Field of Dreams - The Movie/the 1919 World Series Controversy

Last year, I watched a movie called `Field of Dreams`. That started my research into the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, and to delve into the movie itself.

It`s a great movie to watch. 

When I saw that there`s a free screen filming for `Field of Dreams`, I thought it was yet another sports film highlighting the best baseball players and their stats in the MLB (Major League Baseball). 

It turns out, its not that at all.

It`s about Ray (Kevin Costner) who had a dream of doing something extravagant. Ray is a huge baseball fan who loves anything to do with MLB. 

Walking in the cornfield he keeps hearing: `If you build it, he will come.` Ray is convinced and wants to build a field.

His wife, Annie (played by Amy Madigan) thinks he's crazy for building something so big. 

For some reason, these ghosts suddenly appear to play ball, including "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. This player is famous for the 1919 Black Sox Scandal where they were accused of game-fixing gambling, possibly linked to organized crime. They were once 'heavy favorites' to win the 1919 world series. Fans were shocked to discover that they lost, but some speculated they were doing this  They were later banned from playing in the professional sport. 

This PBS NewsHour news segment was from another investigation into the fault. 

According to Jacob Pomrenke (Director of Editorial content, society for American Baseball Research); he said, "The idea that the Black Sox players conspired to fix the World Series because they were underpaid, because they felt resentful toward their salaries or their poor treatment by their owner doesn't really hold up to scrutiny." Here's more on their report with this link here: 100 years since 'Black Sox' World Series, new details challenge long-held story

This story was not true. At all. Baseball players were not derived from this scandal based on pay. It was solely out of a plan to gamble and win more money. "Shoeless" Joe Jackson was also caught up into this controversy, but speaking of how he continued to love the sport, he kept playing for another twenty years in minor leagues, or for fun. I really love this video and how it explains further in-depth into this controversy, here is the link: The Fall of Shoeless Joe: A Deep Dive into the 1919 Black Sox World Series Fix  Also! Follow their YouTube channel @historyfeels3123. They got some good content. 

Shoeless 'Joe Jackson'

Back to the film. 

Without giving out too much, Ray goes on a scavenger hunt to try to figure out who those people are and how to convince people into coming to their field for a baseball game. To then find a way to keep the field alive from investors who decide to demolish the field.

It's a really nice, family-friendly film and it follows your dreams on what you decide. Even if roadblocks come.

In this case, it was especially hard for me to watch this because I felt like I had no purpose in life, no dream to tell and no direction to take.

I realized writing on my blog, could be the next best thing for me to one day, becoming an editor or an author. 

What's your take on the controversy? Do you have any stories involving baseball you'd like to share, a great game, home runs, the food, etc.? Did you like the film, 'Field of Dreams' or 'Eight Men Out' or Madonna's baseball movie; 'A League of Our Own'. and why? (I'll write an article on 'A League of Our Own' once I watch it.) Comment below!