Major League Baseball

Sights & Sounds: The Field of Dreams Game in Dyersville, Iowa

Updated Aug. 12, 2021 11:18 p.m. ET

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Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa.

MLB's Field of Dreams Game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees had the feeling of a movie, with the White Sox winning an instant classic in walk-off fashion, 9-8.

Eight home runs were belted and a combined six runs were scored in the ninth inning alone.

For one night, MLB called Iowa home and it's a night that won't soon be forgotten.

Let's take a look back:

To start the night, Kevin Costner, the star of the iconic film, emerged from the cornfield, followed by the players from each team. 

Costner then gave a touching speech that paid tribute to the movie and to Major League Baseball. 

"Is this heaven?" he asked. "Yes, it is."

Kevin Costner leads Yankees and White Sox from cornfield onto the Field of Dreams

Kevin Costner leads the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox from the cornfield to the Field of Dreams diamond ahead of their historic matchup in Iowa.

And then, finally, it was time to play ball, with Chicago's Lance Lynn taking the mound.

The White Sox struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a home run by Jose Abreu. 

In doing so, Abreu became the first player to hit a ball into the corn.

But two innings later, Aaron Judge got more than even for the Yankees, sending a three-run shot into the cornfield to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead.

In the bottom of the third inning, Tim Anderson responded with an RBI double that cut the Yankees lead to one run.

That was followed by a three-run home run by Eloy Jiménez that gave the White Sox a 5-3 lead.

Clearly, the big leaguers are having no problem adapting in Dyersville. 

In the fourth inning, Costner stopped by the commentary booth to discuss the impact of the film and the current game between the White Sox and Yankees with Joe Buck and John Smoltz.

The White Sox continued to pour in the runs in the fourth inning, with their third home run of the game coming from Seby Zavala.

While this might not be a normal MLB game at a major league ballpark, Iowa's finest made it feel like home for both the Yankees and White Sox heading into the seventh inning, singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

Aaron Judge is an All-Star, but the Yankees might want to look into playing the rest of their games in Iowa if he is going to continue to pound out multiple home runs in games.

Judge delivered his second homer of the night with a two-run blast in the ninth inning.

And that was followed up by a two-run home run from Giancarlo Stanton to give the Yankees an 8-7 lead.

Both home runs from Judge and Stanton came with two outs.

But in the bottom of the ninth, the White Sox got their opportunity to respond, and Tim Anderson did just that with a two-run home run to give the White Sox a 9-8 win.

Prior to the game, there were a host of wonderful activities, including a live stream of batting practice.

Former major leaguer Jeff Banister reflected with Tom Rinaldi on how he battled cancer and other obstacles on his journey through baseball, all due to his love for the game.

Tom Rinaldi shares Jeff Banister's incredible story of heartbreak and perseverance

Tom Rinaldi shared the incredible story of one baseball player's heartbreak and perseverance. Jeff Banister told his emotional story of making the big leagues when the odds were stacked against him.

In addition, as mentioned before, the stars were present on and off the field in Iowa.

Costner swung by the MLB on FOX set to talk about starring in "Field of Dreams" and what it meant to preserve the site after filming wrapped. 

Actor Ray Liotta, who played "Shoeless" Joe Jackson in the movie, shared what it was like to make the movie. 

The film also carries a lot of meaning for the players themselves, and former big leaguers Alex Rodriguez, Frank Thomas and David Ortiz all discussed the famous film.

Field of Dreams: Ray Liotta recalls making the movie 33 years before the Yankees and White Sox take the field

Go back 33 years with Ray Liotta to see how a small farm town in Iowa became the center of the baseball world for one summer. Plus, Alex Rodriguez, Frank Thomas, and David Ortiz share their memories of the movie ahead of the highly-anticipated Field of Dreams game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox.

Also ahead of the game, a few Yankees took a stroll through the corn maze located on the perimeter of the stadium. Given that it's a maze, finding their way back wasn't exactly straightforward.

Ken Rosenthal had the details.

If you didn't think the players were just as excited as fans about the game, check out Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton paying homage to the "Field of Dreams" movie (And if you're unaware of the film, or why any of this is happening, check out this primer for all of those answers).

And Stanton might have earned himself a new nickname after warming up with two ears of the yellow gold in his back pockets.

Nothin' to see here, just White Sox ace Lucas Giolito tending some pristine grass.

Also, FOX Sports' Ben Verlander is on the ground to be your eyes and ears from the corn.

Ahead of Thursday's game, Verlander took a tour through the "Field of Dreams" movie house.

Ben Verlander tours 'Field of Dreams' movie house

Ben Verlander gives you a tour along with fun facts of the home and property centered around the "Field of Dreams" movie ahead of the game in Dyersville, Iowa between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees!

Fans of the film will recognize the White Sox strolling in from the corn.

Take a look at Aaron Judge's custom cleats for the game, featuring the iconic line from the movie: "If you build it, he will come."

What does that mean? You'll have to watch the movie ⁠— if you haven't already ⁠— to find out!

Verlander arrived in Dyersville, Iowa, on Wednesday and immediately got to work exploring the surroundings.

First, he checked out the stadium, set to host 8,000 Iowa residents come Thursday evening.

Ben Verlander's Yankees vs. White Sox 'Field of Dreams' stadium tour

Ben Verlander gives you a full tour of the reinvented "Field of Dreams" stadium in Dyersville, Iowa, ahead of Thursday’s matchup between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees, with coverage starting at 6 p.m. ET on FOX!

Then he spent some time hanging out with MLB stars … well, kind of.

And of course, he had to attempt the corn maze. Which he survived.

Also, the baseball action got started Wednesday, with a game featuring youth teams from Chicago and New York.

The players did not disappoint.

Also, Kevin Costner was there. So that's pretty neat.

All in all, the Field of Dreams seems pretty magical.

Stay tuned for more!

Play the FOX Super 6 Field of Dreams game for your chance to win $10,000 of David Ortiz's money! Just download the Super 6 app on your phone or mobile device, make your picks for Thursday's game then tune in and check out the action.

For more up-to-date news on all things MLB, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app!

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Major League Baseball

Chicago White Sox

New York Yankees

José Abreu

Aaron Judge

Tim Anderson

Seby Zavala

Eloy Jiménez

Giancarlo Stanton

Ben Verlander

Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander