Baseball and art form a beautifully odd couple—a duo where the dusty diamond field meets the vibrant painter’s palette. Their romance flourishes in a new documentary that seamlessly marries these two worlds into a love letter to both. The film in question? The Diamond King, a tribute to the illustrious career of Dick Perez, is now painting its presence across major streaming platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, and Kinema.
For those whose passions lie at the chequered intersection of home plates and acrylic paints, The Diamond King extends an invitation to step into the life of an artist whose brushes have immortalized the sport’s titans. Produced with the mastery of The McCaw and Votiv, this cinematic exploration traces Perez’s journey from his beginnings in the sun-dappled alleys of Puerto Rico, through the bustling streets of Harlem, to the grand galleries of the Baseball Hall of Fame where his art reigns.
Narrated with the smooth charisma of actor John Ortiz—whose familiar voice may jog memories from his roles in shows like Will Trent and Bad Monkey—the film doesn’t merely skim the surface of Perez’s acclaim. It dives deeper, offering intimate conversations with the artist, his family, and peers. Their anecdotes form a narrative tapestry, highlighting not just the artist’s skill, but also his heartfelt devotion to capturing baseball’s soul.
For those who need a proper introduction to Perez’s work, your first encounter likely springs from the 1980s, that dazzling decade when Perez, alongside Donruss, introduced the groundbreaking Diamond Kings series. These weren’t your run-of-the-mill baseball cards. They were miniature masterpieces, crafted with a precision and passion that elevated them from the mundane collectors’ realm into the realm of fine art. Since then, Perez’s art has graced the hallowed walls of the Baseball Hall of Fame, nestled comfortably in private collections, and starred centrally in global exhibitions dedicated to the sport and its culture.
Perez’s style is a juxtaposition of realism kissed by the emotional strokes of imagination. His paintings extend beyond the mere replication of a likeness; they delve into the personalities behind the athletes, the humanity masked by the uniform. Each portrait transcends the boundaries of the canvas, offering a poignant tribute to baseball’s rich legacy and its figures, larger-than-life yet humbly human.
Steve Kopian, a seasoned baseball writer from Unseen Films, has sung the film’s praises, declaring it so impactful that it’s destined for a perpetual spot on the MLB channel’s rotation. That’s a high compliment, evoking the image of the film as a classic match being played over and over—always fresh, always exhilarating.
A curious observer would be wise to sneak a peak by watching The Diamond King trailer. If your curiosity knows no bounds, the movie’s website offers more than just viewing options. It’s your portal to rent or purchase the film, along with browsing through exclusive prints, posters, cards, and myriad treasures from Perez’s bountiful collection.
The creative genius behind The Diamond King’s production is none other than The McCaw, led by the visionary Marq Evans. Evans is no stranger to captivating storytelling, having previously helmed projects like Claydream in 2022, which charts the innovative life of Claymation pioneer Will Vinton, the mind behind the charming California Raisins and the timeless M&Ms characters. In 2016, Evans brought us The Glamour & The Squalor, exploring the life of Seattle DJ Marco Collins, a key force in ushering the grunge movement into mainstream consciousness.
Viewing The Diamond King isn’t merely an exercise in appreciating art or indulging in nostalgia; it’s a compelling journey through an artist’s life whose vibrant depictions have become embedded in the ethos of a sport beloved by millions. Even if you’re only a casual fan or have a casual interest in art, this documentary offers a unique vista into how these two worlds complement and enrich each other.
So whether your love affair with baseball stems from a childhood spent collecting tiny cardboard squares or if your appreciation for the game meets on the fields of art and aesthetics, The Diamond King awaits to enchant you, one brushstroke at a time. The canvas is ready, and the only thing left is for you to step up to the plate.
