Cubs World Series MVP Ben Zobrist Signs Autographs at Field of Dreams

Dyersville and the iconic Field of Dreams Movie Site was abuzz with activity on an otherwise sleepy, humid Saturday morning in August. There was great reason for it. A two-time World Series champion was in town to sign autographs and take part in a fun afternoon event that the public could enjoy, both at no cost.

That champion is Ben Zobrist, who spent 14 years in Major League Baseball. Zobrist is probably most famous for being the World Series MVP in 2016 when the Chicago Cubs took down the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling seven-game series. Zobrist had won the World Series with Kansas City the year prior. On Saturday, August 3rd, however, he was his usual self: humble, kind, and eager to meet fans of all ages.

Following the autograph signing, Zobrist took part in the Field of Dreams' Ghost Players event. Also known as "The Greatest Show on Dirt," the event is a family-friendly afternoon of fun and laughs that "center around hijinks on the baseball diamond." Earlier this summer, three Iowa Hawkeye women's basketball players showed up to sign autographs and take part in the event.

It was a picturesque Saturday morning at an iconic Iowa landmark. Kids played catch with their parents all around the ballfield. Hundreds brought jerseys, baseballs, hats, cards, and other assorted memorabilia for Zobrist to sign. Me and my girlfriend chatted with Cubs fans while we waited in line. It was the ideal way to spend a weekend.

Zobrist himself couldn't have been nicer. Because I decided to rock a bright neon yellow shirt (it was my thinnest shirt on a hot day like Saturday), he had a quick remark when we met: "I can't miss you in that shirt." We shared a good laugh, chatted about Dyersville, and the iconic ballfield while he signed a baseball card I had and a World Series ball my girlfriend brought.

Ben Zobrist spent 14 years in Major League Baseball, playing several different positions. He was a member of consecutive World Series-winning teams, and played nine seasons with the Rays, half a season with the Oakland Athletics (before being traded to the Royals ahead of what would be their championship run, and spent his final three years as a pro with the Cubs.

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It's been a big year for the Field of Dreams movie site, as it's celebrating its 35th anniversary. In the present, the site features tours of the famous house, and hosts baseball tournaments and overnight stays in the home as well.

However, the MLB's new, annual Field of Dreams game was held at Rickwood Field in Alabama this year due to the movie site undergoing extensive upgrades and renovations. Rickwood Field was where Willie Mays played for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. It is the oldest ballpark in America.

The night prior, Zobrist was at Wrigley Field, where he threw out the first pitch and sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." You could say his presence was what the up-and-down Cubs needed, as they beat the Cardinals 6-3 on Friday night.