Deep in the vibrantly painted annals of baseball art history, there’s a figure whose work has shimmered like a freshly polished bat under stadium lights. That figure is none other than Dick Perez, the master painter whose canvases played a vigorous game with color and form, illuminating the diamond most delightfully. And now, for both the art connoisseur and the baseball aficionado, his life and work are being celebrated in a new documentary, aptly titled The Diamond King, which is presently making its streaming debut on lauded platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, and Kinema.
Co-produced by The McCaw and Votiv, The Diamond King tenderly unwraps the journey of Dick Perez, shedding light on the chapters of his career as the official artist of the Baseball Hall of Fame—a title that isn’t just held; it arrives like a resounding cheer from the bleachers. It takes us back to where it all began, from the sun-dappled streets of Puerto Rico to the bustling, vibrant corners of Harlem. Here, young Perez found his muses, intertwining his love for America’s pastime with an unyielding passion for art—a game plan that paid off spectacularly over the years.
Narrating this colorful journey is actor John Ortiz, who lends his voice to unravel the story with the same kinetic energy he’s brought to roles in shows like Will Trent and Bad Monkey. Ortiz guides viewers through a sentimental and vividly painted life story—a kaleidoscope of archival paddings, soulful interviews with Perez himself, and heartwarming conversations with wearied colleagues and admiring family members.
In the timeline that marks sports history, Perez emerged like a phoenix in the 1980s, thanks to his collaboration with Donruss to craft what would become the iconic Diamond Kings baseball card series. These weren’t mere collectible cards; no, Perez transformed a pastime of collecting into a miniaturized art gallery, elevating sports memorabilia to unprecedented heights of artistry. It was as though every card bore a story, its edges gilded not in gold but in the rich tradition and emotions of the sporting legends whose visages graced them. Perez’s artistry went on to ornament the hallowed walls of the Hall of Fame, adorned elite private collections, and anchored attention-grabbing exhibitions from local gyms to global arenas.
What distinguishes Dick Perez’s oeuvre is not just his meticulous realism—each stroke is a symphony in pigment—but also the profound emotional depth he brings to his portraits, seamlessly uniting the athletic panache with the delicate human heart beneath the jersey. Each piece is a sterling homage to baseball’s illustrious heritage, a snapshot not just of the game but of the spirit that fuels it. The Diamond King reverently translates that fervor to screen in all its textured glory.
Baseball writer Steve Kopian of Unseen Films showered the documentary with praise, stating, “This film is so good that I suspect that it will end up on endless repeat on the MLB channel for years to come.” High praise indeed for a documentary that stirs the pot of nostalgia while introducing new generations to the wonder of Perez’s craft.
For those intrigued, a sneak peek awaits via The Diamond King trailer, whetting appetites for what promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a man who painted more than just athletes; he painted eras. And for those ready to slurp the entire bowl of artistic history, the film can be rented or purchased through The Diamond King Movie website, which also boasts a treasure trove of exclusive prints, posters, and cards—emblems of Perez’s illustrious career.
The Diamond King is yet another home run from The McCaw, the creative studio helmed by director Marq Evans. Their previous documentaries include Claydream (2022), the behind-the-scenes reveal of Claymation pioneer Will Vinton, and The Glamour & The Squalor (2016), which chronicles the rise and influence of Seattle radio DJ Marco Collins. Evans has a method of turning the seemingly pedestrian into poetic cinema, and The Diamond King is no exception.
Whether you’ve held a baseball since the playground or simply relish the crossroad where sports and art meet, The Diamond King is a required viewing. It’s more than a documentary; it’s a vibrant mosaic stitched together by the threads of passion, heritage, and meticulous artistry—a tale of a king who painted his domain with unfathomable love for both the game and the canvas.
