As a new school year begins, kids everywhere are squeezing in the final moments of summer.
Brother Rice senior Brady Cunningham’s most recent adventure took him to the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, as the only Illinois player for the High School All-American Game on August 12.
As a follower of baseball as well as a player, Cunningham grew up going to games and watching baseball movies including “Field of Dreams.” Despite an early morning arrival, he was in awe of the famous site.
“We were driving down the road and it was a pretty foggy morning, but then, boom, the stadium appeared,” Cunningham said. “It was unreal to see. Seeing it in the movies and then finally seeing it in person is an experience like nothing else.”
In the past, the park hosted only minor league and MLB games. With the addition of a more permanent stadium and growing interest in playing there, high school games have been added to the schedule.
Cunningham, who played third and first base, had two of the hardest and farthest hits of the day, including a 103.9 mph triple 403 feet to right-center. He scored shortly after for the American League team in a 3-1 loss to the National League.
“The main goal today was just to have fun and take it all in,” Cunningham said. “We were facing the best guys in the nation with great competition and atmosphere. We just try to do (our) thing — stay relaxed, confident and trust the process.”
The unique environment offered a fun atmosphere for Cunningham and the rest of the players.
“It’s just so awesome having the corn there behind us and playing on this field that amazing players have played (on),” Cunningham said.”
This wasn’t Cunningham’s first experience playing at a MLB park. He and the Crusaders beat Mount Carmel in April at Wrigley Field and then he won the High School Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia in July, slugging eight homers.
His baseball travels have included so many notable moments which makes it hard to recall all the states he got to play in this summer.
“I couldn’t tell you,” Cunningham joked. “I would have to go back on a checklist and start marking stuff off to see it.”
Both teams in the Field of Dreams game were coached by former MLB players. Cunningham was managed by Hall of Famer and recent Nazareth assistant coach Jim Thome. While Cunningham grew up going to more Chicago Cubs games, he enjoyed learning from the White Sox legend.
“It was amazing. We had some great conversations,” Cunningham said. “I learned to stay relaxed in the box and be ready to hit at all times.”
Now that the summer baseball season has ended, Cunningham is looking forward to his final year as a Crusader both in the hallways and on the field.
“One more year with the guys. Just take it all in, enjoy every moment, and we’ll see what’s to come in the future,” Cunningham said.