In the realm where the crack of a bat meets the sweep of a painter’s brushstroke, where sports glory intersects with artistic finesse—there, you’ll find Dick Perez, the maestro of baseball artistry. His story, a tapestry of passion and creation, unfolds in the much-anticipated documentary, The Diamond King, now available for streaming on platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, and Kinema.
Produced by the imaginative minds at The McCaw and Votiv, The Diamond King is not just another sports film. It’s a picturesque journey through Perez’s life, charting his path from an artistic prodigy in the vibrant landscapes of Puerto Rico to a young dreamer in the gritty streets of Harlem. There, among the towering brownstones and bustling sounds, Perez’s twin loves—baseball and art—melded to chart a course toward his future endeavors.
John Ortiz, whose voice you might recognize from gripping dramas like Will Trent and the cheekily twisted Bad Monkey, lends his narration talents to the film. His storytelling is complemented by interviews not just with Perez, but also with an array of individuals who know the man best. Family members, fellow artists, and collaborators provide a quilt of perspectives, each square emphasizing the depth Perez brings to his work—and to the sport he holds sacred.
For those whose lives have yet to be touched by Perez’s artistry, here’s a quick primer. The art connoisseur stepped into wider fame in the 1980s, an era as characterized by big hair and shoulder pads as it was by trading card mania. Perez teamed up with Donruss, a savvy baseball card company, to birth the Diamond Kings series. These were not merely mass-produced trading cards; they were vivid miniature masterpieces that catapulted sports collectibles into a different, more sophisticated league—a blend of nostalgia and nouveau that captivated baseball enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Perez’s artistic style could be described as a romantic realism that pours emotion onto the canvas as generously as colors. His paintings don’t just replicate a player’s physical likeness; they capture the essence, the spirit, the moment in a swing or a pitch where performance becomes poetry. When Perez paints a star, he seems to paint the very stardust that dances behind their eyes. It’s this mastery that The Diamond King celebrates and showcases, bringing Perez’s passion alive with an exuberance that will satisfy both steadfast fans of the game and neophyte admirers of art.
Steve Kopian, a perceptive baseball writer with Unseen Films, discerned the documentary’s allure quickly. “This film is so good that I suspect that it will end up on endless repeat on the MLB channel for years to come,” he effused. Such is the charm of The Diamond King—a potent blend of memories and masterstrokes that expertly bridges the gap between sport and art.
But don’t just take our word for it; the film invites you to sneak a peek with teasers available via The Diamond King trailer. And if these glimpses of Perez’s work tickle your curiosity, the full documentary awaits you—a few clicks away on The Diamond King Movie website, where aficionados can also indulge in purchasing exclusive prints, posters, and cards.
This cinematic gem comes from the directorial vision of Marq Evans and his creative entourage at The McCaw, whose previous outings into documentary filmmaking include the quirky and delightful Claydream (2022), an exploration of the life of Claymation innovator Will Vinton, and The Glamour & The Squalor (2016), which chronicles the impact of Seattle radio DJ Marco Collins on music history and culture.
For devotees of America’s Pastime, or seekers of the seamless blend of kinetic sport and still art, The Diamond King is an essential addition to the watchlist. It’s a vivid celebration of a unique talent whose work has immortalized the story of baseball’s luminaries. Whether you’re reliving Halley’s Comet-like catches from years past or simply looking to be swept away by the intersection of paint and pitch, Perez’s story is a home run. Step up to the plate, press play, and let The Diamond King lead you through a canvas strewn with memories, each frame alive with love for the game.