Kevin Costner is a famous guy who does a bunch of things like acting, making movies, and playing music. He’s won a bunch of awards, like Oscars and Golden Globes. He became really popular after being in movies like The Untouchables and No Way Out. But what many people know him for are his baseball movies.
Some of the baseball movies Kevin Costner has been in include Chasing Dreams, Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, For Love of the Game, and The Upside of Anger. In three of these movies, he plays a pro baseball player, and in one, he used to be a pro player.
Costner sometimes hangs out at the Texas Longhorns’ baseball practices and games in Austin, Texas. He’s good buddies with a former coach named Augie Garrido, who used to coach at the same college, Cal State Fullerton, where Costner went. Costner also makes an effort to watch all the College World Series games that Cal State Fullerton plays in Omaha, Nebraska. So, here are all of Kevin Costner’s baseball movies, ranked.
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Field of Dreams (1989)
Field of Dreams is a timeless sports fantasy drama film that weaves together elements of magic, baseball, and the power of belief. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson and based on W.P. Kinsella’s novel “Shoeless Joe,” the film stars Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella, a farmer in Iowa. Ray begins hearing a mysterious voice that encourages him to build a baseball field in his cornfield. Driven by an inexplicable compulsion, Ray plows his crops to create the diamond, and soon after, the ghosts of baseball legends, including Shoeless Joe Jackson (played by Ray Liotta), emerge to play on this mystical field.
The heart of the story lies in Ray’s journey of self-discovery and redemption. The field becomes a place of reconciliation, connecting Ray with his deceased father and providing a second chance for the disgraced players of the infamous 1919 Chicago Black Sox. The film beautifully explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the enduring love for America’s favorite pastime.
Field of Dreams received critical acclaim for its poignant narrative and outstanding performances. It garnered three Academy Award nominations and ultimately earned its place in the United States National Film Registry in 2017, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.
Bull Durham (1988)
Bull Durham is a romantic comedy sports film that takes a humorous and insightful look into the world of minor league baseball. Directed and written by Ron Shelton, the film stars Kevin Costner as “Crash” Davis, a seasoned catcher brought in to mentor a talented yet erratic rookie pitcher, Ebby Calvin “Nuke” LaLoosh, played by Tim Robbins. The story unfolds within the context of the Durham Bulls, a minor league team in North Carolina.
The film explores the dynamics of the players, the rituals of the game, and the unique culture of minor league baseball. Costner’s character, Crash, becomes a mentor to Nuke both on and off the field, imparting wisdom about the game and life. The plot thickens as the two players find themselves vying for the affections of Annie Savoy, a baseball groupie portrayed by Susan Sarandon. The love triangle adds a layer of romantic comedy to the film, making it a well-rounded exploration of the sport and the relationships that evolve within it.
Bull Durham received widespread acclaim for its authenticity, witty dialogue, and the chemistry among the cast. It is often regarded as one of the greatest sports movies ever made, capturing the essence of minor league baseball and the passion that surrounds the sport.
The Upside of Anger (2005)
The Upside of Anger offers a departure from the conventional baseball-centric theme found in other Kevin Costner films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Directed and written by Mike Binder, this romantic comedy-drama focuses on the complexities of relationships, family dynamics, and personal growth.
Costner portrays Denny Davies, a former Detroit Tigers baseball player turned radio host, dealing with his own inner demons, including a struggle with alcohol. The narrative unfolds as Denny begins a romantic relationship with Terry Wolfmeyer, played by Joan Allen, a recently single mother of four daughters. The film delves into Terry’s journey as she copes with her husband’s unexpected disappearance and navigates the challenges of single parenthood.
The Upside of Anger combines moments of humor, drama, and reflection on the human condition. Costner’s performance adds depth to the character of Denny, whose past as a baseball player influences his present choices and relationships. The film explores themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and finding joy in unexpected places.
In contrast to the overtly baseball-centric films in Costner’s repertoire, The Upside of Anger showcases his ability to excel in diverse roles, contributing to the film’s critical acclaim. The engaging storyline and strong performances make it a notable entry in Costner’s filmography, demonstrating his range as an actor beyond the confines of the baseball diamond.
For Love of the Game (1999)
For Love of the Game is a compelling sports drama film directed by Sam Raimi, based on Michael Shaara’s novel of the same name. Released in 1999, the movie stars Kevin Costner as Billy Chapel, an aging star baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. The story unfolds as Chapel takes the mound for what may be his final game, facing the formidable New York Yankees in Yankee Stadium.
As Chapel pitches a perfect game, the film skillfully interweaves flashbacks that provide insight into his personal life, particularly his long-term relationship with Jane Aubrey, portrayed by Kelly Preston. The pressure of the game becomes a metaphor for the challenges Chapel faces in his career and love life. Vin Scully, a legendary baseball broadcaster, adds authenticity to the film by providing play-by-play commentary.
For Love of the Game captures the intensity of sports competition while exploring themes of love, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. Costner’s portrayal of Billy Chapel earned praise, and the film resonates with both baseball enthusiasts and those drawn to heartfelt storytelling.
Chasing Dreams (1982)
Chasing Dreams is an American sports drama film that dates back to 1982, featuring Kevin Costner in a small but memorable role. Co-directed by Therese Conte and Sean Roche, the film primarily revolves around the character Gavin, portrayed by David G. Brown, a teenage boy feeling confined by his family, farm life, and school obligations.
The plot takes a transformative turn when the baseball coach convinces Gavin to join the team. Unbeknownst to Gavin, he discovers a hidden talent for the sport, providing him with a newfound sense of purpose and self-discovery. While the central focus is on Brown’s character, Costner’s presence as Gavin’s older brother adds depth to the narrative.
Chasing Dreams explores themes of self-discovery, breaking free from constraints, and the positive impact of sports on an individual’s life. Costner’s involvement in this early sports drama reflects his enduring connection to baseball-themed stories throughout his career. While not as widely recognized as some of his later works, Chasing Dreams contributes to Costner’s legacy as an actor with a penchant for compelling sports narratives.
Why Kevin Costner Has Starred In So Many Baseball Movies
Kevin Costner has been in a lot of baseball movies, which is kind of unusual. The famous actor, known for his role in Yellowstone, has been part of more than 60 TV shows and movies in his almost 40-year career. He started making it big in Hollywood when he was 26, playing John Logan in the romantic comedy Malibu Hot Summer in 1981. His first big role was in 1987 when he starred as Elliot Ness in The Untouchables, alongside Robert De Niro and Sean Connery.
Since then, Costner has won an Emmy for his acting in the 2012 western series Hatfields & McCoys and an Oscar for directing Dances With Wolves. Even though he’s known for his role as John Dutton in Yellowstone, he’s leaving the show after season 5 to work on his own western project called Horizon.
Costner’s acting journey began with baseball movies, and those films played a big part in making him the superstar he is today. While he’s now famous for his Western roles, like John Dutton, he started his career with baseball-themed stories.
Other Sports Movies Kevin Costner Has Starred In
Kevin Costner didn’t always plan on being an actor. Before becoming a big Hollywood star, he was passionate about baseball. Growing up in different parts of California, he played on his high school baseball team at Villa Park High School in Orange County. However, his dream of playing professional baseball didn’t come true.
While attending Cal State Fullerton, Costner faced another setback when he was cut from the collegiate baseball team by the renowned coach Augie Garrido. This turn of events led Costner to explore acting. During his senior year of college, he started taking acting lessons. If it wasn’t for Coach Garrido, Costner might never have discovered his interest in acting, and the world might have missed out on the larger-than-life celebrity he became.
Apart from his well-known baseball movies, Costner has been a part of a total of eight sports films, making him the actor with the most appearances in sports movies. In addition to his baseball-themed movies, he played a leading role in the beloved golf movie Tin Cup (1996), where his character pursues dreams of becoming a professional golfer inspired by working at a driving range. Costner also took on the role of Sonny Weaver, a general manager of a professional football team, in Draft Day (2014), planning a winning strategy for the NFL draft.
Costner’s sports movie repertoire extends to inspiring high school coach roles, as seen in McFarland, USA (2015), where he coaches a cross-country team to victory. In American Flyers (1985), he portrays a competitive cyclist. Some of his roles, like the 1999 boxing film Play It to the Bone and the high-stakes poker movie Molly’s Game (2017), may not fit the traditional sports movie mold but showcase Costner’s versatile love for various sports.
Regardless of the genre, Kevin Costner’s contribution to sports movies, especially those centered around baseball, has left a lasting mark in film and television history. His journey from a baseball enthusiast to a celebrated actor has added a unique dimension to the world of sports cinema.
