Phillies give four ex-players 'Moonlight' moment before Field of Dreams game in Iowa

By John Damon | Just The News Iowa

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies honored four former players who never got a big league at-bat by giving them their 'Moonlight' moment Sunday, a fitting tribute ahead of this week's Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa.

The event at Citizens Bank Park paid homage to the 1989 classic film 'Field of Dreams,' which was set on a farm in Iowa and featured the real-life story of Archibald 'Moonlight' Graham. Graham reached the majors in 1905 but never recorded an official at-bat, a story made famous in the movie when Kevin Costner's character helps him finally step to the plate.

On Thursday, the Phillies will face the Minnesota Twins at the actual Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, a small town about 180 miles east of Des Moines. The game is expected to draw national attention to Iowa's deep baseball roots and agricultural heritage.

Four players finally get their big league moment

The Phillies invited four former players who reached the Major Leagues but never got into a game: pitchers Jeff Singer and Tim Lahey, catcher Tim Gradoville, and infielder Will Toffey. Each received a special-edition Field of Dreams uniform and threw out a ceremonial first pitch before a packed crowd.

For Lahey, who last played professionally in 2010 and now works in real estate, the moment was deeply personal. He broke camp with the 2008 Phillies as part of their Opening Day bullpen but never stepped on the mound during his brief stint with the eventual World Series champions.

'If you're familiar with the movie, you know that there are mixed emotions that come with an honor like this, but it's an honor nonetheless,' Lahey said. 'And I have my two kids here today with me, so it means a lot.'

Family and community at the heart of the tribute

Gradoville, a 37th-round draft pick in 2002, was called up to the majors on Sept. 6, 2006, but never got into a game during his 16 days on the roster. He now works in finance and as a catching instructor.

'I'm more grateful than anything,' Gradoville said. 'My kids weren't born yet when I was playing, so it's pretty cool for them to see me on the field because they never got that opportunity when I played.'

Singer, who grew up in South Jersey and attended games at Veterans Stadium as a child, said the honor was especially meaningful because his family never got to see him on a big league field before.

'Being from this area, it's such an honor,' Singer said. 'My family got to come and see me be on the big league field, which was really cool.'

Iowa's Field of Dreams game draws national spotlight

The Field of Dreams game has become a marquee event on the MLB calendar, celebrating the sport's connection to rural America and Iowa's place in baseball history. The movie site in Dyersville draws thousands of visitors each year, and the game itself has become a symbol of the state's agricultural and community values.

For Toffey, the event was a reminder of the sacrifices players make to reach the highest level of the sport.

'Obviously, making it to the Major Leagues is one of the hardest things to do in sports,' Toffey said. 'The fact that we all were able to have a short glimpse of what it's like in the Major Leagues, a day like today really just kind of affirms your career.'

The four former players all successfully threw their first pitches, hitting the catcher's glove on every attempt.

Thursday's game between the Phillies and Twins is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. CT at the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville.

FAQ

What is the Field of Dreams game?

The MLB at Field of Dreams game is an annual regular-season game played at the movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, celebrating the 1989 film and baseball's connection to rural America.

Who were the four former players honored by the Phillies?

The Phillies honored pitchers Jeff Singer and Tim Lahey, catcher Tim Gradoville, and infielder Will Toffey, all of whom reached the Major Leagues but never appeared in a game.

When is the 2026 Field of Dreams game?

The game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. CT in Dyersville, Iowa.