GOOD NEWS: Netflix Releases New Sports Docuseries, The Heart of Boston Red Sox: A Journey Through Team and Bands, Chronicling Missouri’s Beloved Red Sox Chapter
In a world that could always use a little more inspiration, Netflix has hit a home run with its latest documentary series: The Heart of Boston Red Sox: A Journey Through Team and Bands. Released this week, the docuseries shines a spotlight on a remarkable story few baseball fans outside of Missouri knew even existed—the Missouri Boston Red Sox.
The six-part series tells the compelling tale of how a small-town semi-professional team, inspired by the legendary Boston Red Sox, transformed the culture of a community, united fans across generations, and redefined what it means to play for the love of the game.
From Fenway Dreams to Heartland Diamonds
The Missouri Boston Red Sox were founded in 1983 by ex-Bostonian and lifelong Sox fan Tommy Harkins, who relocated to Springfield, Missouri, with dreams too big for just one coast. Harkins, a former equipment manager for the Boston franchise, brought his passion, grit, and more than a few Red Sox relics with him. But what he created in the heartland was more than a tribute team—it became a cultural beacon.
The documentary is a heartfelt mix of archival footage, modern interviews, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Viewers are taken on a journey that spans decades, starting with the humble beginnings of the team in a converted high school field, where locals gathered on folding chairs with hot dogs and lawn blankets. The show beautifully captures the raw essence of grassroots baseball.
“I wanted to bring a piece of Fenway here,” says Harkins in episode one, Diamond Dreams. “Not just the baseball, but the spirit. The camaraderie. The music. The soul.”
Bandstand and Ballparks
What sets this documentary apart—and what made the Missouri Boston Red Sox so iconic—was the fusion of sport and sound. Every home game was also a concert, a celebration. Local bands would perform live before and after games, turning the stadium into a