Between his decorated 18-year playing career and his four World Series championships as a manager, Joe Torre has enjoyed a level of success in baseball that few can match.
But Torre’s tremendous baseball life is only part of his story. A forthcoming documentary called “Joe Torre” (working title) will present a much fuller picture of the Hall of Famer.
Directed by acclaimed actor and filmmaker John Turturro, the documentary features personal interviews with Torre, as well as with consequential figures in his life, and examines how a nervous child who grew up in Brooklyn with low self-esteem and an abusive father reached baseball’s mountaintop.
“I once didn't think I was going anywhere,” Torre stated in a press release. “But baseball gave me a place to hide -- and ultimately the opportunity to find things in myself that I never knew were there.
The film, which is currently in production, will also contain archival footage from MLB’s vast library and original storytelling.
Torre was a nine-time All-Star as a player and the 1971 National League MVP with the Cardinals. His first shot as a manager came in his final season as a player -- 1977 with the Mets. He helmed the Mets, Braves and Cardinals before becoming the Yankees’ manager in 1996. He led them for 12 seasons, won six pennants, four World Series titles and never missed the playoffs. Torre remains the only person in Major League history to record 2,000 hits as a player and 2,000 wins as a manager.
“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 in a press release. “There’s something deeply human about Joe Torre’s quiet strength. In a time when men in sports hid their emotions behind toughness, Joe defied convention. His strength comes from compassion, his victories from understanding people.”
Developed in collaboration with Torre’s family, the film is being produced by Motto Pictures, BD4 and MLB Studios, Major League Baseball’s Emmy Award-winning production label.
“As an All-Star player and World Series-winning manager, Joe Torre’s career shows resilience, integrity and leadership, on and off the field,” said Noah Garden, MLB Deputy Commissioner, Business & Media. “We’re thrilled and humbled by the opportunity to help share Joe’s incredible life story and showcase his indelible impact on our game.”