Ron Kirchoff (left) surprises long-time sportsbroadcaster Gary Dolphin on Wednesday with a rendering of the plaque that will be placed in the press box of the new baseball stadium at the Field of Dreams. (Photo/Dave Kettering)

JIM LEITNER | Telegraph Herald

In six decades of broadcasting, Gary Dolphin has used his words to vividly paint a picture of some of Iowa’s most-unforgettable — and sometimes most-improbable — sports moments.

And yet, on Wednesday afternoon at his downtown bar, the long-time Voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes needed a moment to figure out what to say.

Organizers of the “Bring It Home” campaign surprised the Cascade, Iowa, native at Dolph’s Iron Bar by announcing the press box at the Field of Dreams Ballpark in Dyersville, Iowa, will be named in his honor. The recognition pays tribute to Dolphin’s legendary broadcasting career, as well as his philanthropic efforts in communities across Iowa.

“I’m speechless,” Dolphin told more than two dozen friends and local dignitaries. “When I walked in and glanced at the sign, I thought it might have something to do with the broadcast booth at Kinnick Stadium, but never in my wildest dreams I would have thought it was the Field of Dreams. This was a stunner, to say the least.”

Dolphin saw a bit of irony that a broadcaster from Cascade would have his name on a press box in Dyersville.

“But those two communities get along a lot better than they did back in the day, and it’s always been a great rivalry,” Dolphin said. “But the bigger picture is these are two great baseball communities. You can’t drive around the county at this time of year without seeing ballpark lights on.

“This is a baseball area. And I’m only too happy to help out this wonderful effort in Dyersville that’s extending beyond our borders. The Field of Dreams is known internationally now. And I’m just so proud of what this project is going to be out there in Dubuque County.”

Longtime Iowa businessman and philanthropist Ron Kirchhoff, a member of the “Bring It Home” campaign national advisory board and one of Dolphin’s closest friends, spearheaded the campaign to name the press box in Dolphin’s honor.

“Gary Dolphin has been one of the great voices and ambassadors for the state of Iowa for decades,” Kirchhoff said. “He’s brought people together through sports, community and storytelling, and this is a meaningful way to recognize everything he has given back to Iowa. The Field of Dreams represents the very best of our state, and honoring Gary there just feels right.”

Dolphin began his career in broadcasting in 1970 and worked in Dubuque television and radio before embarking on a full-time banking position. He became the voice of Iowa football and men’s basketball in 1996.

Along the way, he lent his time and voice to countless charities for fund-raising efforts. In 1996, the Telegraph Herald selected him as its First Citizen Award in recognition of his philanthropic contributions.

Kirchhoff said roughly half of the $500,000 fundraising goal has been secured. Pledges will be accepted through Aug. 13, when the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies play the third Major League Baseball game at the Field of Dreams since 2021.

Kirchhoff has also committed to matching contributions made through this effort with a charitable gift in Dolphin’s name, with the final designation reflecting an initiative meaningful to Dolphin and the University of Iowa community.

The new Field of Dreams ballpark is a centerpiece of the “Bring It Home” campaign led by Dyersville Events, Inc., the nonprofit organization stewarding the 297-acre Field of Dreams site in Dyersville. The campaign includes construction of the professional ballpark, a youth baseball and softball complex, education and community programming and expanded visitor amenities designed to preserve and enhance the iconic site.

Mike Decker, Board Chair of Dyersville Events, said the recognition reflects the type of leadership and legacy the project hopes to celebrate.

“Gary Dolphin has helped define some of Iowa’s most memorable moments and has spent a lifetime championing our communities, student-athletes, and traditions,” Decker said. “As we build this new chapter at the Field of Dreams, it is fitting that Gary’s name and legacy become part of a place that means so much to people across Iowa and across the country.”

For more information or to contribute to the Gary Dolphin Press Box, visit https://bringithomeiowa.com/donors.