We knew that we would need help. These people had never heard of us, and our wishes would carry no weight with them. If Arli$$ wasn't coming, then then we needed someone they would know and respect...

...Of course -- the filmmakers!!! They were responsible for the very livelihood of these people. Of course they would be listened to!

So we contacted every major player in the film, from writer/director Phil Alden Robinson to stars Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan. Once they heard of the strife in Iowa, they would act swiftly!

First to respond was Ray Liotta, who played "Shoeless" Joe Jackson in the film. Ray is an actor of great character and passion. He has to believe in a film in order to work in it. We reasoned that when Ray heard about the strife in Iowa, he would be the first to charge into action. Within minutes his people responded:

Thank you for your invitation for Ray Liotta for the event entitled 'Field of Dreams". Unfortunately, due to his present filming schedule, he is unable to attend, but wishes you a successful event! Warm regards. Elena O'Gorman (eogorman@BWR-LA.com) BWR

Hmmm... I guess Ray is feeling more passionate about his current project. But still, there were others who could rally to our cause...

James Earl Jones was next -- or his publicist was. "Mr Jones is not intertested," was the terse reply. He was even crankier than his character, and even less interested in visiting a ballfield in Iowa.

Photo courtesy of Steve Eastin

On the bright side, Steve Eastin, who played disgraced "Black Sox" pitcher Eddie Cicotte, offered his help. He spent a day in the SportsHollywood office, regaling the staff with stories of the film.

Art LaFleur, who played disgraced first baseman Arnold "Chick" Gandil, was also eager to lend his support. Then Michael Milhoan, who played third baseman George Daniel "Buck" Weaver), also came on board. In fact, he was ready to fly out to Iowa and help us on our mission - and even volunteered to play a in game of baseball at the field to promote a reconciliation!

In the end all anyone had time for was a letter of support to present to the rival parties:

We had the corners, but we were still missing the heart of the defense. But attempts to fly Kevin Costner, Phil Alden Robinson, writer W. P. Kinsella, or other FOD contributors out to Iowa proved fruitless.

Baseball could not bring us together.

It turns out that they already had tiny voices whispering in their ears, telling them every move they should make. They're called agents. And they whispered to us: "If you pay us, we will come." Only it was more like a yell than a whisper, and it was a lot of money.

	CHAPTER FIVE: We make our final pitch. Can SportsHollywood (and baseball) bring the two sides together again? What finally happened, and who went to jail.
	MAIN PAGE: "If you build it, the other guy won't leave." How baseball didn't bring two people together.