Field of Dreams hosts baseball tournament

Teams from Burlington, LaSalle, Woodstock, and Hamilton took the field in an exciting day of baseball. (Ron Yuzark Photo)

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

On Saturday, July 5, the Field of Dreams on the 16th Line in East Zorra-Tavistock came alive with the sound of bats cracking and cheers from the sidelines as four U9 teams from across the province gathered for a full day of baseball. Teams from Burlington, LaSalle, Woodstock, and Hamilton took to the field, playing throughout the day under blue skies as games ran from 10:00 a.m. until the early evening. The Field of Dreams, built in 2010 by Jen and Mike Van Boekel in their cornfield just north of Woodstock, continues to grow in both reputation and charm. Created as a backyard solution to their sons’ powerful swings, the field has since become a cherished destination for players and fans alike. Over the years, the Van Boekel’s have added numerous features, including a wooden scoreboard, home run fence, bullpen car, bleachers, and even underground hydro. Although never intended as a public venue, the field has welcomed teams from as far as Sudbury, Kingston, Niagara Falls and beyond. From regular practices and games to birthday parties, anniversaries, and even a wedding, the field has become a community staple. The Van Boekel’s also host summer baseball camps for kids aged 7 to 12, run by their son. In keeping with their spirit of generosity and community, the field remains free to use with donations welcome. A wooden box near the backstop filled with gloves, bats, helmets, and catcher’s gear invites passersby to "Have a Catch," encouraging spontaneous fun for families and kids of all ages. The July 5 tournament was another successful chapter in the growing legacy of this grassroots baseball sanctuary, proving once again that if you build it, they will come.