For those whose hearts beat a little faster at the mere mention of a diamond—not the glittering kind adorning jewelry boxes, but the one where epic home runs and nail-biting games unfold—there’s a fresh documentary on the scene that you simply can’t afford to miss. The Diamond King, a new film celebrating the illustrious career and artistry of Dick Perez, the legendary baseball artist, is now available for streaming on major platforms including Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, and Kinema.
This cinematic offering from The McCaw and Votiv, known for crafting stories of larger-than-life personalities, promises more than just a peek into Perez’s easel and palette. Rather, it’s an immersive venture into the heart and soul of a man whose work has not only honored the icons of baseball but has also redefined the very concept of sports collectibles.
Narrated with the trademark warmth and vigor of John Ortiz—an actor whose own dramatic range goes from hushed courtrooms to bustling detective precincts in shows like Will Trent and Bad Monkey—the film captures Perez’s transformative journey from his humble Puerto Rican beginnings to his formative years steeped in the bustling culture of Harlem. It was here that his unparalleled passion for baseball meshed so perfectly with his artistic dreams, paving the way for what would become a truly groundbreaking career.
Perez’s romance with the canvas and the diamond burst onto the global stage in the 1980s with his collaboration with Donruss, leading to the creation of the Diamond Kings baseball card series. These cards were not mere portraits; they were vivid, dynamic interpretations that elevated the practice of collecting sports memorabilia to an exquisite art form in itself. A legacy was born, as Perez’s evocative works began gracing the hallowed halls of the Baseball Hall of Fame and decorating the walls of esteemed collectors around the world.
The documentary dives deep into what sets Perez apart from the world of sports art. His style is an extraordinary blend of realism mixed with poignant emotional depth, painting athletes not just as stat-toting heroes, but as real human beings with stories etched into their expressions. Every canvas becomes a narrative in itself, a tribute woven into the very fabric of baseball’s rich history.
The praise for The Diamond King isn’t sparse. In fact, according to baseball writer Steve Kopian from Unseen Films, the documentary is so enthralling, it might very well become a staple on the MLB channel for years—it’s that good. This cinematic celebration doesn’t just allow us to sit back as passive viewers but invites us to feel each brushstroke, each hue, as an ode to a sport that touches millions.
For those whose curiosity is piqued, who wish to glimpse the brilliance of Dick Perez’s artistry before diving fully in, there’s a tantalizing trailer for The Diamond King that offers just a taste of what’s in store. And for the ones ready to embrace the full experience, additional gems such as exclusive prints, posters, and cards from Perez’s stunning collection await at The Diamond King Movie website.
Having crafted perceptive projects like Claydream (2022), which explored the whimsical world of Claymation pioneer Will Vinton, and The Glamour & The Squalor (2016), which peeked into the life of grunge-promoting DJ Marco Collins, director Marq Evans and The McCaw team are no strangers to portraying the stories of dynamic artistic iconoclasts. The Diamond King is merely the latest jewel in their creative crown—a film that promises and delivers on its potential to captivate both lifelong baseball aficionados and casual art admirers alike.
In embracing The Diamond King, viewers are invited into a world where sports and art don’t merely coexist; they harmonize, creating a tapestry as vibrant and enduring as the legend of Dick Perez himself. Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool baseball fan or simply a lover of all things artistic, this film is a rendezvous with a master of both worlds—a must-watch exploration of passion, dedication, and the remarkable journey of combining two of life’s greatest delights.
