The Field of Dreams Game as a concept takes center stage, especially on a night when the two teams on the field are playing for draft lottery position. But there WAS a baseball game, won by the Chicago Cubs. They can now forever fly their ‘2022 Field of Dreams Game Champions’ banner.
Much like last year’s initial installment, the whole thing just works for me. The throwback uniforms. The aesthetics of the park. The corn. The superfluous nostalgia. I love pairing it all with baseball, and doing it with the Cubs on the field made it all the better.
About the only thing that didn’t work was the hologram Harry Caray rendition of the seventh inning stretch. If you’re unfamiliar with the uncanny valley effect, this is a peak example:
Ah, but the game, itself!
Nick Madrigal had himself another good night at the plate, with a few hits and a couple steals, and the Cubs’ three two-out runs in the first inning were enough to stand up. Drew Smyly pitched as well as he has all year, and outside of a two-run double off of Michael Rucker, the bullpen held up their end, with Brandon Hughes and Rowan Wick both looking mighty good.
That was just a great night.