How do you get a national audience to tune into a struggling Chicago Cubs (45-65) and Cincinnati Reds (44-66) game? Send them to Iowa and the Field of Dreams.
For the second year in a row, MLB will be playing a regular season game in Dyersville, Iowa. The game will take place at the specially constructed stadium located right next to the movie set baseball field, from the iconic film “Field of Dreams.” The stadium holds approximately 8,000 fans, thus making for a unique and intimate setting for those fortunate enough to secure a ticket.
Field of Dreams game between Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds chance to reflect on and share love for baseball
Last season’s contest was one for the ages. A tightly contested game that saw the New York Yankees score four runs in the top half of the ninth, taking a one-run lead. But not to be outdone, Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson walked it off with a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth. It would be wishful thinking that we would get the same type of movie ending to the game this year, but maybe we can all get something even more out of the game.
These two teams aren’t battling for the playoffs, but it is fair to say that this night will be one that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Baseball is a game, but it is one that has been passed down from generation to generation and means so much to so many. It is a game that gives hope, excitement, heartache, wins, losses, education, memories, stories, and joy. So tonight, if you have the opportunity, I encourage you to tune into a game between two teams that have sub-.500 records and enjoy the moment with someone you love. It will be time well spent and, like the players on the field, it very well could be a moment that you will remember for a longtime.
It doesn’t matter if you are a “have a catch” — used in the movie — or “play catch” kind of person, there is no denying the feelings and emotions that come from simply throwing and catching a baseball with a friend or loved one. Major League Baseball players get to live out their dreams each day that they don their uniform and take to the field. Tonight, in Iowa, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds players alike will get to embark on a journey that many of us have dreamed about for years. Stepping through the corn field and onto the diamond.
Tonight’s game will be televised on FOX, with the pregame festivities beginning at 6 p.m. (Eastern) and the first pitch slated for 7:15 p.m. (Eastern)
Unfortunately for fans of the cornstalk game, the owners of the property have notified MLB that there will not be a 2023 Field of Dreams game because of construction that will be occurring next year. There has been no official word on if MLB will return in 2024, but let’s take it all in tonight and hope that they do.