Lights, camera, fastballs—oh my! Baseball enthusiasts and art admirers alike are in for a treat with the newly released documentary, The Diamond King. This film, which is now gracing major streaming platforms including Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, and Kinema, offers a deep dive into the illustrious career of Dick Perez, the quintessential artist of the baseball world.
For those who have ever flipped through a deck of baseball cards or marveled at hall-of-fame memorabilia, chances are you’ve encountered the spellbinding work of Dick Perez. This artist, whose brushstrokes have captured the hearts of many, is the focus of this fascinating documentary produced by The McCaw and Votiv. The Diamond King draws back the curtain on Perez’s artistry, tracing his storied journey from the sun-kissed shores of Puerto Rico to the vibrant streets of Harlem. It was amid these sounds and sights that Perez’s twin passions for art and baseball first collided.
Narrated with aplomb by actor John Ortiz, whom you might recognize from Will Trent or Bad Monkey, the documentary is more than just a visual biography; it’s a personal odyssey captured through interviews with Dick himself, as well as family, colleagues, and fellow artists who have shared his journey. This adds layers of intimacy, making it more than just a viewing experience. At its core, The Diamond King is less about statistics and more about the soulful strokes that go into bringing a player’s legacy to life on canvas.
The documentary compellingly covers Perez’s rise to fame in the 1980s when he partnered with Donruss, transforming the realm of baseball cards through the Diamond Kings series. These cards weren’t your run-of-the-mill collectibles; they were exquisite mini portraits that transformed the perception of sports memorabilia into that of fine art. The film pays homage to these illustrations that not only hung in hallowed Hall of Fame corridors but also adorned sports exhibitions and private collections globally. It’s safe to say if there was a Hall of Fame for sports artists, Perez would have been inducted long ago.
What makes Perez’s work stand out is a distinctive style that marries realism with emotional gravitas. His paintings are much more than just adhesive-backed photographs; they narrate tales of triumph, strength, and sometimes the poignant solitude behind a celebrated athlete. Each of his creations serves as a brush-lined bridge linking fans to baseball’s rich and timeless heritage—an angle that The Diamond King delightfully capitalizes on.
Evidently, the film has scored a home run with critics. Baseball writer Steve Kopian from Unseen Films lauded it, saying, “This film is so good that I suspect that it will end up on endless repeat on the MLB channel for years to come.” That’s the kind of praise that makes you want to grab some popcorn and a front-row seat in your own living room.
For those curious to get a taste of this cinematic offering, The Diamond King trailer offers a tantalizing preview. As an added bonus for those who revel in memorabilia, the movie’s website hosts a treasure trove of exclusive Perez prints, posters, cards, and more; a veritable heaven for those who find joy in the intersection of sports, culture, and art.
The Diamond King is yet another feather in the cap for director Marq Evans and the creative ensemble at The McCaw. Known for their previous endeavours like Claydream—a whimsical exploration of Claymation pioneer Will Vinton—and The Glamour & The Squalor, a tribute to the cultural wave of grunge via the lens of Seattle radio DJ Marco Collins, the team is making a name for its ability to weave artistic narratives into the fabric of documentaries.
Whether you’ve been a baseball aficionado since the first time you saw a knuckleball somersault toward home plate, or you simply appreciate the creativity where sports meet art, The Diamond King offers a grand slam experience. Every brushstroke in Perez’s portraits capturing the curve of a smile or the focus of a glare invites you to embrace the charisma of the sport—both on the field and in the studio. So, arm yourself with your remote, relax on your favorite couch, and immerse yourself in the world where art and baseball pitch a perfect game.
