Amidst our Summer of TV sports discontent (see Olympics), FOX and Major League Baseball were able to pull off a magical broadcast for the ages. The ‘Field of Dreams’ game is exactly what MLB needed. The Chicago White Sox defeated the New York Yankess 9-8. MLB.com called the conclusion a “Hollywood ending”. Chicago’s Tim Anderson provided a stunning walk-off.
The movie, “Field of Dreams”, was a hit thirty-two years ago. Furthermore it was an Academy Award nominee for “Best Picture of the Year”. Here’s a quick synopsis if you need to get up to speed:
When Iowa farmer Ray (Kevin Costner) hears a mysterious voice one night in his cornfield saying “If you build it, he will come,” he feels the need to act. Despite taunts of lunacy, Ray builds a baseball diamond on his land, supported by his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan). Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play.
Hollywood Blockbuster Level Production
Baseball fans always had a special place for the Costner film. But to see Costner emerge himself at the special field built in Dyersville, Iowa was extraordinary. His entry and speech blurred the line between MLB game and movie. Furthermore, the players emerging from the cornfield was perfect.
As the game got underway, the crowd was initially quiet. As the FOX broadcast team commented, it was as if they felt they were in church.
MLB Commissioner already has another Field of Dreams Game planned for August 2022.
“I have to tell you when I walked out today — I haven’t been back since 2015 — and saw the finished product, I’m just blown away,” Manfred said. “The work that our people at Major League Baseball did is absolutely phenomenal, right down to the littlest details about what the dugouts are going to look like, what the scoreboard was going to be, how it was going to be operated.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred via MLB.com
The Yankees and White Sox are off to Chicago for a weekend series.
