Kevin Costner Connects Deeply with One of His Iconic Roles Beyond Yellowstone: “I Feel a Real Affinity”

Kevin Costner Reflects on His Deep Connection to Crash Davis in Bull Durham

While many fans recognize Kevin Costner for his role in Yellowstone, he has a special place in his heart for one of his earlier characters: Crash Davis from the 1988 sports comedy Bull Durham. This role not only helped launch his career but also allowed him to explore a character that resonates with his own life.

Crash Davis: A Role Close to His Heart

In Bull Durham, Costner plays Crash Davis, a veteran minor league catcher tasked with mentoring a rookie pitcher as he prepares for the major leagues. The film not only showcased Costner’s acting range but also solidified his connection to baseball, a sport he has always loved. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he expressed his strong connection to the character, stating, “I feel a real affinity to him.” Growing up as a baseball fan and player, portraying Davis was a dream come true for Costner. He described the character as “this American rascal, this ne’er-do-well in heroic defeat,” emphasizing the role’s significance in his life.

Despite facing numerous rejections during the film’s development—writer Ron Shelton had to pitch the script to multiple studios—Bull Durham eventually found a home with Orion Pictures. With a budget of $9 million and an eight-week shooting schedule, the film became a commercial success, grossing $50 million worldwide and earning a remarkable 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Script’s Unique Take on Baseball

In a conversation with GQ, Costner praised Shelton’s script for its authentic portrayal of the sport. He appreciated how it broke away from the typical sports movie narrative, where the protagonist usually triumphs. Instead, Davis remains in the minor leagues while the rookie shines. Costner noted, “There was something romantic and golden and sad and heroic in it.” This unconventional storytelling resonated with him, highlighting that one doesn’t need to win to gain respect and recognition.

While films like Dances with Wolves and Field of Dreams may be more critically acclaimed, Bull Durham remains a pivotal part of Costner’s journey, both personally and professionally.