Sports Then and Now

The recent death of acting legend James Earl Jones at the age of 93 has rightfully led to many tributes of his movie legacy and his many iconic roles. While he is perhaps best known for serving as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars films and as the legendary Mufasa in The Lion King, Jones made an indelible impact on the sports film genre, bringing gravitas and heart to roles that explore the themes of determination, legacy, and overcoming adversity. His rich baritone voice lent itself not only to some of the most famous roles in cinema but also to unforgettable performances in sports movies, where his characters often embody wisdom, authority, and quiet strength.

Jones’ sports film roles are more than just performances—they are cultural landmarks that have shaped how sports stories are told on the big screen. Here is a look at his most notable roles in sports films and how they have contributed to the legacy of both the actor and the genre.

1. “The Great White Hope” (1970) – Jack Jefferson

James Earl Jones first garnered widespread attention for his role in the 1967 stage production of The Great White Hope, which was adapted into a film in 1970. Jones portrayed Jack Jefferson, a character based on the real-life boxing legend Jack Johnson, the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion. This role earned Jones an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, a rare achievement at the time for an African American actor.

The Great White Hope is not merely a sports film—it is a powerful drama that explores racial tension, identity, and the struggles of a black man fighting to assert his dominance in a sport dominated by white men. As Jefferson, Jones delivered a ferocious yet nuanced performance, blending physicality with deep emotional conflict. Jefferson’s battle in and out of the boxing ring symbolizes a larger struggle against societal oppression, and Jones masterfully captures the complexity of a man forced to fight both for his title and his dignity.

Jones’ portrayal of Jack Jefferson brought an undeniable intensity to the film, which is often regarded as a foundational work for sports films that deal with issues of race and culture. His performance in The Great White Hope showed the world that sports movies could offer more than just action—they could also tell powerful, socially relevant stories.

2. “Field of Dreams” (1989) – Terence Mann

Perhaps the most famous sports role in James Earl Jones’ filmography is that of Terence Mann in Field of Dreams. The 1989 film, directed by Phil Alden Robinson, tells the story of Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), a farmer who builds a baseball field in his cornfield after hearing a mysterious voice. As Ray embarks on a journey to understand the significance of the voice, he seeks out the reclusive writer Terence Mann, a fictional character based loosely on the real-life author J.D. Salinger.

In Field of Dreams, Jones plays Mann with a quiet intensity and gravitas, making him a pivotal figure in the film’s mystical narrative. Terence Mann is a disillusioned former activist and writer who has grown cynical about the world, but through Ray’s journey, he reconnects with his own passion for baseball and the simple beauty of the sport. Mann’s speech about baseball’s place in American history—“The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball”—is one of the most memorable moments in the film and showcases Jones’ remarkable ability to deliver lines with both emotional depth and resonance.

Jones’ portrayal of Terence Mann in Field of Dreams encapsulates the film’s themes of redemption, nostalgia, and the enduring power of baseball as a symbol of hope and connection. His voice and presence elevate the film’s emotional weight, making his character an essential part of the story’s magic. The film remains one of the most beloved sports movies of all time, and James Earl Jones’ role as Terence Mann is a significant reason why.

3. “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” (1976) – Leon Carter

In The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, a 1976 comedy-drama set in the 1930s, James Earl Jones plays Leon Carter, a fictional baseball player who is part of a barnstorming team of African American players. The film, which also stars Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor, focuses on a group of players who leave the oppressive Negro Leagues to form their own team, touring the country to play against local squads for money.

Jones’ Leon Carter is loosely based on real-life baseball legend Josh Gibson while the Billy Dee Williams character of Bingo Long is loosely based on Satchel Paige. As the team’s catcher and leader, Carter is a serious, no-nonsense figure who serves as a counterbalance to Pryor’s comedic antics and Williams’ charm. Jones brings a level of gravitas to the film, grounding its comedic elements with a deeper narrative about the struggles and perseverance of African American athletes during segregation.

Carter’s character is a reflection of the determination and resilience of players in the Negro Leagues, who were denied the opportunity to compete in Major League Baseball because of the color of their skin. Jones’ performance captures the pride and frustration of a man who knows he is one of the best in the world but is barred from achieving his full potential due to racism. The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings is not only an entertaining sports film but also an important exploration of race, opportunity, and the joy of the game.

4. “Best of the Best” (1989) – Frank Couzo

Best of the Best, a 1989 martial arts sports drama, may not be as well-known as some of the other films on this list, but it features James Earl Jones in a memorable role as Frank Couzo, the hard-nosed coach of the U.S. national karate team. The film centers around a group of American martial artists preparing to compete against the Korean national team, and Jones’ character is the demanding coach who pushes his athletes to their limits.

In this role, Jones plays the archetypal tough coach who believes in discipline, hard work, and mental toughness. His deep voice and authoritative presence make him a natural fit for the role of a coach who commands respect from his team. Though Best of the Best is primarily an action film, Jones’ performance adds a layer of seriousness to the story, giving it emotional stakes beyond just the physical competition.

While Best of the Best may not have the critical acclaim of Field of Dreams or The Great White Hope, Jones’ role as Frank Couzo demonstrates his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring depth to any character he portrays, even in a genre like martial arts sports films.

5. Sandlot (1993) – Mr. Mertle

In The Sandlot (1993), James Earl Jones plays Mr. Mertle, a former baseball player and the owner of the fearsome dog “The Beast.” Living next to the sandlot where the boys play, Mr. Mertle is initially perceived as a mysterious, intimidating figure due to the legend surrounding his dog. However, when Scotty Smalls and his friends retrieve a baseball signed by Babe Ruth from his yard, they discover the truth about Mr. Mertle.

Far from the fearsome recluse they imagined, Mr. Mertle is a kind and wise man with a deep love for baseball. He reveals that he once played with legends like Babe Ruth, sharing a bond with the sport that mirrors the boys’ passion. Jones’ portrayal brings warmth, wisdom, and nostalgia to the role, making Mr. Mertle a pivotal figure in the film’s resolution. His character ultimately teaches the boys a valuable lesson about confronting their fears and appreciating the history and joy of the game.