ESPN honors South Carolina’s back-to-back baseball titles and the kids who inspired them

ESPN's SEC Storied documentary In Spirit highlights South Carolina baseball team's 2010 and 2011 national titles along with the inspirational stories of two young fans who became part of the Gamecock family.
June 22, 2012; Omaha, NE, USA;  South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Ray Tanner and Michael Roth (29) celebrate after defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks in game thirteen of the 2012 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. South Carolina won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-Imagn Images
June 22, 2012; Omaha, NE, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Ray Tanner and Michael Roth (29) celebrate after defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks in game thirteen of the 2012 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. South Carolina won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-Imagn Images | Bruce Thorson-Imagn Images

It's finally here!! As the 15-year anniversary approaches, ESPN's SEC Storied series is set to premiere In Spirit, a documentary chronicling the University of South Carolina's back-to-back National Championship baseball teams from the 2010 and 2011 seasons. The film will debut on Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. on SEC Network.

The documentary is directed by Marc Kinderman and dives into the Gamecocks' on-field triumphs, exploring the connections between the team and two young fans, Charlie Peters and Bayler Teal. Both young boys were battling cancer and become integral figures within the team. Their journeys symbolized resilience and unity during those championship seasons for the Gamecocks. Former head coach Ray Tanner emphasized the community engagement where players were encouraged to visit hospitalized children, a simple gesture that led to beautiful and meaningful relationships.

The In Spirit documentary not only revisits the Gamecocks' historic achievements in college baseball, where they became one of only six programs to win consecutive national titles, but also emphasizes the emotional journey that inspired and bonded the team.

As director Kinderman noted, the documentary is "a story of bravery in the face of overwhelming challenges, framed by the Gamecocks’ back-to-back Men’s College World Series championships."

For Gamecock fans and newcomers alike, In Spirit promises a heartfelt narrative of camaraderie and the enduring impact of sports beyond the field.

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