Field of Dreams is a classic 1989 movie that follows the story of Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner, and his quest to build a baseball field on his farm, where he believes major league players from the past will come to play. Among the characters that appear on the field are eight legendary baseball players from the 1920s and ’30s, who Kinsella summons from the afterlife. Though most of the players are never named in the movie, their identities have been revealed by director Phil Alden Robinson and the cast. Here’s a look at the eight players and their storied careers in Major League Baseball.
Shoeless Joe Jackson
The first and most prominent of the players is Shoeless Joe Jackson, portrayed by Ray Liotta in the film. Jackson was a star outfielder for the Chicago White Sox from 1915 to 1920, one of the most accomplished hitters of the Dead Ball Era. He had a career batting average of .356 and led the American League in hits, runs and triples twice. In 1919, he was part of the infamous “Black Sox” scandal, in which several members of the White Sox were accused of intentionally throwing the World Series. Though Jackson was acquitted of any wrongdoing in court, he was banned from baseball by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. As a result, he was not eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame until 1991, when he was inducted posthumously.
Eddie Cicotte
One of the most notorious figures in the Black Sox scandal was pitcher Eddie Cicotte, played by Frank Whaley in the film. Cicotte was a star for the Detroit Tigers and the White Sox, leading the American League in wins in 1917 and setting a major league record with 29 wins in 1919. He was also a key figure in the World Series fix, as his first-inning grand slam in Game One was seen by many as a signal of the players’ intention to throw the series. After the scandal, Cicotte was banned from baseball and he never played again. He died in 1969.
George “Buck” Weaver
Also part of the “Black Sox” was third baseman George “Buck” Weaver, portrayed by Timothy Busfield in the film. Weaver was a star for the White Sox from 1912 to 1920, batting over .300 six times and leading the American League in doubles in 1917. He was also one of the most well-liked players on the team, and had no direct involvement in the scandal. However, he was found guilty of knowing about the fix and was also banned from baseball. Weaver never admitted guilt and unsuccessfully tried to seek reinstatement for the remainder of his life. He died in 1956.
Dr. Charles “Doc” Graham
The most mysterious of the eight players is Dr. Charles “Doc” Graham, played by Burt Lancaster in the film. Graham was a real-life doctor who spent one season in the major leagues, playing for the Cleveland Indians in 1915. He was a light-hitting outfielder but an excellent fielder, and was known as an inspiration to his teammates. After his season in Cleveland, Graham retired and returned to his medical practice in Chisholm, Minnesota. He died in 1956, and his story was the inspiration for the movie.
Hap “Happy” Felsch
Another member of the “Black Sox” was center fielder “Happy” Felsch, played by Dwier Brown in the film. Felsch was a star for the White Sox from 1915 to 1920, leading the American League in stolen bases in 1918 and batting over .300 four times. He was also one of the key figures in the scandal, as he was the first player to admit his involvement. After the scandal, he was banned from baseball and never played again. He died in 1964.
Frederick ‘Fred’ McMullin
Though he had a minor role in the movie, Frederick “Fred” McMullin was a key figure in the Black Sox scandal. McMullin was a utility infielder for the White Sox from 1909 to 1913, and he was a friend of Joe Jackson’s. He was one of the players who was accused of throwing the World Series and he was banned from baseball. McMullin never admitted guilt and he died in 1966.
Lefty Williams
The most infamous figure in the scandal was pitcher Lefty Williams, played by James Andelin in the film. Williams was a star for the White Sox from 1915 to 1920, leading the American League in shutouts in 1917 and winning 20 games in 1918. He was also the key figure in the scandal, as he was the one who agreed to throw the series for a large sum of money. After the scandal, Williams was banned from baseball and never played again. He died in 1959.
Billy Maharg
The final member of the “Black Sox” was Billy Maharg, played by Joe Grifasi in the film. Maharg was a minor league catcher who had limited major league experience with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1909 to 1911. He was not directly involved in the scandal, but he was accused of being the go-between for the players and the gamblers who were paying them to throw the series. Maharg was never banned from baseball, but he never played in the majors again. He died in 1953.
Conclusion
The Field of Dreams is a classic movie that features some of the most iconic characters in baseball history. Among them are the eight legendary players from the 1920s and ’30s, who were summoned from the afterlife by Ray Kinsella. These players are Shoeless Joe Jackson, Eddie Cicotte, Buck Weaver, Doc Graham, Happy Felsch, Fred McMullin, Lefty Williams and Billy Maharg, all of whom were involved in the infamous Black Sox scandal. Though most of them were banned from baseball, their legacy lives on in the Field of Dreams.