Welcome to the Lefty O’Doul documentary project!
I invite you to watch both the 1949 Goodwill Tour teaser and the trailer, and then visit the “about the film” tab for more info on the project.
WHY THIS STORY NEEDS TO BE TOLD
Lefty O’Doul was one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, but, more importantly, he was a humanitarian who touched the lives of millions. Post-WWII Japan was a shattered nation with a wounded soul. Lefty was asked to bring his San Francisco Seals to Tokyo for a goodwill tour in 1949 that was so successful, General Douglas MacArthur called it one of the greatest acts of diplomacy in the history of the United States. O’Doul and baseball helped heal a nation and built a bridge between two former bitter enemies. One of our interviewees, a Japanese man of 86 who saw O’Doul’s historic goodwill tour of 1949 said, “I want the American people to understand O’Doul’s contribution to world peace, not only baseball. And on that ground he should be inducted into Cooperstown.”
Lefty’s inspirational story has never been told on film before, and he died so long ago, some think he’s a fictional character. His story has flown under the radar for too long and is overdue to be shared with the public.
HOW CAN YOU HELP GET THIS FILM MADE?
While we are actively in touch with potential co-production partners to complete the project and obtain worldwide distribution, feel free to share the web address and our contact info with people and organizations who might be interested.
Lefty and I thank you!
Jon Leonoudakis
Producer/Director