There’s something magical about the way art and sports can intersect and amplify one another, and few have captured this better than Dick Perez. Celebrated for his profound work in bringing to life the soul of baseball, Perez’s storied career is now the subject of a fascinating documentary, The Diamond King. If you appreciate either baseball or art—or both in a glorious fusion—this film promises an enriching journey that’s now just a click away on Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, and Kinema.
Produced by the imaginative forces at The McCaw and Votiv, The Diamond King is not just a visual feast for fans of either medium. It’s a testament to a life’s work dedicated to catching the ethereal essence of America’s favorite pastime. The documentary lifts the veil on Perez’s inspiring journey, tracing his evolution from a young boy in Puerto Rico with dreams as vast as the ocean, to his days spent in the vibrant cultural melting pot of Harlem. Here, his twin passions for baseball and capturing life in artwork found their perfect playground.
John Ortiz, an actor known for his roles in series like Will Trent and Bad Monkey, lends his voice as the film’s narrator, guiding viewers through Perez’s impressive portfolio and personal anecdotes. But it’s not just about Perez alone. The documentary takes you into the heart of his world with interviews from the artist himself along with family, like-minded artists, and aficionados. It’s a portrait as intimate as one of Perez’s own beloved paintings.
For the uninitiated, Dick Perez isn’t just another name in the art world—he’s a game-changer in sports collectibles. His rise to fame in the 1980s was serendipitously tied to his collaboration with Donruss, with whom he created the iconic Diamond Kings baseball card series. These collectible cards transcended the status of popular childhood ephemera; they were miniature masterpieces that injected fine art into the domain of sports.
Perez’s artwork, characterized by its singular style, marries meticulous realism with an emotional narrative that gives life to both athletic prowess and the humanity that lies beneath the uniform. Yet every stroke of his brush seems to whisper tales from baseball’s rich history. It’s no wonder then that his creations have been revered in the sacred halls of the Baseball Hall of Fame, have found homes in cherished private collections, and have been centerpieces in major sports exhibitions across the globe.
Steve Kopian, a respected voice in the realm of Unseen Films, puts it astutely: “This film is so good that I suspect that it will end up on endless repeat on the MLB channel for years to come.” His confident assessment of The Diamond King speaks volumes about the impact and timeless relevance of Perez’s work, not just for baseball buffs, but for anyone who knows the joy of a sweeping narrative captured in a single moment.
If you’re itching for a sneak peek, click on over to The Diamond King trailer for a taste of what awaits. Better yet, venture to The Diamond King Movie website to either rent or purchase the film. There, you’ll find a treasure trove of exclusive Perez prints, posters, cards, and more, each a homage to the artist’s unique perspective and craft.
The Diamond King is yet another feather in the cap of The McCaw, guided by the creative vision of director Marq Evans. This team is no stranger to captivating documentaries; their previous features include Claydream (2022), a film exploring Claymation innovator Will Vinton—the genius behind the animating of California Raisins and those memorable M&Ms—and The Glamour & The Squalor (2016), a dive into the world of Seattle radio DJ Marco Collins, instrumental in heralding the grunge music revolution.
The Diamond King is more than just a documentary; it is a tribute to the artistry of baseball and the baseball artistry of life. Whether your devotion lies with the diamond or you’re an admirer from afar, let this film serve as a testament to the ageless allure sports and art hold when painted upon a single canvas. The lights are set, the stories are ready to be told, and Dick Perez invites you to take a front-row seat to witness the magic.
