The movie was right, “If you build it, he will come.” On the same weekend that the iconic baseball film Field of Dreams celebrated its 25th anniversary in Dyersville, Iowa, “Shoeless Joe Jackson” was sighted in Clunette, Ind.

Shoeless Joe emerged from the corn growing just beyond the outfield at the Field of Dreams baseball field on CR 700 early in the first inning of the 12 and under game between Wawasee Elite and Plymouth. Shoeless Joe even stayed to watch a few plays.

The Field of Dreams was built by Sam Cormany in 2003-2004, and was home to the Indiana Sluggers. The field was dedicated to Mr. Cormany’s memory in June 2004. The field and surrounding property is now owned by Jack Mikel and is home to the Wawasee Elite 10u and 12u teams. The team is finishing their first season in the Boys of Summer League, with the end of season tournament approaching at the end of this month.

The field has not been used for several years, so parents and players worked together to refurbish dugouts, bleachers, the scoreboard and concession stand in a matter of weeks in order to be ready for the season.

Much like the storyline from its namesake movie, the effort was a story of dreams turning into reality through perseverance and hard work and people coming together to make something happen.