Cedar Rapids Kernels to play Midwest League game at Field of Dreams

CEDAR RAPIDS — They built it, and the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Quad Cities River Bandits will come.

Major League Baseball announced late Thursday morning that the Iowa minor league baseball clubs are scheduled to meet for a Midwest League game Aug. 9 at the Field of Dreams movie site near Dyersville.

This will be the second professional baseball game at the site, following last August’s MLB game (the first ever in Iowa) between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds will play a regular-season game Aug. 11 at the Field of Dreams.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to play in the first minor league game at such an iconic venue,” said Cedar Rapids General Manager Scott Wilson. “This will certainly be an incredible experience for our players, our organization and our great fans.”

The Kernels and River Bandits will wear throwback jerseys from 1919 for their game. The Kernels, who officially will be the visiting team, will wear jerseys of the Cedar Rapids Bunnies, who they were known as from 1904 to 1932.

Quad Cities will be the Davenport Blue Sox, who it was known as during periods in the 1910s, 1920s and 1930s.

“We are thrilled to be able to host a game at such a perfect location for baseball fans from Eastern 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, and for the Kansas City Royals, our players and Bandit fans from across the region.”

MLB said information on tickets will be revealed at a later date.

“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, Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations. “We are excited for our 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.”

As you’d imagine, Kernels Manager Brian Dinkelman said his club was excited about the special opportunity.

“I had heard some rumors in spring training that it might happen,” he said. “I don’t know if they (the players) know about it, yet, but I’m sure it’ll be exciting for those guys to get on that field and play. It’ll be a good experience for all of us.”

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