MLB hires Emmy-winning filmmaker for documentary on Yankees’ Joe Torre

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NEW YORK — For more than four decades, Joe Torre lived the kind of baseball story that defined the Yankees’ golden era. The Hall of Famer, who managed 4,272 games before capturing his first championship in 1996, is now ready to revisit that long and emotional journey. At 85, Torre will share the untold struggles that shaped his career and the path that turned his Yankees into one of Major League Baseball’s greatest dynasties.

Emmy-winning filmmaker John Turturro has been selected to direct a new feature documentary on Torre’s life and career. The project, a collaboration between MLB Studios, Motto Pictures, and BD4, will chronicle the Yankees legend’s transformation from a shy Brooklyn teenager with a turbulent childhood into one of baseball’s most respected figures.

The nervous Brooklyn kid who changed baseball history

Torre’s rise to Yankees greatness defied all odds. The documentary will explore how a young man burdened by self-doubt and an abusive father became the calm, steady presence who guided the Yankees through their late-1990s dynasty.

“It’s hard to imagine that a nervous Brooklyn kid who had low self-esteem could go on a journey like mine across more than 60 years,” Torre said in a statement. “I once didn’t think I was going anywhere. But baseball gave me a place to hide and ultimately the opportunity to find things in myself that I never knew were there.”

Production on the yet-untitled film is already underway. MLB Studios announced the project on October 28, 2025, describing it as part of its continuing mission to preserve and celebrate baseball history through cinematic storytelling.

Torre remains the only person in Major League Baseball history to achieve both 2,000 hits as a player and 2,000 wins as a manager. During his 12 years leading the Yankees, the team reached the postseason every season, appeared in six World Series, and captured four championships.

Turturro brings personal connection to Torre’s story

For Turturro, the connection to Torre runs deep. Both men grew up in Brooklyn and followed each other’s careers over the years. As a young fan, Turturro watched the iconic skipper play against some of baseball’s greatest names, including Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, and Willie McCovey.

“He asked me to do it,” Turturro told Gold Derby. “I used to watch him play. And he played with and against all these players that I loved. He was teammates with Hank Aaron.”

Turturro’s background makes him uniquely suited to tell this story. He previously portrayed Yankees manager Billy Martin in ESPN’s acclaimed miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning.” The actor-director has won multiple Emmy Awards, including one for his guest role on “Monk,” and earned nominations for “The Night Of” and “Severance.”

He also received the Camera d’Or at Cannes for his directorial debut “Mac.” His filmography as a director includes “Romance & Cigarettes,” “Fading Gigolo,” and “The Jesus Rolls.”

Four hours of baseball history and human drama

Turturro plans an ambitious, four-hour feature exploring the highs and lows of Torre’s life. He is currently diving into MLB’s extensive archives and mapping out interviews with Torre’s former players and coaches.

“It’s fascinating to go into the archives. We haven’t shot anything yet,” Turturro said. “I’m interested in talking to some of the players he played with and coached. It’s complicated because there are a lot of people who aren’t alive.”

The film will trace Torre’s entire baseball journey. His playing career began in 1960 with the Milwaukee Braves and included stints with the Cardinals and Mets. Torre won the 1971 National League MVP Award with St. Louis before transitioning into managing. Three firings — with the Mets, Braves, and Cardinals — preceded his ultimate redemption with the Yankees at age 55.

Torre waited 4,272 games for his first championship, which came in 1996 when the Yankees beat Atlanta. That title launched one of the most dominant runs in modern sports.

MLB Studios assembles powerhouse production team

The production lineup behind the documentary includes Christopher Clements and Julie Goldman of Motto Pictures as producers. The executive producers are Nick Trotta from MLB Studios, Dan Silver and Ryan Harrington from BD4, and Ken Scherer. Torre’s daughter, Andrea, joins the team as co-executive producer.

“Joe Torre’s lifelong journey to the World Series is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, through a changing landscape and turbulent times,” Turturro said. “There’s something deeply human about Joe Torre’s quiet strength.”

MLB Deputy Commissioner Noah Garden praised Torre’s legacy, calling him one of the sport’s most respected leaders.

“As an All-Star player and World Series-winning manager, Joe Torre’s career shows resilience, integrity, and leadership on and off the field,” Garden said.

Personal challenges shaped Torre’s leadership philosophy

The film will offer an unfiltered view of Torre’s personal and professional life. Exclusive interviews will capture his reflections on success, struggle, and survival. The combination of MLB archival material and firsthand storytelling promises a raw portrayal of the man behind the Yankees dynasty.

Torre’s leadership style—defined by empathy, humility, and patience—emerged from the adversity he faced early in life. His difficult childhood influenced how he connected with players and handled pressure.

“In a time when men in sports hid their emotions behind toughness, Joe defied convention,” Turturro said. “His strength comes from compassion, his victories from understanding people.”

Beyond baseball, Torre dedicated himself to philanthropy. He founded a nonprofit supporting victims of domestic violence and became a public advocate for prostate cancer awareness after surviving the disease himself.

The Yankees years take center stage

The heart of the documentary focuses on Torre’s Yankees era. When he took over in 1996, the team hadn’t won a championship since 1978. Under his calm direction, the Yankees captured four World Series titles in five seasons and restored the franchise’s dominance.

The film will explore Torre’s ability to handle large personalities and media pressure in New York. His composed approach balanced George Steinbrenner’s fiery temperament, earning respect from both ownership and players. Stars like Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte thrived under his leadership.

After leaving the Yankees, Torre guided the Los Angeles Dodgers to playoff appearances before moving into a leadership role at Major League Baseball’s executive office. His influence on the game continues through his work in MLB’s operations and rules committees.

Torre family collaborates on authentic portrayal

The Torre family has worked closely with filmmaker Ken Scherer to ensure authenticity in portraying the Yankees icon’s life. Andrea’s involvement adds a personal touch to the production.

“I am grateful that John Turturro, who witnessed the hometown dream I’ve been fortunate enough to live, is joining me to look back and tell the story in a personal way,” Torre said.

This won’t be the first time Torre’s Yankees years appear on screen. The 1997 Showtime film “Joe Torre: Curveballs Along the Way” dramatized his first championship season, with Paul Sorvino playing Torre. However, Turturro’s project promises a deeper, more reflective portrait spanning the Yankees legend’s entire life in baseball.

Adding another family link, Turturro’s brother Nick Turturro, a lifelong Yankees fan, is also connected to the project. The director’s understanding of New York baseball culture ensures that Torre’s story will be told through a lens familiar to Yankees fans everywhere.

“It’s unusual to see someone who was that good and never was considered a winner,” Turturro said. “And then he became a winner. He’s been through so many different incarnations, different phases.”

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