Documentary Directed by Jonathan Hock, Produced by Thomas Tull, and Narrated by Josh Brolin
ESPN Films will debut the documentary “World Beaters” on Sunday, August 13 at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. The film tells the enchanting history of the Little League Baseball World Series tournament in which Maine-Endwell, an undefeated team from the southern tier of New York State, becomes the smallest community ever to win the Series. Directed by Jonathan Hock (Of Miracles and Men, The Best That Never Was) and produced by Thomas Tull (former Chairman and CEO of Legendary Entertainment, Pittsburgh Steelers minority owner and Endwell native), the documentary brings the pure love of baseball to life through appearances from current and former Little League and MLB players.
Maine-Endwell didn’t just win the 2016 Little League World Series. By beating the favored team from Seoul, South Korea (2-1) in the championship game, they completed a perfect season, ended Asia’s string of four straight titles and put the “Little” back in an event that began in Williamsport in 1947 with regional teams and now attracts a worldwide audience of more than two million viewers. How did they do it? In the words of the Seoul Little League team coach, “They brought their dreams with them.”
“Whenever I work on a sports documentary, I start from the premise that it’s not about sports,” said director Jonathan Hock. “So what is the Little League World Series about, if not sports? It’s about joy. It’s about kids and friendship, parents and love, and a place – Williamsport, PA – that seems to exist for the sole purpose of making dreams come true. Last year’s champions, Maine-Endwell—the smallest town to ever win it all—was the ultimate dream-come-true story.”
The full film will be available On Demand on both TV and streaming devices and will re-air at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and at 12 p.m. ET on ABC on Sunday, August 20. Advance press screeners available upon request.
About ESPN Films
ESPN Films has been an industry leader in documentary filmmaking since its inception in March 2008, producing more than 100 documentaries that have showcased some of the most compelling stories in sports. The high quality of storytelling, highlighted by the Peabody and Emmy-Award winning 30 for 30 series and the Academy-Award winning documentary “O.J.: Made in America,” has led to record viewership as well as multiple honors and critical acclaim. Additional projects from ESPN Films over the years have included 30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX and the SEC Storied series.
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