In an announcement that’s already sending shockwaves across the sports and entertainment world, Netflix has officially greenlit a groundbreaking new documentary series that promises to redefine how we view the golden era of baseball. Titled “Bench, Foster, Perez, Griffey, Rose: A Story of Grit, Glory, and Brotherhood,” the highly anticipated series is a deep dive into one of the most legendary brotherhoods in the history of the game — and yes, ESPN confirms it’s happening!
Netflix isn’t holding anything back. With exclusive access to never-before-seen footage, raw interviews, private letters, clubhouse confessions, and personal stories the public never knew, this five-part docuseries will tell the real story behind the myth of Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine — and the bond that went beyond the game.
THE GREATEST LINEUP OF ALL TIME?
Johnny Bench. George Foster. Tony Perez. Ken Griffey Sr. Pete Rose.
Individually, they’re baseball icons. Together, they formed the backbone of one of the most dominant teams the sport has ever seen — the Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s. The new docuseries pulls back the curtain on the relationships, rivalries, tragedies, and triumphs that turned a lineup into a brotherhood — and a dynasty into a legacy.
“This isn’t just about baseball,” says executive producer and Oscar-winner Alex Gibney. “It’s about what happens when five warriors come together with one mission — and what happens when that mission collides with fame, controversy, betrayal, and an undying love for the game.”
A CINEMATIC HOMERUN
Filmed over two years across multiple cities, the series promises cinematic storytelling on par with The Last Dance, combining modern-day sit-downs with Bench, Foster, Perez, Griffey, and Rose with a treasure trove of archived footage. Viewers can expect to see candid moments in locker rooms, family gatherings, dugout drama, and even secret late-night meetings that changed the course of baseball history.
But the real shocker?
Pete Rose finally opens up about the infamous betting scandal — in full detail — and reveals what REALLY happened behind closed doors.
“I’ve never told the whole truth until now,” Rose says in the teaser trailer, his voice shaking. “There were things going on… things people still don’t know.”
Netflix is also including interviews with legends like Dusty Baker, Joe Morgan’s family, and even opponents who faced the Reds in the 1975 and 1976 World Series. Plus, baseball historians and journalists break down how the “Machine” nearly broke apart — and how it still inspires generations today.
BROTHERHOOD UNDER FIRE
One of the most powerful themes in the series is brotherhood under fire. The players open up about racism, media pressure, personal struggles, and how they stuck together through the storms.
Tony Perez recounts being one of the few Latino stars in a time of tension.
“People see the trophies, the rings,” Perez says in Episode 2. “They don’t see the nights I cried myself to sleep. We leaned on each other because the world outside didn’t understand us.”
Ken Griffey Sr. adds, “We were more than teammates. We were blood. That’s why we won.”
George Foster addresses his reputation as a misunderstood power hitter, and how trust with teammates like Bench and Griffey kept him grounded in the face of media criticism.
And Johnny Bench — the stoic leader — finally breaks down.
“I carried a lot,” Bench says, wiping tears in a rare vulnerable moment. “I was supposed to be the rock. But sometimes, even rocks crack.”
BASEBALL FANS GO WILD
Since ESPN broke the story early Monday morning, baseball fans have flooded social media with excitement.
“This is the baseball documentary we’ve been waiting for!” one user tweeted. “Netflix finally doing justice to the Big Red Machine!”
Others are calling it the “definitive baseball story of the 20th century.”
Even current MLB stars are weighing in. Shohei Ohtani posted: “Legends. Can’t wait to see this.” Bryce Harper tweeted a flame emoji with the caption “Bench. Foster. Perez. Griffey. Rose. That’s royalty.”
TRAILER DROPS NEXT WEEK
Netflix has confirmed that the official trailer for “A Story of Grit, Glory, and Brotherhood” will drop next week, with the full series debuting July 19, 2025 — timed to coincide with All-Star Weekend.
Early reviewers who’ve seen sneak peeks are calling it “emotional,” “jaw-dropping,” and “absolutely unforgettable.”
In Episode 4, there’s a moment when Pete Rose and Johnny Bench — after decades of tension — sit face to face and confront each other over the betrayal that fractured their relationship. The scene ends with a handshake and silence. Reviewers say it’s “one of the most intense moments in sports docuseries history.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
With Netflix going all-in on sports storytelling, this docuseries is more than just another nostalgia trip — it’s a cultural moment. It’s about heroes, flaws, brotherhood, and the gritty truth of greatness.
So mark your calendars, baseball lovers.
The Machine is coming back to life.
And this time, the world is finally ready to hear the whole truth.
COMING JULY 19: “Bench, Foster, Perez, Griffey, Rose: A Story of Grit, Glory, and Brotherhood” only on Netflix.
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