'When America Took the Field' documentary to premiere Thursday on MLB Network (10 ET)

As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches on Friday, Major League Baseball's role in helping the nation heal during the aftermath will be on display in several new films.

The films, to which MLB, MLB Network and MLB Studios contributed, are:

"When America Took the Field," debuting Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on MLB Network. Produced by MLB Network staff alongside former Mets player Todd Zeile, this two-hour documentary examines how baseball brought people together and provided hope and a sense of normalcy in the aftermath of the attacks. Exclusive interviews include Hall of Famers Joe Torre, Mike Piazza, Chipper Jones, Ken Griffey Jr. and John Smoltz, and former Mets John Franco, Al Leiter and Zeile.

"9/11: United We Stand -- 25 Years later," now streaming on Disney+/Hulu. Using archival footage and new interviews, the two-hour special shows how sports, music, Broadway and comedy became unexpected sources of comfort, connection and hope as the country began to heal. Participants include Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, actor/comedian Pete Davidson, rock icon Jon Bon Jovi, comedian and TV personality Jon Stewart, and more. The special is produced in partnership with Michael Strahan and Constance Schwartz-Morini’s SMAC Productions, A+E Factual Studios, Derek Jeter’s Cap 2 Productions and The Montag Group for ABC News Studios.

"Never Forget: How Baseball Helped New York Heal," now available to stream at t2t.org and Fox Nation. Produced by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Z-Media Ventures, this one-hour documentary looks at baseball's role in helping a devastated New York City recover after the darkest day in its history. In the weeks after 9/11, baseball became more than a game and emerged as a source of hope, resilience and a unifying force both for New York and the nation. Hosted by retired Marine and actor/comedian Rob Riggle, the film features interviews with former Mets and Yankees players, along with team executives, journalists and first responders, and uses archival footage and first-hand accounts to highlight baseball's most defining moments after the tragedy.

"9/11 Day," a documentary that recently had its New York premiere, hosted by the Tribeca Festival, and explores how the tragedy of 9/11 birthed a movement to transform the anniversary into the country's largest day of charitable activity each year. Through personal stories, the film shows how 9/11 Day became a national movement and discusses the challenges faced when a growing percentage of the population has no memory of the attacks. The film is produced by Siskel/Jacobs Productions. Watch the trailer here.