“Kevin Costner: The Baseball Star That Might Have Been”
Kevin Costner’s Deep Connection to Baseball — Beyond the Big Screen
While Kevin Costner is often celebrated for his iconic roles in Westerns, his relationship with baseball runs just as deep. Long before becoming a Hollywood star, Costner nearly pursued a professional career in the sport—a passion that would follow him throughout his life and career.
A Dream That Almost Was
Costner’s love for baseball began in high school, where he played alongside future MLB pitcher Dennis Burtt. He continued playing into college and reportedly had dreams of going pro. But after being cut from the team at Cal State Fullerton, Costner decided to pivot toward acting—a choice that changed his life but didn’t erase his love for the game.
Baseball on Film: A Role He Was Born to Play
Even though he never made it to the major leagues, baseball remained a central theme in Costner’s work. He’s starred in four major baseball films, each capturing a different aspect of the sport:
- Bull Durham (1988) – Costner played Crash Davis, a seasoned catcher mentoring a young pitcher, in this cult classic.
- Field of Dreams (1989) – Perhaps his most iconic sports role, Costner starred as a farmer who builds a baseball field that draws the ghosts of legends. The film was nominated for Best Picture and became a cultural touchstone.
- For Love of the Game (1999) – Directed by Sam Raimi, this was Costner’s return to the diamond, portraying a veteran pitcher reflecting on his life during one final game.
- Chasing Dreams (1982) – A lesser-known early role, Costner had a small part in this baseball film before he became a household name.
Even when the movies didn’t hit home runs at the box office—like For Love of the Game, which flopped—Costner’s performances always reflected his genuine passion for the sport.
From Film to the Field: Costner’s Real-Life Baseball Endeavors
Costner’s connection to baseball didn’t end with the cameras. In the late 2000s, he became a co-owner of the Lake County Fielders, an independent minor league team based in Illinois. The team was meant to bring baseball and job opportunities to a community in need, echoing the hopeful spirit of Field of Dreams.
“I’ve been approached several times about various projects,” Costner said at the time, “but this group really seems to have the right idea in mind: creating jobs and bringing baseball to a community that needs something positive. This is a better way for me to be involved in baseball, rather than as a washed-up catcher.”
Unfortunately, the venture didn’t last—the team folded after the 2012 season, and the planned stadium never came to life. It was a second lost chance at living out his baseball dream, though this time, from the business side of the game.
Baseball Is in His Blood
Beyond acting and ownership, Costner has also lent his voice to baseball documentaries and has remained a vocal fan and supporter of the sport. His connection to the game is more than professional—it’s personal. Whether through film, business, or simple fandom, Kevin Costner has never really left baseball behind.
What’s Your Favorite Kevin Costner Baseball Movie?
Let us know in the comments—which one hit a home run for you?
