The Story of Irish Baseball
"The Emerald Diamond" is a 90-minute
documentary about the Irish National Baseball Team. Although there had been
several attempts to bring baseball to Ireland in the 20th century, the game did
not take hold until 1995:
"Adult level Baseball in Ireland began to formally take shape in 1995. Visiting
coaches from Major League Baseball International (MLBI) provided the much needed
instruction to adult players, most of who had only played recreational softball
but wished a greater competitive and athletic challenge.
In 1996, with the assistance of MLBI coaches, Ireland played in its first
international competition, the European Championships held in Hull, England.
This international experience generated a great deal of interest in Baseball and
has ultimately resulted in a ten team
Adult League
being formed with seven teams in Dublin, two in Belfast and one in Greystones,
Co. Wicklow."
Source:
BaseballIreland.com
Since its modest beginnings in 1995, Irish baseball has steadily grown. Today,
adult and youth teams can be found in Dublin, Belfast, Greystones, Cork and
Kerry. Several new teams are formed each year. For more information, visit
www.BaseballIreland.com.
The Story of 'The Emerald Diamond'
"The Emerald Diamond" was produced and directed by John Fitzgerald. As a first-time filmmaker, Fitzgerald unsuccessfully attempted to raise production money through film grants and eBay auctions. With no money and no distribution deal in place, Fitzgerald decided to finance the project on credit cards. He flew to Dublin with cameraman Bill Winters to begin filming interviews in the spring and summer of 2004.
Fitzgerald followed the Irish National Team to the 2004 European Baseball Championships in Regensburg, Germany, where the team won the bronze medal - its first in international competition. Filming continued throughout the next year and concluded in September 2005.
Movie Premiere - February 25, 2006
"The Emerald Diamond" debuted to a sold out crowd of 250 people at the Jacob Burns Film Center in New York on February 25, 2006. Many of those in attendance traveled from Dublin to see the premiere.
Movie Tour, 2006-2007
Director John Fitzgerald screened "The Emerald Diamond" in over 30 cities in 2006 and early 2007. The first 20 screenings were sponsored by Boru Vodka - Ireland's leading brand of vodka. The remaining screenings were hosted by various Irish-American and community organizations. During the tour, the trailer to the film was played during Irish Heritage Night at Shea Stadium, AT&T Park and The Metrodome.
Support Irish Baseball
Producer/Director John Fitzgerald has formed EMERALD DIAMOND USA - a charity dedicated to raising funds for the continued development of baseball programs in Ireland. For more information, visit www.SupportIrishBaseball.com.
For more information, contact Producer/Director John Fitzgerald
