DYERSVILLE, IOWA — Jimmy Downs took a few swings Wednesday during batting practice at the diamond where the Academy Award-nominated 1989 movie “Field of Dreams” was filmed.
There was an added treat to the unique circumstances for the member of the Chicago White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) 14-and-under team. He briefly hit against Hall of Famer John Smoltz.
“It was a good experience,” Downs, a third baseman, said afterward. “I’m happy I got to go against John Smoltz. I took him yard and it felt real good.
“I was a little bit nervous because I was going against a Hall of Famer.