Stuck indoors and looking for something to stream? Give these somewhat under-the-radar sports movies a look!
“Battered Bastards of Baseball”
Where to watch it: Netflix
What’s it about? This 2014 documentary offers a fascinating glimpse at the short-lived Portland Mavericks, an independent minor league baseball team owned by actor Bing Russell – aka Kurt Russell’s dad – that was as big on character as it was skilled at baseball. Russell held open tryouts to piece together the team in 1973 and Portland quickly began to love their Mavericks – a team filled with castoffs, misfits, and ragtag personalities.
“I, Tonya”
Where to watch it: Hulu
What’s it about? This dark comedy is all about one of the most outrageous sports scandals in recent history – the 1994 attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan at a Detroit ice rink just days before the U.S. Olympic Trials. The film explores Tonya Harding’s link to the attack on her rival, as well as her upbringing and rise in the figure skating world. All the key players are represented in this highly entertaining mockumentary-style flick starring Margot Robbie as Harding, including ex-husband and co-conspirator Jeff Gillooly, co-conspirator Shawn Eckardt, attacker Shane Stant, and LaVona Golden, Harding's abusive mother.
“Goon”
Where to watch: Netflix
What’s it about? “Goon” delivers in both the quality and charm departments. Seann William Scott plays Doug Glatt, who’s not a gifted hockey player but has a skill set that endears himself to teammates – grit and a penchant for throwing a punch. Glatt, a former bouncer, quickly makes a name for himself as an “enforcer” for a minor league team. With a smooth storyline that’ll grip your interest from the get-go, you don’t have to love sports to love this movie!
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