James Earl Jones, who passed away at the age of 93 on Monday, will always be remembered by baseball enthusiasts for his powerful and soul-stirring words in the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams.”
Playing the role of a fictional writer named Terence Mann, Jones is not only speaking to Kevin Costner’s character Ray Kinsella, but also reaching out to anyone in the audience who has ever wondered about their old baseball card collections. He speaks to those who contemplate how past baseball legends would fare in today’s game, like Babe Ruth or Shohei Ohtani. He speaks to those who have nostalgically sniffed their baseball gloves just to smell the leather.
We can feel the authenticity of his words, partly due to the setting. Mann is portrayed standing on the edge of a baseball field amidst an Iowa cornfield, gazing directly at the camera. Jones’ rich baritone voice captivates us, making us want to go outside and create our own field:
“The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has changed, but baseball remains timeless. It connects us to our past, reminding us of the goodness that once was and could be again.”
These words have become a baseball mantra, resonating deeply without the need for music. Jones also left a lasting impact when he recited “The Star Spangled Banner” alongside the Morgan State University choir before the 1993 All-Star Game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Surprisingly, Jones was not a baseball enthusiast prior to his acting career. His portrayal in baseball-themed movies like “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” (1976) and “The Sandlot” (1993), as well as in “Field of Dreams,” did not stem from a personal love for the sport.
However, like Marlon Brando and Margaret Hamilton in their iconic roles, Jones transformed into a convincing baseball fan in “Field of Dreams,” evoking nostalgic memories of young fans near Fenway Park.
In a notable scene at Fenway Park, where Mann attends a Red Sox game with Kinsella, Jones portrays an earnestness and serenity while observing the game – embodying how people watched baseball before the era of distractions like mobile phones and walk-up music. This attention to detail is what sets Jones apart.
Despite being best known for the “people will come” speech in Iowa, Jones’ portrayal of Mann at Fenway Park captured the essence of a true baseball fan. The moment where Mann holds “The Baseball Encyclopedia” symbolizes his genuine appreciation for the sport’s rich history.
Through his interactions on set at Fenway Park, Jones forged a meaningful connection with longtime groundskeeper Joe Mooney, proving his authenticity as a baseball fan. Even though “Field of Dreams” has faced criticism from purists for historical inaccuracies, Jones’ contribution to the film remains unmatched.
While Jones considered himself primarily a stage actor and his role in “Field of Dreams” wasn’t his most famous, his portrayal of Mann left a lasting impact. With a prestigious career that includes numerous awards and accolades, Jones’ versatile talent shines through in each of his performances, making him a true legend in the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on “Field of Dreams,” Jones expressed his fondness for the film, emphasizing the importance of letting magic happen naturally on set. Similarly, his portrayal of Terence Mann showcases his ability to embody a character effortlessly, leaving a timeless mark with his voice.
(Photo: Kevin Winter / Getty Images for the American Film Institute)