High-A River Bandits, Kernels to play at Field of Dreams
The Aug. 9 game between the High-A Quad Cities River Bandits and the Cedar Rapids Kernels will have a very special setting, with Minor League Baseball announcing Thursday that the game will take place at the ballpark built adjacent to the “Field of Dreams” movie site in the cornfields of Dyersville, Iowa.
The ballpark played host to the inaugural MLB at Field of Dreams Game between the White Sox and Yankees -- the first MLB game held in Iowa -- last season and will do so again on Aug. 11 when the Cubs take on the Reds.
The first MiLB at Field of Dreams game will have a local flavor due to the involvement of the River Bandits and Kernels, who are both located in Iowa. The River Bandits are the Royals' High-A affiliate, while the Kernels are a Twins affiliate.
“Being able to have our two Minor League Baseball teams in Eastern Iowa play a game in Dyersville is a perfect fit,” said Morgan Sword, MLB’s executive vice president, baseball operations. “Players and coaches, and we hope fans, will take advantage of the opportunity to see a professional game at one of America’s most scenic ballparks.”
Much like the White Sox and Yankees did when they wore throwbacks that replicated their 1919 uniforms for MLB at Field of Dreams, the River Bandits will become the Davenport Blue Sox (their name during the 1913-1916, 1929-1933 and 1934-37 seasons), while the Kernels will become the Cedar Rapids Bunnies (their name from 1904-32).
“We are thrilled to be able to host a game at such an iconic location for baseball fans from Iowa and around the world,” said Quad Cities owner Dave Heller. “This is an opportunity that we have hoped for since MLB announced plans to build a ballpark in Dyersville, and to see it come to fruition is really exciting for our organization, players and fans.”
Ticket information for MiLB at Field of Dreams will be made available at a later date.