*TNT Sports has partnered with OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network to bring the documentary “One Golden Summer” to television, highlighting a Chicago Little League team whose remarkable victory—and the controversy that followed—captured national attention. The film will air May 7 on OWN as part of its OWN Spotlight lineup.
The documentary centers on a group of boys from Chicago’s South Side who made history in 2014 by becoming the first all-Black team to win the U.S. Little League Championship. Their triumph, however, was short-lived after officials later revoked the title due to disputed residency boundaries, shifting the narrative from celebration to controversy.
“One Golden Summer” revisits that moment with a renewed focus on the players themselves, offering their perspectives years after the events unfolded. The film features previously unseen footage along with candid reflections from the now-grown teammates, providing a deeper look at how the experience shaped their lives beyond the headlines.
The project also examines broader themes tied to the story, including systemic challenges and the pressures that accompanied their sudden rise to national prominence. By pairing the excitement of their championship run with the fallout that followed, the documentary presents a layered account of resilience, identity, and the meaning of success.
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After premiering at the Chicago International Film Festival, where it earned both The Chicago Award and the Audience Award for Best Documentary, the film has drawn recognition for its storytelling and emotional depth. Produced by State Street Pictures, the documentary is directed by Kevin Shaw, with Robert Teitel and Betsy Steinberg serving as producers and Danny Zamost and Alex Pissios as executive producers.
Beyond recounting a headline-making sports story, “One Golden Summer” focuses on the enduring bond formed among the teammates. The film ultimately highlights how their shared experience continues to define them, even after the loss of their official title.
CBS Chicago spoke with director Kevin Shaw and former Jackie Robinson West player DJ Butler about the project. Watch the conversation below.
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