Image Source: MLB.com
Phillies vs Twins will bring Major League Baseball back to one of its most recognizable settings on Thursday, as the two clubs meet in Dyersville, Iowa, for the third MLB at Field of Dreams Game. The highly anticipated matchup, presented by John Deere, is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET and will stream exclusively on Netflix.
For Philadelphia, the game represents a rare break from the rhythm of a traditional MLB schedule. The Phillies will leave St. Louis in the morning, travel to Iowa for the special event, and then fly to Minnesota immediately after the game. The team will spend Friday’s off-day in Minnesota before resuming its series against the Twins at Target Field on Saturday and Sunday.
Phillies vs Twins Set for a Historic Cornfield Showdown
The Field of Dreams Game is built around the 1989 film starring Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones. In the movie, deceased baseball legends emerge from a cornfield near the field. On Thursday, players from the Phillies and Twins will recreate part of that memorable scene by walking through the original cornfield before entering the ballpark constructed for MLB competition.
That cinematic connection is a major reason the event has created so much excitement around the Phillies vs Twins matchup. The setting combines baseball history, Hollywood nostalgia and the modern reach of a national streaming broadcast.
Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber said he has never visited Iowa and is particularly eager to see the corn and the field used in the film.
“I think it’s going to be awesome,” Schwarber said. “I’ve never been out there before, so I’m excited to see the corn, see the field they actually filmed it at. Just to be in that atmosphere, I think it’s going to be really cool.”
Powerful Nostalgia Awaits Philadelphia and Minnesota
Several Phillies players share Schwarber’s enthusiasm, with many preparing for their first visit to Iowa. The short trip will not provide much time for sightseeing, but the players will experience a baseball environment unlike any other on the schedule.
Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly also understands the significance of unusual MLB events. He was the Yankees’ hitting coach when New York opened the 2004 season in Japan. He later managed the Dodgers during their 2014 season-opening series in Australia and led the Marlins during their historic 2016 game at Fort Bragg.
Mattingly said these games stay with him because they take place in memorable locations rather than ordinary stadiums. He also expressed his appreciation for the movie and said he was excited to finally visit the Iowa site.
“These games are fun for me,” Mattingly said. “It’s somewhere different. It’s something that you remember more vividly than you would just another game somewhere else.”
Aaron Nola Takes the Mound in Iowa
While the pageantry will dominate much of the attention, the game remains an important contest for both clubs. Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola is scheduled to start for Philadelphia, giving the Phillies an experienced arm for the nationally televised matchup.
Nola said he has never been to Iowa either, but he is looking forward to seeing the ballpark and taking part in the celebration surrounding the game. Like Mattingly, he called himself a fan of the movie.
“There’s a lot of hype around the ballpark and the whole day, so I think that’s going to be pretty cool,” Nola said. “And just to be able to go somewhere different. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Iowa, so just excited to go there and see what it’s all about.”
- Matchup: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Minnesota Twins
- Location: Dyersville, Iowa
- First pitch: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: Netflix
- Phillies starter: Aaron Nola
- Next series games: Saturday and Sunday at Target Field
The unusual travel schedule adds another layer to the event. Philadelphia will play in Iowa on Thursday, travel to Minnesota afterward and then prepare for two regular-season games at Target Field. Still, the immediate focus remains on the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere surrounding the Phillies vs Twins showdown.
With players entering through the corn, Hall of Famers involved in the festivities and a national audience watching, Thursday’s matchup promises to be more than a standard baseball game. It will be a celebration of the sport’s past, a showcase for its present and a memorable chapter for both franchises.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Phillies vs Twins Field of Dreams Game?
The game is scheduled for Thursday, with first pitch set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Where will the Phillies and Twins play?
The matchup will take place in Dyersville, Iowa, at the MLB ballpark built near the original Field of Dreams movie site.
How can fans watch the game?
The game will stream exclusively on Netflix.
Who is starting for the Phillies?
Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola is scheduled to start for Philadelphia.
What happens after the Iowa game?
The Phillies plan to fly to Minnesota after the game, spend Friday’s off-day there and resume the series at Target Field on Saturday and Sunday.
