DYERSVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Frank Thomas has found his Field of Dreams.
The Hall of Famer has headed a venture that bought controlling interest in Go the Distance Baseball’s stake of All-Star Ballpark Heaven and the Field of Dreams Movie Site.
The company said Thursday that This is Heaven LLC, a company of the 53-year-old Thomas and Chicago real estate developer Rick Heidner, bought the interests in Go the Distance Baseball owned by the Denise M. Stillman Trust.
Thomas will be chief executive officer and former Chicago White Sox general manager Dan Evans will be chief operating officer.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement today in response to the new ownership of the Field of Dreams.
“I’m excited about the new ownership of the Field of Dreams property in Dyersville, and want to thank Frank Thomas for his investment in Iowa."
“This iconic movie site has drawn millions of people to our state over the years, most recently during the first-ever MLB game held in Iowa between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox."
“The Field of Dreams is symbolic of what makes Iowa such a special place, and I'm proud to showcase it for the nation."
“Now, with Frank’s vision, new leadership and strong state and local partnerships, I’m confident that the Field of Dreams will become a world class attraction, and further expand economic development opportunities for Dyersville, its surrounding communities and our state as a whole."
“The State of Iowa is committed to the continued success of this site, and I look forward to working with Frank and his team soon.”
Stillman headed a group that bought the field, the location of the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams,” and the adjacent Lansing family farm in 2011. The site of about 190 acres includes a working cornfield. She died in 2018.
Major League Baseball built a ballpark adjacent to the movie site, and the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox played the first big league game there on Aug. 12. The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are scheduled to play there next Aug. 11.
Thomas, a five-time All-Star and two-time AL MVP nicknamed the Big Hurt, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.
