’s Kingdome, his 1989 MLB debut, and his 1998 and 1999 Home Run Derby victories. It also reflects on his cultural impact, from his Nike sneaker line to his Upper Deck rookie card, which became a collector’s gem. Unlike the 2020 MLB Network film, this Netflix production emphasizes off-field moments, including Griffey’s role in revitalizing baseball post-1994 strike and his clean reputation during the steroid era.
As Netflix continues to expand its sports documentary slate, Junior: The Kid’s Legacy is poised to captivate audiences with its blend of nostalgia, heart, and baseball history. The August 15 release, strategically set during the MLB season’s stretch run, ensures fans can relive Griffey’s magic while cheering on the current Mariners. With Seattle’s playoff hopes alive, Griffey’s story serves as a reminder of the joy and resilience that define the game he loved.
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