The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
With last week’s Field of Dreams game captivating viewers across the country, we wanted to look back on Iowa’s biggest baseball event ever.
Field of Dreams Captivates Viewers Across the Country
...and scene ??
— Travel Iowa (@Travel_Iowa) August 13, 2021
Goodnight from Dyersville, Iowa! https://t.co/TDFm0wiAXY
Those who tuned into FOX’s broadcast of the MLB’s Field of Dreams game in Dyersville last Thursday were treated to baseball at its finest. Nearly 8,000 fans filed into the specially constructed stadium to witness baseball in a small, intimate setting. Starting with an in-character appearance by Kevin Costner, what happened afterward might as well have been written by a Hollywood screenwriter.
The game, which was the most viewed regular season MLB game in 16 years, featured multiple home runs and ended with a walk-off homer by Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson. With a picture-perfect sunset, a back-and-forth ballgame and a beautiful venue, the Field of Dreams game was one special event that we’ll remember for years to come.
Costner Makes Grand Entrance
This entrance is everything. #MLBatFieldofDreams pic.twitter.com/ve6Q0Rmuff
— MLB (@MLB) August 12, 2021
One of Kevin Costner’s most iconic roles is that of Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who builds a baseball diamond in the middle of his family’s corn crop. Costner got into character Thursday night as he entered the stadium, followed by New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox players. He delivered a speech about the magic of that movie and Dyersville before throwing out the first pitch.
“Thirty years ago, on the other side of that corn, we filmed a movie that’s stood the test of time,” said Costner. “Tonight, thanks to that enduring impact that that little movie had, we’re able to come here again.”
The Game Itself Was Straight Out of a Movie
Ok yup this is one of the coolest videos we've ever seen.@whitesox | @TimAnderson7 pic.twitter.com/0M5FXHekzg
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 13, 2021
For a game that received plenty of attention and hype beforehand, this one managed to exceed expectations. Things got started early with a home run by White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu in the bottom of the first. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton of the Yankees answered with two-run homers each.
As the game entered the ninth inning, the Yankees took the lead, making the score 8-7. Anderson led the White Sox comeback with a two-run homer to put an end to the ballgame.
“That was as special and breathtaking a setting for a baseball game as I’ve ever been part of,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.
“Good Morning America” Celebrates Iowa Businesses
.@GMA featured a few Iowa businesses this morning who’ve managed to hit it out of the park. Watch as @LolasFineSauce, Next Page Books and Bessie's Parlor share the spotlight ahead of tomorrow’s big game. https://t.co/PeZRnflsG6
— Travel Iowa (@Travel_Iowa) August 11, 2021
As part of its Rise & Shine series, which showcases businesses and people that make each state so special, “Good Morning America” sent reporter Ike Ejiochi to Iowa and featured three businesses that not only survived the COVID-19 pandemic but are thriving. Ejiochi met with the owners of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce in Ankeny, Next Page Books in Cedar Rapids and Bessie’s Parlor in Ames. The GMA reporter was also able to surprise a father who spent 144 days in the hospital battling COVID-19 with a pair of tickets to the big game.
Play on the Field of Dreams with MLB THE SHOW 21
?? @mlb Field of Dreams is coming to #MLBTheShow21 tomorrow as part of a free content update! Watch the trailer now! https://t.co/sve90sfn7N pic.twitter.com/ZIQn8nSkB3
— MLB The Show (@MLBTheShow) August 9, 2021
If you’re a gamer who’s into baseball or a ball player who loves to play video games, MLB® THE SHOW™ 21 had an exciting update that you’ll want to check out ASAP. The Field of Dreams is now a playable location, complete with corn fields, old-school dugouts and retro uniforms.
In a blog post, PlayStation Senior Staff Environment Artist Shawn Robles wrote about how the company recreated the famed stadium. “Ultimately, our designers aimed to create a playable, in-game replica that gives the Field of Dreams the respect it deserves and is something that we, the fans, and the Players would be proud of,” said Robles.