Beyond the Big Screen: Kevin Costner’s Real-Life Love for Baseball
Kevin Costner’s Deep Connection to Baseball Goes Far Beyond the Big Screen
Kevin Costner’s legacy as a Hollywood icon is closely tied to his roles in Westerns like Silverado, Dances with Wolves, and Open Range, even going so far as to self-finance his epic Horizon: An American Saga out of passion for the genre. However, Costner’s impact on sports films—particularly baseball—is just as significant, if not more so. His affinity for baseball is no coincidence; it’s a personal passion that has shaped both his film career and his life off-screen.
Kevin Costner Has Starred in Five Baseball Films
Over the course of his career, Costner has starred in five baseball-themed movies, with a few ranking among the greatest sports films of all time. His first baseball appearance was a small, largely overlooked role in 1982’s Chasing Dreams—a film that went unnoticed until Costner’s star began to rise.
It was his next two baseball films that left a lasting impact. Bull Durham and Field of Dreams are not only considered among the best baseball films, but also some of the most beloved sports movies ever made. Field of Dreams takes a magical and heartfelt look at how baseball can heal and connect people—particularly fathers and sons—while Bull Durham combines sharp comedy, romance, and authentic baseball storytelling, showcasing what many consider to be Costner’s finest performance.
Costner returned to the sport in For Love of the Game, directed by Sam Raimi, portraying a veteran pitcher facing his final game. He also lent his voice to the baseball documentary Fastball, and while he played a former ballplayer in The Upside of Anger, that film doesn’t fully center on the sport.
Bringing Authenticity to the Screen
Costner doesn’t just play ballplayers—he works hard to make the baseball in his movies feel real. Nowhere is this more evident than in For Love of the Game, which strove for accuracy both on and off the field. Costner brought in longtime friend Augie Garrido, legendary coach of the University of Texas baseball team, as a technical advisor to ensure authenticity.
Garrido ultimately appeared in the film himself, portraying the New York Yankees coach in the climactic scenes set at Yankee Stadium. In a further effort to maintain realism, Costner even included real batboys in the film’s production. These decisions reflect his commitment to portraying baseball with the respect and precision fans appreciate.
Costner’s Loyalty to the CSUF Titans
While Costner’s film characters have played for a variety of fictional and real teams, his heart belongs to one in particular: the Cal State Fullerton Titans. Costner attended California State University, Fullerton, and once tried out for the baseball team, though he didn’t make the cut. Still, the experience forged a lifelong bond with the program.
His friendship with coach Augie Garrido, formed during those college years, helped keep Costner connected to the school’s baseball legacy. Garrido made sure Costner remained part of the Titans’ community, inviting him to events and honoring his support.
Costner once shared, “The baseball program at Cal State Fullerton is so important. It’s sacred to me. Augie always made me feel important. He made me feel like I was part of the team.”
That bond has endured. Costner has attended games, visited practices, and participated in fundraising efforts for the team. His support goes beyond fandom—it’s personal.
