Nearly four decades after the movie “Field of Dreams” was filmed, Keith Rahe and his traveling troupers, known as the Ghost Players, are still dedicated to keeping the cornfield mystique alive in Dyersville, Iowa.

A Local Attraction

The farmhouse and ballfield where the idyllic scenes were shot have become a tourist attraction, with Rahe and his neighbors showing up to make sure the pitcher’s mound and home plate are in place, mingling with visitors, and playing catch.

In 1990, Rahe persuaded a handful of friends to put on old wool uniforms, walk through the cornfields, and play ball with the tourists. The young girl standing nearby was surprised, exclaiming, “Mommy! Daddy! It’s the ghost players!”

A Labor of Love

Rahe has retold the origin story of the Ghost Players countless times, and now, at 68, he’s never been more in demand. His goodwill band of ballplayers is a recurring feature for the public at the site, which he runs as the executive director of Dyersville Events.

The Ghost Players have visited 28 countries and dozens of states, mostly by paying their own way and using their vacation time. There are currently about 40 members, with half making more regular appearances.

Baseball has a rich history in Iowa, with the state producing talented players like Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller. The high school season is held in summer to avoid conflicts with spring sports and get better weather.

Local baseball players, such as Cubs pitcher Colin Rea and Giants pitcher Keaton Winn, have a strong connection to the Field of Dreams site, with Rea saying, “I still see all my buddies from that team… We’ve loved baseball from the time we started playing, and I think that’s how it is for most kids around there.”

Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.