Batter up, nostalgia fans! In this heartwarming Tar Heel Traveler segment from WRAL, reporter Scott Mason takes us on a cinematic journey back to the iconic 1988 film Bull Durham. As the Durham Bulls kick off their new season, this flashback celebrates not just the team, but the cult classic movie that put both the Bulls and the Bull City in the national spotlight. From downtown Durham’s once-run-down ballpark to Hollywood magic featuring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins, the film wasn’t just a quirky romantic comedy—it became a legend that transformed a minor league team into a major pop culture phenomenon. And yes, the famous bull sign still snorts smoke every time someone hits a home run just like it did in the movie.

Key Points:

• Bull Durham, released in 1988, was filmed in Durham, North Carolina, and centered around the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team. It’s widely considered one of the greatest baseball movies of all time.

• Kevin Costner played Crash Davis, a seasoned minor-league catcher, while Susan Sarandon portrayed Annie Savoy, the baseball muse, and Tim Robbins starred as hotheaded pitcher Nuke LaLoosh.

• The movie was filmed on-location at the original Durham Athletic Park, which was, at the time, old and falling apart — but perfect for the gritty charm the film needed.

• The film is still closely tied to Durham’s identity. “It forever changed the way people all over the country saw Durham,” says WRAL’s Scott Mason. The Bulls' popularity exploded after the film’s release.

• The infamous "Hit Bull, Win Steak" sign — yes, the one from the movie — is real and still in use at the Bulls’ newer stadium today (Durham Bulls Athletic Park).

• Bull Durham wasn’t just fiction. The story was loosely inspired by Ron Shelton’s real-life experiences in the minor leagues. He wrote and directed the movie with love for the game and all its quirks.

• The revitalization of Durham, from a quiet tobacco town to a vibrant foodie and tech destination, owes a bit of credit to the film’s spotlight.

As they say in the film: “The world is made for people who aren’t cursed with self-awareness.” But Bull Durham was made for anyone who loves baseball, love stories, or just a great comeback tale — both on screen and in real life.

Sources include WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler series, IMDb, and Durham tourism highlights.
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