The Lemont Quarrymen are used to playing against teams on grassy fields across Illinois.
But last month, the team traveled out of state to play at a famous site. The vintage baseball team played two games near Dyersville, Iowa at the Field of Dreams, the set of the classic 1989 film of the same name.
The Quarrymen won both games, against the Douglas Dutchers of Michigan and the Elkhart County Railroaders of Indiana.
Dan Smaczny, a museum curator at the National Museum of the American Sailor in Great Lakes and catcher for the team, said the team found out about the opportunity last year when another vintage team, the Chicago Salmon, played at the field. They secured the spot for the two games late last year, and Smaczny said the team was excited about the opportunity.
“It’s something everyone had really been looking forward to,” Smaczny said.
Smaczny said the team took a tour of the home at the movie site before their evening games.
The setting of the games added to the nerves he felt, Smaczny said.
“I’ve played since Little League,” Smaczny said. “But even though I’ve had lots of experience, I was still nervous.”
Despite, or perhaps because of the added pressure, the team ultimately came out on top, winning the first game 10-2 and the second, 14-1. Regardless of the result, Smaczny said being a part of the team is all about enjoying the game and the company of others.
In every vintage game, the team combines history and baseball by playing by 1858 rules. They wear 1860s-inspired uniforms and play without mitts or batting helmets.
“One of the things we say about playing ball is that the first rule is don’t get hurt, and the second rule is have fun,” Smaczny said.
Rich Kurek, a pitcher and manager of the Quarrymen, said playing with his son, a shortstop on the team, made the games all the more special. He said almost everyone brought their families along for the ride, and having them all their together is what made the occasion truly unforgettable.
“I’ll always remember the memories of everybody just having fun,” Kurek said. “Being there and taking it all in.”
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