If you’re a baseball fan or an art lover—or both—there’s a new documentary that’s bound to hit home. The Diamond King, a film celebrating the life and work of legendary baseball artist Dick Perez, is now available for streaming on Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, and Kinema.
Produced by The McCaw and Votiv, The Diamond King peels back the curtain on Perez’s decades-long career as the official artist for the Baseball Hall of Fame. The film traces his journey from his early days in Puerto Rico to his formative years in Harlem, where his passion for baseball and art first intersected.
Narrated by actor John Ortiz (you might know him from Will Trent and Bad Monkey), the film features interviews with Perez himself, along with family members, fellow artists, and more. It’s an intimate look at an artist whose work has become synonymous with baseball’s greatest players.
For those unfamiliar, Perez rose to prominence in the 1980s when he collaborated with Donruss to create the groundbreaking Diamond Kings baseball card series. These weren’t just cards—they were mini portraits that elevated sports collectibles into the realm of fine art. Since then, his work has hung in the Hall of Fame, graced private collections, and anchored major sports exhibitions around the globe.
What sets Perez apart is his unique style, which blends realism with an emotional depth that captures both the athlete and the human being behind the stats. Every painting is a tribute to baseball’s heritage, and The Diamond King brings that passion to life.
Baseball writer Steve Kopian of Unseen Films summed it up best: “This film is so good that I suspect that it will end up on endless repeat on the MLB channel for years to come.”
Curious? You can catch a preview by checking out The Diamond King trailer. For those eager to dive in, visit The Diamond King Movie website to rent or buy the film and to browse exclusive prints, posters, cards, and more from Perez’s collection.
The Diamond King is the latest offering from The McCaw, the creative team led by director Marq Evans. Their previous documentaries include Claydream (2022), which tells the story of Claymation pioneer Will Vinton—creator of the California Raisins and those memorable M&Ms—and The Glamour & The Squalor (2016), which follows Seattle radio DJ Marco Collins, the man who helped make grunge a household name.
Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just appreciate the intersection of sports and art, The Diamond King is a must-watch.