Thursday’s matchup between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox was far from normal — like something out of a dream.
That’s because they were playing in Dyersville, Iowa, right next door to the site where the Kevin Costner-led iconic movie "Field of Dreams" was filmed more than three decades ago.
Oh yes, Costner was on hand for the pregame festivities, and everything and everyone involved lived up to the hype, courtesy of MLB on Fox:
Absolute chills. #MLBatFieldofDreams pic.twitter.com/JsejH3OsWI
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 12, 2021
"On the other side of that corn we filmed a movie that stood the test of time. Tonight, thanks to that enduring impact that that little movie had, it's allowed us to come here again."
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 12, 2021
Kevin Costner with a fantastic speech before today's game
: #MLBatFieldofDreams pic.twitter.com/JdbHX8QJPn
This could’ve been a downright goofy idea and a desperate attempt to get more people interested in Major League Baseball. That’s probably, in some ways, how "Field of Dreams" could’ve turned out as a film if it were in different hands.
However, the merging of Hollywood and real professional sports is looking like a raging success. Even before the White Sox and Yankees stepped onto the field — yes, they recreated the epic scene from the movie where the players emerge from the cornfields — news has already surfaced that more "Field of Dreams" games could be in the pipeline.
Bringing two MLB clubs to a town that wouldn’t otherwise have the convenient means to take in professional baseball at the highest level is a win for everyone involved. Tie in the little bit of movie history, and it’s quite a combination.
It’ll be interesting to see how ratings for this one-of-a-kind baseball atmosphere play against the NFL preseason. If the numbers are strong, don’t be surprised to, indeed, see more "Field of Dreams" MLB action in the coming years.
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