One actor. Two film roles. You tell us which portrayal was the best. The most memorable. Or iconic. Or simply your favorite.
But before you pass judgment, a few words defending the “character” of each…
The case for Crash Davis
Veteran baseball catcher Crash Davis has been around the block. Confident in his abilities and with a chip on his shoulder he is tasked with whipping a none-too-bright (but hunky) rookie phenom pitcher into shape, both on the field and off. Crash also is competing with said pitcher on the affections of Bull Durham baseball groupie Annie Savoy. The role may not have schmaltzy father-son melodrama, but it was on point. Costner’s cocky, world-weary, and yes, sexy athlete resonates with men and women alike.
The case for Ray Kinsella
Kinsella is the opposite of Crash. A quiet family man, reserved, and decidedly not self-assured. He is not meek, though; he is determined to “go the distance” to find out what lies ahead in his Field of Dreams. Interestingly, producers had already dismissed Kevin Costner taking on the Kinsella character exactly because of his recent baseball foray with Bull Durham. But Costner did read the script, and decided to do it because it was, in his words, “this generation’s It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Now that you’ve heard the arguments for both it’s time to render your verdict!