Iowa’s Field of Dreams Game Returns: Top 5 Moments from the First Two Classics
By John Damon
The MLB at Field of Dreams Game is back after a four-year break, returning to the iconic Dyersville, Iowa site where the 1989 film was shot. The Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins will face off on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Netflix. With a new stadium now in place and more than 25 Hall of Famers expected to attend, this year’s game promises to be a major event for Iowa and baseball fans nationwide.
As the third edition approaches, here are the five most memorable moments from the first two games in 2021 and 2022.
1. Heroes Emerge from the Cornfields (2021)
One of the most iconic scenes in the film “Field of Dreams” features ghostly ballplayers emerging from the cornfield. The 2021 game recreated that magic. Kevin Costner, who played Ray Kinsella in the movie, stood behind the mound as White Sox and Yankees players — including Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Tim Anderson, and José Abreu — walked out of the cornfield and onto the field.
Costner addressed the crowd and millions watching on TV, saying, “We kept our promise, Major League Baseball has kept its promise. The dream is still alive. There’s probably just one question to answer: Is this heaven?”
2. An 8-Homer Slugfest (2021)
The first game turned into a classic slugfest, with eight home runs between the White Sox and Yankees. Judge hit two homers — a three-run shot in the third and a two-run blast in the ninth that cut New York’s deficit to one. After Joey Gallo walked, Stanton crushed a two-run homer to put the Yankees ahead. But the drama was far from over.
3. Anderson’s Iconic Walk-Off Homer (2021)
With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Tim Anderson crushed a two-run walk-off homer into the cornfield beyond right field, securing a White Sox victory. As he rounded the bases and his teammates mobbed him at home plate, fireworks lit up the Iowa sky. Announcer Joe Buck captured the moment: “This was some kind of night for baseball.”
4. The Griffeys Have a Catch (2022)
Before the 2022 game between the Cubs and Reds, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. — one of baseball’s greatest father-son duos — paid tribute to the film’s emotional catch scene. They emerged from the cornfield, and Junior asked his father, “Hey Dad, you want to have a catch?” Griffey Sr. replied, “I’d like that, son.” They tossed the ball as Cubs and Reds legends, including Johnny Bench and Fergie Jenkins, joined them. The moment honored family, baseball history, and Iowa’s role in bringing it all together.
5. Smyly Leads Cubs to Victory Over Reds (2022)
Left-hander Drew Smyly started for the Cubs and delivered five scoreless innings, striking out nine and allowing just four hits. The Cubs struck early, scoring three runs in the first off Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo. RBI doubles from Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ, plus an RBI single from Nico Hoerner, gave Chicago a lead it never lost. Nick Madrigal added an RBI single in the fourth. The Reds scored two in the seventh on a double by Matt Reynolds, but it wasn’t enough. The Cubs won 4-2, giving Iowa fans a memorable victory.
What to Expect in 2026
This year’s game features the Phillies and Twins, with the new stadium adding to the experience. For Iowa, the Field of Dreams Game is more than a baseball event — it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the values that make the state special. Fans can watch live on Netflix or visit Dyersville to see the action in person.
Photo: MLB.com