September 11: Baseball Remembers

UPDATE: MLB Networks makes it very difficult to share content, unlike other professional sports leagues like the NFL and the NBA. Some of the embedded videos will not work, so you may need to click on the hyperlink to watch the videos… But it’s worth it to watch these documentaries – a somber reminder of that tragic event in history.

-TrueSportsMovies, 9/10/2020
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MLB Productions created this 7-part documentary that was aired on ESPN Classic on the one-year anniversary of the events on September 11, 2001. Unfortunately, I was only able to located the first 5 segments, which have been included below.

Act 1 – Sept. 10, 2001

A recap of the storylines developing as the regular season headed for the homestretch. The A’s were in the midst of an eight-game winning streak as they closed in on the AL Wild Card, the Mariners won their 104th game en route to their remarkable season total, and Barry Bonds was closing in on Mark McGwire’s single-season home run record.

(Click here if the embed video does not work on your browser)

Act 2 – The Players Respond

Baseball cancelled all games through Sept. 16. Players focused on their families and contributed to the relief efforts. Baseball, for a time, was forgotten, as players and fans understood there was something bigger than the game.

(Click here if the embed video does not work on your browser)

Act 3 – Baseball Returns

Emotions ran high when games resumed on Sept. 17, as on-field ceremonies across the country brought people together. Compassion for New York City was found everywhere, even in Fenway Park, where Sox fans sang a stirring rendition of “New York, New York.”

(Click here if the embed video does not work on your browser)

Act 4 – New York Welcomes Home the Pastime

Baseball returned to New York when the Mets hosted the Braves on Sept. 21. The Mets and Yankees played a large part in helping New York City heal, providing at least a few hours of escape for its citizens and heroes.

(Click here if the embed video does not work on your browser)

Act 5 – Baseball Responds to Tragedy

A historical perspective is given on how Major League Baseball has responded to other tragedies in U.S. history.

(Click here if the embed video does not work on your browser)

Act 6 – The Grand Finale

One of the greatest World Series of all time couldn’t have come at a better time, as it seemed the entire nation got wrapped up in the Yankees-Diamondbacks battle which went the full seven games.

Act 7 – New Traditions, New Perspectives

The documentary concludes with a look at how the nation has redefined the meaning of the word hero post 9-11.

MLB Productions let the players’ words shape the documentary, choosing not to do much of their own writing. Instead, they used many of the interviews they’ve collected over the past year.