​DYERSVILLE, Iowa — Hollon Brock, a catcher for the Eau Claire Express, had never set foot in the Field of Dreams until this week, though the legendary site has long been a familiar influence in his life. “I’ve seen the movie a bunch of times,” Brock said. “It’s a great movie, it’s iconic. I always wanted to come here.” His chance to live a baseball dream came this past Wednesday during the Northwoods League All-Star Game. Brock earned the starting catcher’s role for the Great Plains, a lineup that faced off in a game staged at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville. Earlier, he had competed in Tuesday night’s Home Run Derby in the neighboring stadium, right next to the iconic movie site. “This is one of the coolest moments I have ever experienced in my life,” Brock remarked. “Being at the Field of Dreams is unbelievable. Playing in this stadium and seeing the movie site up close gave me goosebumps. It’s incredible.”
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound backstop has already stacked a handful of memorable Midwest moments this season with the Express. A native of southern Alabama, Brock is batting .362 with four home runs and 25 RBIs this summer in Eau Claire. “Hollon has really brought consistency while catching, playing first base and serving as a designated hitter,” Express manager Dale Varsho noted. “He has been clutch for us. He’s a good hitter who doesn’t strike out much. He brings the energy every day.” Brock displays an ability to hit to all fields, with both gap-to-gap power and the knack to pull the ball or go the other way, using the entire field effectively.
Hailing from Fairhope, Alabama, Brock attends the University of Montevallo in his home state, a Division II program. He joined the Eau Claire roster this season after Montevallo second baseman McGwire Turner spent the previous year with the Express. “Coach [Chandler] Rose has been sending two or three guys to Eau Claire every year for the past few years,” Brock explained. “The Montevallo connection has worked out really well with the Express.” Brock was one of six Express players who participated in the Northwoods League All-Star Game last week. “It’s awesome to have five other guys with me,” he said on Wednesday. “Everyone here deserves to be here. It’s great to share this experience with some familiar faces from Eau Claire and enjoy it together.”
Looking ahead, Brock carries clear goals for his baseball career, including the possibility of playing professionally. “I have one or two more years of college left,” he shared. “I’m going to work as hard as I can. If the opportunity presents itself, it’s in God’s hands. I want to play as long as I can.” He also plans to stay with the Express for the remainder of the summer. For Brock, the central aim is simple: have fun while playing the game he loves. “The biggest thing for me is just enjoying the experience of playing baseball,” he said. “It’s easy to get caught up in stats and daily grind, but I’m focused on enjoying the games and the experience, and helping this team win.