Last MLB Field of Dreams Game: Revisiting 2022 Cubs vs. Reds and why it took so long to come back

Last MLB Field of Dreams Game: Revisiting 2022 Cubs vs. Reds and why it took so long to come back originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Throughout the past decade, MLB has increasingly found ways to spice up its regular-season slate — especially in the dog days of summer.

From “Player’s Weekend” to games at Bristol Motor Speedway and Fort Bragg, by August, there have often been some unique matchups on the baseball schedule.

One of those speciality games, the Field of Dreams Game, was introduced in 2021 — but this year’s matchup between the Phillies and Twins will mark just the third event in its history.

Here’s what to know about the last Field of Dreams Game and why MLB had the event on a four-year hiatus.

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When was last MLB Field of Dreams Game?

The last time MLB held its Field of Dreams Game — a matchup intended to highlight the location of the iconic baseball film “Field of Dreams,” which has now become a tourist location — was during the 2022 season. This year’s matchup between the Phillies and Twins marks four years since the last Field of Dreams matchup.

In 2022, it was the Cubs and Reds who were selected to face off in Dryersdale. The teams both wore retro uniforms, with Cincinnati donning outfits matching what it wore in the 1919 World Series. 

Pregame, Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. played catch, while some Cubs and Reds legends like Johnny Bench, Andre Dawson and Ryne Sandberg made appearances.

It was #OTD in 2022 that the #Cubs and Reds played in the second ever Field of Dreams game. Fergie Jenkins threw out the first pitch to Johnny Bench, the Cubs scored 3 in the 1st with Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ driving in runs. Drew Smyly pitched 5 shutout innings… pic.twitter.com/TrfZfsfCus

— Crawly’s Cubs Kingdom (@crawlyscubs) August 11, 2026

A three-run first-inning ultimately propelled the Cubs to a 4-2 win.

Matt Reynolds gets us on the board! #MLBatFieldofDreamspic.twitter.com/w8IKIawwT3

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 12, 2022

How many MLB Field of Dreams Games have there been?

There have been two previous Field of Dreams Games held by MLB, with the third arriving in the 2026 season.

The inaugural Field of Dreams game was held between the Yankees and White Sox in 2021. Originally, the speciality matchup was scheduled for the 2020 season, but due to the shortened season and COVID-19 protocols, it was delayed to 2021.

Here’s a look at the brief history of MLB Field of Dreams Games so far:

SeasonDateHome Team (Runs)Visiting Team (Runs)2021Aug. 12Yankees (8)White Sox (9)2022Aug. 11Cubs (4)Reds (2)

Why it took so long for MLB Field of Dreams Game to return

Notably, MLB’s Field of Dreams Game is returning in 2026 after three consecutive seasons without it being held.

The primary reason it’s taken four years for a return of the iconic regular-season matchup is that there has been construction around the ballpark and site. Per MLB, after the construction, there is now “a completely refurbished facility with all sorts of new amenities at the ballpark.”

According to KTIV, additions to the site since the last Field of Dreams Game include “a permanent ballpark, a barn-turned restaurant and bar, an event center and a youth sports complex under construction.” Previously, the MLB Field of Dreams Game was held with a temporary setup. Now, the Phillies and Twins will play in the permanent setup.

“The diamond itself is permanent, but everything around it, they came in, they constructed, and then when the event was over, they took it down,” executive director of Dyersville Events Inc. Keith Rahe told KTIV.

During the four-year hiatus of the Field of Dreams Game, however, MLB has found other unique sites to host games. In 2025, baseball was played at Bristol Motor Speedway for the “Speedway Classic.” In 2024, the Cardinals and Giants played at Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States. And since 2017, the Little League Classic has become a staple of the baseball calendar, played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.