‘Field of Dreams’ Star to Appear at Springfield Wiffleball Tournament
Dwier Brown, the beloved star from ‘Field of Dreams,’ to headline Springfield Wiffleball Tournament
Dwier Brown may be responsible for making more men cry than nearly any other actor since 1989. He famously caught Kevin Costner’s iconic line, “Dad, you wanna’ have a catch?” in the classic film Field of Dreams, portraying John Kinsella, the father in a story that beautifully blended baseball with father-son bonds.
This year, Springfield’s own “Field of Dreams” — Stevie’s World of Wiffleball — will welcome Brown as a special guest for its 2025 tournament, set for Saturday.
According to founder John Leep, this tournament ranks among the largest wiffleball events in the country, attracting about 100 teams across all ages and skill levels to play on 20 fields at 4945 Derr Rd. Opening ceremonies kick off around 11 a.m., followed by Brown offering free autographs and playing catch with fans for two to three hours.
The family-friendly event also features food trucks, inflatables, and memorabilia from famous baseball movies, all with free admission.
Beyond the fun, the tournament serves as a fundraiser benefiting local children facing serious medical challenges. Inspired by Leep’s niece Kirsten, who was born with significant medical needs, and named in honor of his son Steve, the event combines Leep’s passion for wiffleball with a heartfelt mission.
At the heart of the event is Brown, whose few minutes on screen in Field of Dreams left a lasting impact on sports fans and movie lovers alike — an impact that still resonates 36 years later.
“So many people approach me with tears, sharing stories about their dads,” Brown said. “There are a lot of tearful embraces, and I’m honored to be part of that.”
Brown, an Ohio native, grew up on a farm near Medina, long before his character emerged from the cornfield in the film. He and his brother were avid sports fans, rooting for the Cleveland Indians.
His acting career included wins and losses — he missed out on roles that propelled Tom Cruise (Risky Business) and Brad Pitt (Thelma & Louise) to stardom — but his role in Field of Dreams remains his most influential.
“At the time, nobody realized what Field of Dreams would become,” Brown said. “It didn’t have a big love story or a dramatic climax, but it had heart.”
Though the film’s impact wasn’t immediate for Brown, he later wrote a book reflecting on the role and has embraced his place in sports and movie history. He has toured the country, including the real Field of Dreams in Iowa, often joking with old friends that his picture is now in the National Baseball Hall of Fame thanks to the film.
Brown frequently returns to Ohio, where his brother lives in Euclid. This won’t be his first visit to Springfield — he’s visited friends from Wittenberg University.
“I left Ohio 45 years ago, but I still have friends there. Ohio people have a great sense of humor,” he said.
At the tournament, Brown will sign autographs and play catch with as many visitors as possible. He’s also proud to support the charitable cause behind Stevie’s World of Wiffleball, likening it to the movie’s themes of dreams and second chances.
“John Leep is a real-life Ray Kinsella,” Brown said. “This field can truly strengthen a community.”
Both Brown and Leep share a deep bond through their fathers. Brown’s father passed away shortly before filming Field of Dreams, and Leep’s father passed just weeks ago.
“It’s been emotional and ironic to reunite with Dwier,” Leep said. “This will be a great day for Springfield.”
Leep is also proud of the local support the tournament has attracted, with about 90% of sponsors coming from small businesses in the area.
The 2025 Stevie’s World Kids being honored are Cooper, who battles myotubular myopathy—a rare muscle-weakening condition—and Larkin, who is fighting B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Both children share a love for baseball.
Additionally, the tournament is partnering with a group to raise funds for Blake Imogene Luna, who has a rare neurological disorder, through the event’s first-ever BIL Bash Pickleball Smash tournament.
The event will also remember two previous honorees who have passed away, known as Angels in the Outfield: Autumn Rose and Rikki Lynn.
Part of Derr Road near the tournament site will be closed during the event, but visitors can use free valet parking provided by Bill Marine Auto, which will shuttle attendees to the fields.
