DYERSVILLE, IOWA — There are matches that are made in heaven and then there’s the Dyersville Dreamers naming former major league pitcher and Iowa native, Wes Obermueller, as their first ever field manager. That’s exactly what the Northwoods League’s newest team did earlier today at a press conference inside of the This is Iowa Ballpark at the Field of Dreams Movie Site when they tabbed Obermueller as their skipper for their inaugural 2027 season.
“When you think about all of the top things you’re looking for in identifying a field manager for our club, Wes checks all of the boxes,” exclaimed Dreamers team president and owner, Chris Goodell. “As a former big leaguer who played in our league, he’s lived that world of knowing what it takes to reach the highest level of our game and we’re thrilled that he’s willing to share that experience with our first crop of Dreamers prospects. On top of that, he’s an Iowa guy … Can’t think of a better fit!”
Obermueller, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa native, made his major league debut on September 20, 2002, and played parts of five seasons in the big leagues (Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Florida Marlins) starting 48 games and appearing in 80. He had a 5.82 ERA over 315 1/3 innings tallying 166 strikeouts during his big-league career. Obermueller also pitched for the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball League and the Samsung Lions of the KBO League following his MLB tenure.
A University of Iowa alum, Obermueller played for the Hawkeyes from 1997-1999 before being selected by Kansas City in the second round of the 1999 MLB Draft. In 1999 he had a 6.83 ERA while recording 91 strikeouts in 88 1/3 innings. The former two-way talent also had a .352 batting average with 24 RBIs. Obermueller started his career at Iowa as a shortstop and then a right fielder before making his debut on the mound as a junior. He locked down a spot in the starting rotation in 1999, leading to his 2nd round selection by the Royals.
Obermueller is also very familiar with the Northwoods League, having competed in the summer circuit in both 1996 and 1998 for the Wausau Woodchucks. He became the Woodchucks first ever alumnus to be drafted (9th ever NWL alum) when the Royals picked him in the second round of that 1999 MLB Draft.
“I am completely honored and excited for opportunity to be the first field manager for the Dyersville Dreamers organization,” exclaimed Obermueller. “This league has some of the country’s best prospects come through it year in and year out and I want to pass along my experiences in baseball from all over the world and be a positive resource for the players and their college coaches. We want their coaches to know when they send their player to play here they are getting a first-class competitive experience and will return to their program more confident, developed and ready to help their program achieve their goals.”
Obermueller continued, “This league is as close to a professional baseball atmosphere as you can get and that’s what I love about it. The Northwood League propelled my playing career as it will for the prospects that come through here. I look forward to helping the players that come through here have a wonderful experience and keep achieving their goals when they compete for the Dreamers.”
Obermueller continues to coach aspiring baseball prospects, most recently serving as the director of player development for the University of Iowa program in 2024 and 2025 before leading the Hawkeye pitching staff in 2026.
Speaking of prospects, Obermueller has a pair of rising stars who bear his last name that are currently making waves in both professional baseball and in the collegiate ranks. His oldest son, Cade, was selected twice in the MLB draft, most recently out of Iowa by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2nd round of the 2025 draft. Cade just completed his first full season of professional baseball with the Jersey Shore Blue Claws (the Class High A affiliate of the Phillies). His youngest son, Drake, is in the midst of his second year at DMACC after hitting .388 with seven homers and 44 RBIs as a freshman last spring.
The 2027 Northwoods League schedule is expected to be released to the public next month but the Dreamers are projected to open their inaugural season in late May of 2027. Season tickets are on sale now with ticket information available at www.dyersvilledreamers.com. The Dreamers office is also open Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm at the Professional Ballpark at the Field of Dreams (28995 Lansing Road, Dyersville, Iowa)
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The new Dyersville Dreamers will be a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its 33rd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 435 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM). League games are viewable live on FloSports.tv. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on FloSports.
