As the 1990s drew to a close, stirring moments in baseball began to unfold at Yankee Stadium.
Notably, in May 1998, David Wells made history by retiring 27 consecutive batters against the Minnesota Twins.
The following year, David Cone followed in his footsteps, achieving the same remarkable feat against the Montreal Expos.
But amidst these athletic triumphs, a different kind of performance blossomed on the silver screen.
From Baseball to Film
Released in 1999, the film For Love of the Game starred Kevin Costner as Billy Chapel, an aging pitcher battling the inevitable passage of time while striving for one last summer glory with the Detroit Tigers.
The film beautifully encapsulated the essence of baseball, weaving together the sport’s poetic charm with the profound emotions of its characters.
As viewers watched Chapel wrestle with his pitches and personal demons, it was actually Dave Eiland, a pitcher from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who delivered the fastballs on that iconic field.
Eiland welcomed the opportunity to step into this cinematic role, viewing it as a natural extension of his life as a professional athlete.
He kept himself in peak physical shape throughout the year, practicing his throws daily.
Yet, he soon realized that creating a perfect scene took far more patience and diligence than simply playing a game.
After Kevin Costner experienced some shoulder discomfort during filming, the production team sought adjustments and brought in Eiland, who was recommended due to their connections with former Major League players.
The previous baseball season had found Eiland playing with the Triple-A Durham Bulls, a team famously featured in the film Bull Durham a decade earlier.
Transforming for the Role
Eiland humorously recalled the unexpected call that altered his path—he had been busy getting his daughters ready for Halloween.
After weighing his options, he committed to a three-week stint in New York City, stepping in as Costner’s body double on the baseball diamond.
Upon arrival on set, Eiland underwent a transformation to visually match Costner, wearing a gray Tigers uniform emblazoned with ‘CHAPEL 14.’ To fully embrace the character, he even sported a notable scar on his pitching hand, mirroring Chapel’s recovery from an injury.
One particular scene showcases Eiland spinning a baseball behind his back, highlighting his pitching skills while blending seamlessly into the narrative.
There was a creative spark on set too.
When director Sam Raimi aimed for authenticity in Chapel’s pitching style, Eiland eagerly shared some classic pitcher quirks, enriching the character’s portrayal.
This collaboration created subtle yet significant moments that might fly under the radar for casual viewers but added depth to the film.
Throughout the shoot, Eiland found himself often strengthening his physique in Yankee Stadium’s weight room and bonding with cast members.
He developed a rapport with Costner during makeup sessions, connecting with actors such as Kelly Preston, John C. Reilly, and J.K. Simmons along the way.
Reflections on a Unique Experience
When For Love of the Game premiered in September 1999, Eiland was unable to attend due to his commitments with the Devil Rays.
However, upon finally viewing the film, he was surprised to discover the romantic themes that dominated its narrative—a twist he hadn’t anticipated, given his focus on the athletic elements during filming.
Today, Eiland proudly holds the position of head of baseball at Grand Central Sports Management, looking back fondly on his unforgettable cinematic venture.
Every few months, he receives residual checks as a reminder of that unique experience, each ranging around $50 or $60.
More than the monetary rewards, Eiland treasures the memories of those filming days.
The insights into filmmaking contrasted sharply with the world of baseball, where mistakes are swiftly corrected.
Above all, it was a joyful experience filled with laughter, creativity, and a touch of Hollywood magic.
