Marcus resident Bruce Dreckman was able to do something that only one other Iowan has been able to do, and that is umpire a Major League Baseball game occurring in the state of Iowa. He did so on Thursday in Philadelphia’s 7-1 win over Minnesota in the Field of Dreams Game in Dyersville.
Dreckman was granted this opportunity thanks to the needs of the facilities at the Field of Dreams stadium. Dreckman says due to the replay facility being on hand, there was a need for a fifth umpire to be staffed. He was quick to respond in the affirmative when asked about the opportunity.
This opportunity had to bend some of the norms for MLB umpires most of the time. Dreckman had just worked Minnesota’s series at home against Baltimore before reconnecting with the Twins in Dyersville again. Dreckman says the schedule adjustments were a special consideration, so he could be granted this opportunity.
Prior to joining the major leagues, Dreckman worked many minor league games within the state of Iowa and has experience officiating other levels of baseball competition closer to home very early in his career. He says this was his first time back in the state to umpire a game, and he says it was great to be back.
Part of the joy of the day was having his family there. Dreckmans aplenty were all over Dyersville on Thursday, and he says sharing that moment with them was special.
It still was a business trip for Bruce who had to forego some of the stereotypical activities associated with the Field of Dreams site. Dreckman says even though he did not get to have a catch out there, he still got to experience some of what makes the area unique.
As with many of Dreckman’s high-profile assignments, the nerves may be present before the game in the build-up to first pitch. This assignment was different considering where it took place, and Dreckman says the players understood that and enjoyed every moment on the field.
Part of the pregame pageantry included the Phillies and Twins entering the playing surface from the cornfield beyond the right field fence. Also, as part of the introductions, 26 Baseball Hall of Famers came out of the corn as well. While Dreckman was not on the field during that moment, he still had the opportunity to get up close and personal with many of the best to ever do it.
With the intimate setting in a facility that held just a little over 7,000 people, lots of things felt different than usual. For example, Dreckman says it was unique to have the MLB commissioner sitting very close to the field.
Dreckman says this game is great for his home state, and he is glad that everyone has enjoyed being involved in it.
The Field of Dreams Game is set to return to Dyersville on Thursday, August 12 of next year with the Boston Red Sox set to take on the Kansas City Royals.
Our full conversation recapping Dreckman’s Field of Dreams assignment can be found in the player below.
