Hall of Famer Frank Thomas' group buys controlling interest in 'Field of Dreams' movie site

The 'Field of Dreams' movie site is getting a big baseball boost. 

Go the Distance Baseball LLC announced Thursday that a group headed by Hall of Famer Frank Thomas has purchased a controlling interest in the company's ownership of All-Star Ballpark Heaven and the iconic 'Field of Dreams' movie site. Thomas will serve as chief executive officer, while Dan Evans — former general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers — will serve as chief operating officer. 

The transaction involves the purchase of all the interests in Go the Distance Baseball, which is owned by the Denise M. Stillman Trust. Purchasing the controlling interest is This is Heaven LLC, a venture between Thomas and Chicago real estate developer and entrepreneur Rick Heidner. Heidner was an initial investor in Go the Distance Baseball and will retain his original minority investment.      

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"We are excited to lead the future development and expansion of the Field of Dreams in a collaborative spirit with our neighbors and government officials," Thomas said via a press release.

Last month, the Field of Dreams complex hosted the first Major League Baseball game in Iowa — a thrilling 9-8 win by the Chicago White Sox over the New York Yankees. The game will return to Dyersville next season for an Aug. 11 matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs.   

This story will be updated after a 12:30 p.m. press conference later today.

Dargan Southard covers Iowa and UNI athletics, recruiting and preps for the Des Moines Register, HawkCentral.com and the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.