ESPN's "The Last Dance" was a brilliant docuseries, a 10-part journey through the career of Michael Jordan and the highs and lows of his time with the Bulls, specifically focused on their second Finals three-peat. However, it wasn't exactly easy to watch for New York sports fans, as they had to relive Jordan defeating the Knicks over, and over, and over again (except for when Jordan was briefly retired).
ESPN's newest multi-part documentary is sure to bring back slightly fonder memories for New Yorkers, however. Instead of focusing on NBA's GOAT, it's going to look at MLB's Captain.
With the same producers as "The Last Dance" and with director Randy Wilkins at the helm — who is an Emmy Award winner known for his numerous collaborations with Spike Lee (and is from my alma mater of Franklin & Marshall!) — "The Captain" will span six episodes and feature Lee as an executive producer.
Here's the full description of the documentary from ESPN Press Room's release:
ESPN Films today announced a multi-part documentary series that will tell the story of one of the greatest icons in modern sports and reveal the man behind the icon. Derek Jeter’s arrival with the New York Yankees helped transform a struggling franchise into a storied dynasty, all within a time of great change in New York City. As Jeter forged a Hall of Fame career, he established himself as the model Yankee both on- and off-the field, with his style, class, and charisma. Jeter’s commitment to winning came with a rare combination of competiveness and cool, traits he has taken with him into retirement as he tackles new tests as a team owner and executive with the Miami Marlins and as a father. As he prepares to enter Cooperstown this July, he is pulling back the curtain to reveal what it was really like to be “The Captain.”
Emmy-winning director Randy Wilkins (“86-32,” “Docket 32357,” “Dear…”) will tell the story of Jeter’s professional and personal triumphs and challenges. The documentary series will use Jeter’s journey as a vessel to tell a larger cultural story that explores race, family, community, rivalries and more. The heartbeat of the project is candid access to the man who helped restore shine to a team, a city, and a culture.
The series is being executive produced by Spike Lee, Mike Tollin, Mandalay Sports Media, Excel Sports Management’s media arm Excel Media, and Connor Schell, in association with The Players’ Tribune and Major League Baseball. It is slated to premiere on ESPN and ESPN+ in 2022.
Sure, 2021 would be nicer so we wouldn't have to wait, but 2022 is more appropriate numbers-wise for No. 2 Jeter. It'll also give us time to digest his Hall of Fame induction, as mentioned in the press release, which is slated for Sunday, July 25 at 1:30 p.m. ET. Jeter will be inducted alongside Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker, all of whom are members of the 2020 class. Last year's ceremony was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2021 Hall of Fame ballot resulted in zero new inductees.
A 14-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter finished his 20-year career with well over 3,000 hits and an impressive .310/.377/.440 slash line.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram