Shaun Connolly 

I know that it always feels like we are in the center of the universe. I mean, we are from New England, we help start this whole damn place. This is where the founding fathers decided the Brits had to go. This is where some of the greatest educational institutes exist, some of the best hospitals and some of the best skiing. As of this century some of the best sports organizations as well. So, for us when we are told that there are two documentaries about two of those storied teams it is an answer of, “duh.”

I couldn’t imagine how the rest of the world thinks of this. Just for having all the best things, they must already have a chip on the shoulder. Now they have to be reminded more often that we exist? Now each time they open up Netflix or MAX they have to see that success rubbed in their face? That’s like breaking up with someone and now their face is on a billboard on the way to your work. 

I’ve watched these. I bet you may have too. Maybe you are saying that you keep meaning to. If you care a little bit about either of these teams you should watch them. If you care about the history of Modern Boston, you should watch Celtics City. If you want to watch a light-hearted advertisement for the Boston Red Sox you should watch The Clubhouse. 

I have been religiously watching both. Yes, The Clubhouse is already all out. But I have been watching it week by week in tandem with Celtics City. They are both incredibly well produced and they both have a definitive thing to say. With the Clubhouse it is about how hard it is to put a winning team and how hard it is to do that with a fanbase as relentless as Boston fans are. What is fun is that it is also a Modern Baseball 101 as well, through a Red Sox lens. I am admittedly a high level baseball fan, I can talk FIP, OPS+, splits, and more. This series lays out the basics and the high level all in a swallowable package. As someone who can’t get enough baseball I really appreciate it showing the perspective from every aspect of the game. 

Celtics City is truly a history of the city post World War II. If you were a fan of OJ: Made in America or The Last Dance this documentary for you. This series walks us through the state of the community, socioeconomic standing, and organizational culture, and how they all intertwine. It takes you back to the start and how Red Auerbach manned the ship through everything, it shows you just how racist and bigoted the city really is, and it shows you that despite what happens outside of Boston Garden the Boston Celtics know how to win. 

Both of these are great snapshots into the literal male gaze in one old city with so much baggage we’ve dumped it into the Charles River. I highly recommend both of these for sports fans, Boston fans, and people who like watching people strive to be the absolute best they can be. 

Art Director Note: 
This is me on that documentary 
– Kev