The Field of Dreams is a classic 1989 American fantasy-drama movie directed by Phil Alden Robinson, starring Kevin Costner. The movie follows an Iowa farmer, Ray Kinsella, who hears a mysterious voice telling him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. Ray builds the diamond, and the ghosts of legendary baseball players appear and play. These “ghost players” have become an iconic part of the movie and are some of the most memorable characters.
Background of the Ghost Players
The ghost players in the Field of Dreams are based on real-life professional baseball players from the 1920s and 1930s. The characters in the movie are portrayed by actual baseball players from the Negro League, a professional baseball league for African-American players during the era of racial segregation. The players featured in the movie are Shoeless Joe Jackson, Ray Brown, Satchel Paige, Buck Weaver, and Charlie “King Kong” Keller.
Shoeless Joe Jackson
The most iconic ghost player in the Field of Dreams is Shoeless Joe Jackson, who is portrayed by Ray Liotta in the movie. Joe Jackson was a professional baseball player in the early 20th century, playing for the Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Indians. He was one of the best hitters in the game, but was banned from baseball in 1920 due to his involvement in the Black Sox scandal. Jackson was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Ray Brown
Ray Brown is portrayed by James Earl Jones in the movie and was a professional baseball player in the Negro League. He played for the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays and was one of the most talented pitchers of his time. Brown was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Satchel Paige
Satchel Paige was a professional baseball player in the Negro League. He is portrayed by Richard Gant in the movie. Paige was a talented pitcher and one of the most famous players in the Negro League. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.
Buck Weaver
Buck Weaver is portrayed by Timothy Busfield in the movie. He was a professional baseball player in the early 20th century, playing for the Chicago White Sox. He was banned from baseball in 1920 for his involvement in the Black Sox scandal.
Charlie “King Kong” Keller
Charlie “King Kong” Keller is portrayed by Burt Lancaster in the movie. Keller was a professional baseball player in the early 20th century, who played for the New York Yankees. He was known for his powerful hitting and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
The Legacy of the Ghost Players
The ghost players in the Field of Dreams are significant figures in the history of baseball. Despite the racial barriers they faced, these players were some of the best of their era. The movie serves as a reminder of these players’ achievements and the importance of recognizing their contributions to the game. The ghost players in the Field of Dreams are a powerful symbol of the strength and determination of African-American baseball players.