Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and MLB's Field of Dreams: Out Here in the Fields
The Chicago Cubs and division rival Cincinnati Reds met last Thursday night as Major League Baseball reunited for the second year in a row within the cornfields of Iowa on the filming site of the beloved baseball film “Field of Dreams.” Under normal circumstances, a mid-week August matchup between two teams with a combined winning percentage of 40% would not draw the biggest of crowds.
But for one magical evening, no one told the stadium sellout of 7,823 people in Dyersville, Iowa that, or the millions watching from home.
For one magical evening, two teams slowly marching towards the conclusion of a "rebuild" season for nine innings had no worries of win-loss records, impending contract expirations, or offseason trades. Instead, the gleaming cotton-candy skies, stoic corn-fields filled with chirping crickets, and a full-moon towering over the perfectly manicured field would highlight their season.
Players, coaches, fans, and everyone in between were invited to partake in a game that served as a reminder to us all: what makes us love the game.
Donning jersey tops and pants styled from 1929 and caps from 1914, the Cubbies' 45-65 record could be left without a mention. On this night they were contenders. Chicago followed suit as a three-run first inning outburst thanks to a Seiya Suzuki double, a Nico Hoerner single, and Ian Happ’s 30th double of the year, allowed fans to rejoice that their team came to play on the national stage.
Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Nick Lodolo warms-up
Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Starting pitcher Drew Smyly took the mound as he looked to build upon on the success from his previous start (6.2 IP, 5 hits, 0 ERs, 4 Ks, 1 BB). For one magical evening, the uncertain future of current star outfielder Happ and catcher Willson Contreras could slowly fade away with the setting Dyersville sun just beyond the third base line.
While their future with the Cubs remains to be expectedly resolved this upcoming offseason, the once shoo-in candidates to be traded at this year’s recently passed deadline took to the field and, as Happ explained, with some extra special merit.
Chicago Cubs Outfielder Ian Happ at Field of Dreams Game
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
During his fourth inning in-game interview, the switch-hitter cited how playing at the movie site, but more so in the middle of Iowa, reminded him exactly of his earliest playing days as a child. Growing up in Pittsburgh, the outfielder would often find himself in cornfield-filled car rides through Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa that would suddenly resolve to, amongst dirt roads and farm fields, his tournament baseball field and a place to chase down his dreams.
It wasn’t just the Cubs side that felt a personal connection to the game. For Cincinnati manager David Bell, and long-time Reds first baseman Joey Votto, the night’s occasion too had special personal tie-ins.
Bell, who grew up in Cincinnati and is now in his fourth season leading the club, cited how his baseball-revolving family synchronized with the themes of the movie. Growing up amongst baseball lifers, Bell's grandfather, father, and brother Mike, who passed away just last year, were not only on his mind but “with him” in the dugout.
Votto, who cites the film to be a major part of his childhood and love of baseball, offered commentary via Tweets and interviews about how the night would be one of the most important of his major league career.
Some 200 miles from Wrigley Field, with the hum of the flood lights slowly conceding to the anticipation of the Chicago faithful in the crowd, the Cubs carried a 4-2 lead into the ninth inning.
Just days before, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer cited that their beloved fans deserve better and that the team would be buyers in the coming winter months. Suddenly, for one magical night, the promise and prospect of the youthful Hoerner, Nick Madrigal, and Christopher Morel offered an invitation for subscription, a belief that there is a foundation for this team to compete.
As the bottom of the ninth began, 29 year old right-hander Rowan Wick took to the mound trying to secure his third save in as many consecutive outings. Utilizing his fastball, curveball, cutter, and slider, Wick was perfect against the three pinstriped Reds that stood in the batter’s box. With two strikeouts and a ground out back to the pitcher, and a lifetime of memories made, the "W" flag could fly high in Iowa.
For one magical night, the promise of next year suddenly didn’t seem so far away.
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