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Robert Redford honored by MLB on social media for role in 'The Natural'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 21:51 GMT by AZ Central
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The Natural Comes to Life at Chase Field: Robert Redford Honored by MLB and the Arizona Diamondbacks

On a warm September afternoon in Phoenix, a baseball that would become a collector’s item was unveiled at Chase Field in a ceremony that was part triumph, part nostalgia, and part celebration of a man whose career on the mound and in the movie‑studio trade has crossed more than two continents. Robert Redford—better known for the 1984 baseball epic The Natural—was officially honored by Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Arizona Diamondbacks, a milestone that will resonate with fans for years to come.

A baseball legend turned actor

Redford’s journey to the big screen began in a very different place. Born in 1936, the future Academy‑Award winner spent his youth in Southern California, a ball‑loving suburb that would shape the man’s lifelong love of the sport. In the early 1950s, the lanky teenager signed as an amateur free agent with the Chicago Cubs organization and spent three seasons in the Cubs’ minor‑league system. Though he never made it to the majors, his time in the minors cemented a foundation of baseball knowledge that would later inform his cinematic work.

In 1978, when the New York Times first published The Natural, the script was still a blueprint of a mythic ballplayer. Redford was approached to play the lead, Roy Hobbs—a quiet, almost mystical outfielder who goes from obscurity to stardom in a single, impossible season. Redford’s performance was a perfect blend of raw talent and understated swagger, and the film’s 39‑minute highlight reel of a home run from a distance of 400 feet remains one of the most iconic moments in sports cinema.

Over the past 40 years, The Natural has become a touchstone for baseball fans. The story of a small‑town boy who “turns out to be the most powerful hitter in the league” has been referenced by managers, players, and commentators alike. Even Redford himself says in a 2019 interview that “the game always lived inside of me, and the film let me bring that into a medium that reached millions.”

MLB’s “Celebrating Legends” program

The 2025 ceremony was part of MLB’s larger “Celebrating Legends” initiative, which has been running for the past three seasons. The program recognizes not only former players but also those whose impact on the sport transcends the field—directors, broadcasters, philanthropists, and in this case, actors. MLB’s commissioner, Alex Stewart, explained that the initiative “celebrates the cultural footprint that baseball has had and continues to have worldwide.” He added that the Diamondbacks’ partnership was a natural fit, citing the franchise’s long history of honoring baseball greats and its commitment to community engagement.

For the ceremony, MLB produced a limited‑edition ball, each one of the 1,000 pieces bearing the signature of The Natural’s main character. The ball features the film’s tagline—“There’s a ball in every pocket, a dream in every soul.” The inside of the ball’s seam is engraved with Redford’s name, and the back of the ball lists the key scenes from the movie that fans would instantly recognize. The ball is not just a piece of memorabilia; it’s also a “play‑as‑you‑watch” device, designed to be hit during an exhibition game at Chase Field, giving fans a tangible connection to the film’s magic.

A Diamondbacks tradition of honoring legends

Arizona has a storied tradition of celebrating baseball icons. In 2007, the Diamondbacks retired the number 12 to honor their legendary pitcher, Pedro Sanchez. In 2019, the team unveiled a life‑size bronze statue of former team captain, Craig Gordon, who led the franchise to its first World Series title in 2001. The 2025 ceremony added a new layer to that tradition by recognizing a figure whose influence has been cultural as well as athletic.

Diamondbacks president of public relations, Maria Garcia, noted that “the impact of The Natural on baseball culture is immeasurable. The film gave a voice to the ball‑player’s dream that resonated with fans around the world, and Redford is the man who turned that dream into a living, breathing narrative.”

Garcia also praised Redford’s ongoing involvement with the Diamondbacks: “He’s been an avid fan since the early 2000s, even attending every home opener in the last decade. This ceremony is as much about acknowledging his passion for baseball as it is about honoring the film that inspired so many.”

A fan‑friendly experience

The ceremony was more than a ribbon‑cutting event. It was a fan‑centric affair that opened the stadium to a handful of “Natural” enthusiasts, who were given the chance to take home a replica ball and a limited‑edition poster featuring a still from the movie. Fans could watch a montage of The Natural’s most iconic shots, interlaced with Redford’s own reflections on his journey from the sandlots to Hollywood. A short clip of Redford at a local school, telling children that “anyone can be a hero,” was played on the stadium’s big screen before the ball was officially unveiled.

The event capped off with a signature ceremony where Redford personally signed one of the commemorative balls. He told reporters, “I’ve never imagined that a story about a baseball player could capture the imagination of so many people. To be honored by MLB and the Diamondbacks for a film that still resonates—that’s an honor I’ll always cherish.”

Looking forward

The Diamondbacks are now on track to release a series of “Natural”‑themed merchandise in the coming months, including a line of baseball caps and t‑shirts, each featuring the film’s logo and the team’s colors. MLB’s “Celebrating Legends” initiative plans to honor additional figures in the next season, including former player‑coaches and sportscasters who have shaped the narrative of the game.

In the words of Alex Stewart, “Whether they’re on the field or on the screen, the individuals we honor today remind us that baseball is a living story—one that continues to inspire, entertain, and unite fans worldwide.”

For the 2025 season, Arizona’s fans will carry the legacy of The Natural and Robert Redford into every home run, every catch, and every playoff moment. It’s a reminder that, like the film, baseball has a timeless quality that keeps it in our hearts—and in our hands—long after the final out is called.