David E. Simpson

One Golden Summer

Writer, Editor

Directed by Kevin Shaw
1 hr 21 min, 2025

In 2014, Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League became the first all-Black team to win the Little League Baseball U.S. Championship. Along the way, thirteen 12-year-olds from the South Side turned into media superstars – magazine covers, an oval-office visit with Obama, and millions of fans around the country. It all came crashing down when a rival coach accused the team of breaking residential boundary rules. One Golden Summer deftly investigates the story behind the headlines; shattering stereotypes, reframing the narrative, and shining a vivid spotlight on the complex issues of race, power, and money all too prevalent in youth sports.

  • World Premieres, Chicago International Film Festival Opening-night film
  • Audience Award – Best Documentary, Chicago International Film Festival
  • Chicago Award, Chicago International Film Festival
President Barack Obama shows a program for the Martin Luther King Jr. March on Washington to the Jackie Robinson West All Stars during the team’s visit to the Oval Office, Nov. 6, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)