People Will Come

The “Field of Dreams” game

Field+of+Dreams+actors+walk+out+of+the+cornfield.

Photo by Carol M. Highsmith; Library of Congress

Field of Dreams actors walk out of the cornfield.

On Aug. 12, the New York Yankees played the Chicago White Sox in Dyersville, Iowa. Dyersville is the location where they filmed the baseball classic, “Field of Dreams.” Major League Baseball developed and built an entirely new stadium next to the film’s historic field.

“‘Field of Dreams’ is such a simple movie about a game of catch with your Dad, the relationships we share, and the love of a game,” Eric Gough, varsity baseball coach, said. “The James Earl Jones speech about baseball captures the essence of baseball as an integral part of America’s past and traditions.”

The game was not the only attraction there for fans. The field where the movie was shot is already a sought-out destination, but there is also a corn maze and photo opportunities with signs and cardboard cut-outs of players.

“The atmosphere of the game took fans back to a simpler time when players played just for the love of the game,” Gough said. “It was a phenomenal entrance as the players entered the field from the corn. If you watched the ‘Field of Dreams’ game and were not moved by it, you are not a baseball fan.”

The Yankees and White Sox wore throwback uniforms similar to those worn in the 1919 season and the movie. Prior to the game, Academy Award-winning actor and director Kevin Costner, who starred in the film, led both teams on the field from the corn like the classic scene from the movie, according to mlb.com.

“I loved that the outfield was super short,” senior Joshua Cribbin said. “It made home runs easier to hit, which gave the game way more action.”

The White Sox ended up winning the nail-biting game nine to eight thanks to Tim Anderson’s walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning. The game was viewed by more than 5.9 million people, making it the most-viewed regular-season baseball game in over 15 years. The Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs are scheduled to play a game there next season, all according to cnbc.com.

“I thought it was a fantastic experience for fans,” Cribbin said. “I think they should play a game every year, and who knows, maybe this could lead to using other venues for games.”