For those who find themselves compelled by the crack of a baseball bat as much as the stroke of a paintbrush, a new documentary offers a delightful intersection of passions. “The Diamond King,” now available for streaming on the likes of Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, and Kinema, shines the spotlight on Dick Perez, a visionary who has etched his mark on both the world of sports and art.

Produced by the creative minds at The McCaw and Votiv, this film is a deep dive into the illustrious career of Perez, whose role as the official artist for the Baseball Hall of Fame spanned decades and transcended the mere portrayal of athletes as subjects to being larger-than-life heroes on canvas. The journey the documentary chronicles is as rich as a Perez painting itself, beginning in the vibrant and sun-drenched landscapes of Puerto Rico, through the eclectic streets of Harlem where young Dick first caught glimmers of his dual passion for baseball and fine art.

By the magic of cinema and the narration talents of John Ortiz, known for his roles in “Will Trent” and “Bad Monkey,” audiences gain intimate access to not just the vibrant strokes of Perez’s brush, but his life. Accompanied by candid interviews with Perez, his family, and peers in the art world, the film captures an artist’s true spirit and the legacy he leaves behind.

Perez first caught the public eye during the transformative 1980s while collaborating with Donruss to create the revolutionary Diamond Kings baseball card series. These cards were unlike anything the sports memorabilia world had seen— they were delicate yet powerful portraits, elevating mere collectibles into esteemed works of art. For many, a Perez card was not just an item to trade or collect; it was a little piece of art history marking an era of sports.

His distinct style— a mesmerizing blend of realism infused with profound emotional depth— makes every subject he paints not just an athlete, but a fully realized character imbued with narrative and spirit. Perez’s artwork doesn’t just record statistics on canvas but celebrates sports, capturing the rich heritage woven into the seams of every baseball stitched, every glove mended. Through “The Diamond King,” this seamless mix of realism and emotive storytelling bursts to life on screen, offering viewers a spirited look at baseball through an artist’s lens.

As baseball aficionado Steve Kopian from Unseen Films eloquently puts it, “This film is so good that I suspect that it will end up on endless repeat on the MLB channel for years to come.” That’s high praise, suggesting that “The Diamond King” isn’t merely a documentary but a moving portrait worthy of the sports hall of fame itself.

For those already intrigued, a tantalizing trailer of “The Diamond King” is available for a sneak peek. Whether seeking a rental or pondering ownership of what promises to be a masterpiece in documentary history, enthusiasts can visit The Diamond King Movie website. Alongside the film, fans can explore an array of exclusive prints, posters, and cards, allowing them to bring a little piece of Perez’s artistic magic into their own homes.

“The Diamond King” emerges from the creative incubator that is The McCaw, under the directorial vision of Marq Evans. Evans is not new to crafting compelling narratives—his previous documentaries include “Claydream” in 2022, detailing the story of Claymation pioneer Will Vinton, of California Raisins fame, and “The Glamour & The Squalor” in 2016, which followed the influential Seattle radio DJ Marco Collins, pivotal in making grunge music a household genre.

Whether you find yourself in devoted admiration of baseball’s storied past, or simply appreciate the mesmerizing merge of athletic prowess and artistic expression, “The Diamond King” is an unmissable experience. It celebrates the nuanced journey of an artist who painted with his heart and captured the soul of a sport beloved by millions. In doing so, it challenges viewers to see beyond the game—into the art that chronicles its luminous history.

Diamond King Movie