ESPN features Field of Dreams among most scenic baseball parks in America
Iowa may not have an MLB team, but the state remains relevant in the baseball world.
ESPN SportsCenter's Instagram account on Tuesday posted the Field of Dreams ballpark, inspired by the 1989 film of the same name, as one of the "best backdrops in baseball," alongside other scenic places to play around the country.
The aerial snapshot captures the field's iconic cornfields beyond its outfield walls, as well as how secluded the park is among the surrounding farmland in Dyersville.
More: With latest Field of Dreams grant, stadium project's public funding now exceeds stated budget
When was the MLB's Field of Dreams game?
The MLB debuted its Field of Dreams game on Aug. 12, 2021 with a matchup between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. The event marked the first Major League game ever played at the movie location, as well as in the state of Iowa.
The league used the field again the following year for a Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds game on Aug. 11, 2022, but a professional contest has not played at the location since.
Who won the Field of Dreams games?
The White Sox beat the Yankees in 2021, 9-8. Chicago shortstop Tim Anderson hit a dramatic walk-off home run to complete the victory, his second long ball of the game.
In 2022, the Cubs topped the Reds, 4-2.
How many people watched the Field of Dreams games?
According to Fox Sports, which broadcast both games, the first Field of Dreams game saw nearly 6 million viewers tune in. The MLB said it was the most-watched regular season game on any network since 1998, and Fox Sports claimed it was its most-streamed regular season baseball game of all time.
The following year's broadcast, though, only garnered about 3.5 million viewers.
Will there be another Field of Dreams game?
There are no reports as of February 2024 that the MLB has plans for another Field of Dreams game.
Any plans for a 2023 contest were shelved when construction began for an $80 million project near the field.
In the meantime, the league is exploring other historic locations for similarly-themed unique games.
Gus Martin is a Digital Producer/Content Director for The Des Moines Register. Follow him on X at @GusMartin_DMR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: ESPN features Iowa's Field of Dreams among most scenic baseball parks
