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"Glove, Bat & Balls"

D | 2025 | Doku-Web-series| 8 x 15 Min. | Web Premiere: TBA

Language Englisch & German

Shooting Locations Germany / Czech Replublic

Author & Director Christopher Hawkins & Susanne Bohlmann

Camera Susanne Bohlmann, Aaron Malmsheimer & Nicola Maccanetti

Editor Joana Blusch & Susanne Bohlmann

Coming soon

Logline With an artificial ligament in his elbow, 31-year-old baseball player Markus Solbach dares to dream again—of becoming the first German pitcher in Major League Baseball history after a devastating injury. Everything will come down to the European Championship in Prague.

Synopsis 

Tension is at its peak at the “Eagles” stadium in Prague. Germany is playing against Israel. The scoreboard shows 1–0 for Germany. It's already the 7th inning. Time is running out. National coach Jenndrik has made his call: “Markus, you're up.”Markus steps onto the red clay. It's his first game in 12 months. He’s been training for this moment ever since the injury. He takes position on the mound—the most critical place for a pitcher. It was here, one year ago, that he tore the ligament in his throwing elbow. But Markus doesn’t know how to quit. His dream is to become the first German pitcher in Major League Baseball history. He winds up—and hurls the ball toward his catcher. The pitch is outside. Three outs, and the opposing team has a chance to score. Markus’ pupils are dilated, his focus razor-sharp. He’s nervous, but his body knows what to do. Wind-up—throw—strike! His catcher returns the ball. Markus winds up again—another strike! On the third pitch, the batter connects and takes off running. But the ball is caught straight out of the air. Batter out. Inning over. The German fans erupt in cheers.

Markus has done it—he struck the batter out cold, just like so many times in his career. He walks back to the dugout and clenches his fist: “Fuck yeah!” He’s back.

This documentary series follows 31-year-old Markus Solbach in what may be his final shot at making it to Major League Baseball. Friends, teammates, and family members recount his rise—and the injury that nearly ended it all. We dive deep into the world of baseball. While the sport is a national obsession in the USA and Japan, in Europe it remains on the sidelines. But that’s changing. Baseball is growing—set to become an Olympic sport again in 2028, with an expanding fan base every year. What is it about this game that captivates so many? Alongside Markus, we portray teammates, coaches, and fans. During the European Championship, we stay close to the team, getting to know the other national players—their dreams and ambitions, fears and doubts. We’re there for the physical and mental training, in hotel rooms, on the buses, behind the scenes. We uncover strategies and explore team spirit. This is a dramatic, high-stakes championship where every player puts it all on the line. But this series is not about winning or losing.It’s about giving everything to make your dream come true. At the same time, it exposes the extreme pressure of elite sports. In baseball, everything moves fast—talents are discovered and hyped within months, and dropped just as quickly. Whether pitcher, batter, or outfielder—this sport demands everything and pushes players to their physical and mental limits.

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