For those who find themselves caught in a romance with the crack of the bat meeting the ball and the enchanting brushstrokes of fine art, there’s a new cinematic treat ready to cradle you in its warmth. Enter The Diamond King, a documentary film that beckons both the ardent baseball fan and the art connoisseur alike into the vibrant world of Dick Perez, the master painter whose work has become inseparable from America’s favorite pastime.
Streaming now on Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, and Kinema, this documentary unfolds like a love letter to Perez’s extraordinary life and legacy. Brought to you by the imaginative minds at The McCaw and Votiv, The Diamond King takes viewers on an evocative journey through time, tracing Perez’s roots from the sun-dappled shores of Puerto Rico to the bustling, culture-rich streets of Harlem. It is here, amidst the cacophony of city life, that young Dick first encountered the dual muses of baseball and art—an encounter that would shape his destiny.
With the rich and engaging voice of John Ortiz guiding us (a familiar presence from series like Will Trent and Bad Monkey), the film offers not merely a window, but rather a panoramic view into Perez’s fascinating world. Interviews with Perez, his family, fellow artists, and a cadre of folks from the baseball community present an intimate portrait of a man whose brush has immortalized the giants of the diamond in vivid color and stunning detail.
For the uninitiated, Dick Perez is the artist whose partnership with Donruss in the 1980s produced the now-iconic Diamond Kings baseball card series. These weren’t just mass-produced cards to be clipped to bicycle spokes; they were legitimate works of art, each card a bespoke mini-portrait that elevated the humble baseball card into something more akin to an art gallery exhibition on a 2.5 by 3.5-inch canvas. Perez’s contributions have since made their way into the Baseball Hall of Fame and mammoth sports exhibitions around the world, garnishing him with international acclaim.
What makes Perez’s work truly striking is his ability to blend realistic depictions of players with a heartfelt emotional resonance, capturing not only the athlete in their prime but also offering a glimpse into the soul behind the statistics. Each painting is less an image of a baseball player and more of a personal saga: a tribute to the rich tapestry of baseball’s history and heritage. The Diamond King brings this passion and dedication to life, inviting viewers to step back and appreciate each piece for the masterclass it is.
Esteemed baseball writer Steve Kopian, known for his insightful takes at Unseen Films, has heralded the documentary’s brilliance, pointing out its potential to become a staple on the MLB channel for years to come. And it’s not hard to see why. The Diamond King holds the kind of allure that captivates the heart and leaves a lingering sense of wonder in its wake.
For those whose curiosity is piqued, a taste of what’s in store awaits in The Diamond King trailer. And for the brave souls eager to immerse fully, head over to The Diamond King Movie website. There’s much more than a film to discover there—fans can explore a curated collection of prints, posters, and cards, each a slice of Perez’s legendary oeuvre.
The Diamond King is just the latest feather in the cap for The McCaw—the dynamic creative force under the direction of Marq Evans. Their repertoire includes Claydream (2022), a whimsical dive into the life of Claymation pioneer Will Vinton, the man who breathed life into the California Raisins and those mischievous M&Ms, as well as The Glamour & The Squalor (2016), an arresting tale of Seattle radio DJ Marco Collins and his role in the ascent of grunge.
The intersection of sports and art is a dance as old as time, and The Diamond King choreographs it with extraordinary flair and reverence. Whether you were born with a glove in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, or you simply revel in stories of creativity and dedication, this documentary is more than just must-see; it’s a melodic ode to the artistry that lives at the heart of baseball—and at the heart of every ballgame, there is Dick Perez. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be enchanted.
