Did Kevin Costner Ever Play Baseball in Real Life?
Since Kevin Costner first stepped onto the big screen in the mid-1980s, he has been a household name. His roles in films such as “The Untouchables”, “Field of Dreams”, and “Bull Durham” have cemented his place in Hollywood as one of the most iconic actors of all time. But did Kevin Costner ever play baseball in real life?
In short, the answer is yes. In the early days of his acting career, Costner was a passionate baseball player and even considered a career in professional baseball. Although he never made it to the big leagues, Costner’s love for the sport continued throughout his life and his career.
Early Years Playing Baseball
Costner was born in California in 1955 and grew up in a small town in Idaho. He was raised in a family of avid baseball fans and began playing the sport at an early age. He was a natural athlete and quickly became one of the best players in his age group.
Costner continued to play baseball throughout his teen years and was heavily recruited by colleges. He was eventually offered a full scholarship to the University of California, San Diego where he majored in business and economics. During his college years, Costner was a star player on the UCSD Tritons baseball team and was also named an All-American.
Career in Professional Baseball
After graduating from college, Costner was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1978. He spent a year playing minor league baseball with the Royals and was quickly promoted to the major league team. He played in 24 games with the Royals, but his career was cut short due to an injury.
Costner then decided to focus on his acting career, but the dream of playing professional baseball never left him. In the mid-1980s, he was offered the role of “Crash Davis” in the film “Bull Durham” and jumped at the chance to return to the baseball diamond.
Acting Career and Baseball Roles
The role of “Crash Davis” was a pivotal moment in Costner’s career and he later went on to star in a number of baseball-themed films. He played the lead role in “Field of Dreams”, which was released in 1989, and starred alongside Robert Redford in the 1993 film “A Perfect World”.
His Love for the Sport
Costner’s passion for baseball is evident in the roles he has chosen throughout his career. He has been quoted as saying, “Baseball has been a part of my life since I was a kid, and I still love the game. I’m not sure what my life would have been like without it.”
Costner is an avid fan of the sport and is a frequent attendee of major league games. He also continues to play the game himself and has participated in celebrity baseball games in the past.
Kevin Costner’s Baseball Legacy
Costner’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s most iconic baseball stars will live on forever. From his early days as a college athlete to his starring roles in some of the most beloved baseball movies of all time, he has been a fixture in the sport for over four decades.
Baseball Memorabilia
Costner has also become a collector of baseball memorabilia. He has an impressive collection of vintage baseball cards, autographed balls and bats, and other memorabilia. He is often seen at sports memorabilia conventions and auctions, and his collection is growing each year.
Costner’s Baseball Camps and Clinics
In recent years, Costner has established a number of baseball camps and clinics for kids and adults alike. These camps provide a great opportunity for budding ballplayers to learn the fundamentals of the sport from a Hollywood star.
Conclusion:
The answer to the question “Did Kevin Costner ever play baseball in real life?” is a resounding yes. Costner was a passionate baseball player in his youth and even considered a career in professional baseball. Although his baseball career was short-lived, his love for the sport never died and he has gone on to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic baseball stars. Costner continues to be an avid fan of the game and has become a collector of baseball memorabilia. He has also established a number of baseball camps and clinics to give aspiring ballplayers an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the sport from an experienced professional.