The documentary “Baseball: Beyond Belief” will begin a limited theatrical run on March 27, examining the connections between Major League Baseball fan traditions and religious experiences. Written and directed by John Scheinfeld, the film is based on the book “Baseball as a Road to God: Seeing Beyond the Game,” primarily authored by John Sexton, a Catholic and former president of New York University.
The film explores how baseball rituals can resemble spiritual practices for many fans. It draws from Mircea Eliade’s concept of “hierophanies,” moments when the sacred breaks through into ordinary life, suggesting that even sporting events can provide transcendent experiences.
Paulist Father Tom Gibbons serves as executive producer for the documentary. He previously wrote and directed other faith-focused films such as “Hollywood Priest: The Story of Fr. ‘Bud’ Kieser” in 2021 and “Isaac Hecker and the Journey of Catholic America” in 2017. In this new work, viewers are invited to consider whether places like baseball stadiums might be seen as sacred spaces where fans seek blessings.
The movie features commentary from various figures including Joseph Price, an emeritus professor of religion at Whittier College; Joe Torre, former manager of the New York Yankees; Varun Soni, dean of religious life at the University of Southern California; and retired right fielder Shawn Green. Price discusses ritual as an attempt to control one’s environment while also describing how singing the national anthem gives games a sense of consecration. Torre compares each new season to a flower blooming with renewed hope among players and fans alike. Soni says, “Baseball offers miracles in real time,” calling blessings a mindset that people can choose daily.
Sexton recalls holding up a crucifix during pivotal World Series moments with his brother while rooting for Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955—a gesture he links to later iconic baseball moments such as Tug McGraw’s rallying cry for the New York Mets in 1973. Green praises baseball’s collaborative nature compared to divisive trends elsewhere in society.
While centered on New York teams, reviewers say that “Baseball: Beyond Belief” takes an academic approach designed to engage both hardcore enthusiasts and casual viewers.
