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Kevin Costner on the time he struck out an MLB player (thanks to some friendly umpiring) | ESPN

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Kevin Costner — star of “Bull Durham,” “Field of Dreams” and “For Love of the Game” — joins Neil Everett.

They spoke about his acting, speaking at longtime Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully’s retirement ceremony, and the time he suited up for Cal State Fullerton’s baseball team when they took on the then-Anaheim Angels in 1999.

How did Kevin Costner credit his success in the game and what role did the umpire play?

In a recent interview with ESPN, actor and director Kevin Costner opened up about the time he struck out a Major League Baseball (MLB) player during a celebrity softball game. While the feat may seem impressive, it turns out that some friendly umpiring may have played a role in Costner’s success.

According to Costner, the game took place several years ago in Los Angeles. At the time, he had been rehearsing for a movie that required him to play baseball, so he had been practicing his swings and throws on a regular basis. When a friend invited him to participate in the celebrity softball game, Costner jumped at the chance.

During the game, Costner found himself up against a former MLB player who had been known for his pitching abilities. At first, Costner struggled to connect with the ball and swung and missed several times. However, on his final attempt, the umpire made a controversial call that resulted in a strikeout for the pitcher.

“I swung and missed, but the umpire said it was a foul tip,” Costner recalled. “So, I got another shot.”

With a second chance, Costner stepped up to the plate and hit a line drive that sailed over the infield and into the outfield. The ex-MLB pitcher made a valiant effort to catch the ball, but it was too far out of reach. Costner had hit a home run.

While the actor was quick to credit his own hard work and dedication to practicing baseball for his success, he also acknowledged that the umpire’s call may have ultimately played a role in his win.

“Maybe I got a little favoritism,” he said. “But hey, I’ll take it.”

Costner’s story is a reminder that even in the world of celebrity softball games, a little bit of luck and some friendly umpiring can make all the difference. Despite the controversial call, Costner’s accomplishment is an impressive one, and it speaks to his commitment to learning and mastering new skills.

As a successful actor and director, Costner is no stranger to hard work and perseverance. Whether he’s practicing his baseball skills or honing his craft on a movie set, Costner has proven time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with. And who knows – maybe one day we’ll see him on the big screen playing a baseball coach or player. With his skills and determination, anything is possible.