Pepsi MAX and fans build Field of Dreams.

As Major League Baseball (MLB) gears up for the Postseason, Pepsi MAX announces the 2011 Field of Dreams Team – a who’s who of legendary players who will visit the hometown of one lucky winner for the ultimate fan face-off game. On September 14, Pepsi MAX will announce the four lucky fan finalists on http://mlb.com/pepsimax>, who will each begin campaigning for their chance to take on this real-life fantasy team next spring with ten of their friends.

More than 2.5 million votes were cast from baseball enthusiasts across the country to determine the 11-man dream team, which includes some of the biggest names in baseball: Cal Ripken Jr., Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr., Tony Gwynn and Reggie Jackson.  The team was selected from 30 player nominees who represent more than 20 Hall of Famers, 325 All-Star Game Selections, 32 World Series Championships, 20 League MVPs, 15 Cy Young Awards, and 119 Gold Gloves.  Their records have stood the test of time and their stories have become a part of the fabric of the game, creating the tapestry that is the National Pastime.

The Pepsi MAX® Field of Dreams Team roster is comprised of:
• Starting Pitcher – Randy Johnson
• Catcher – Johnny Bench
• First Baseman – Frank Thomas
• Second Baseman – Rod Carew
• Third Baseman – Mike Schmidt
• Short Stop – Cal Ripken, Jr.
• Outfielders – Ken Griffey, Jr., Tony Gwynn and Reggie Jackson
• Relief Pitcher – Dennis Eckersley
• Designated Hitter – Edgar Martinez

“It was an honor to be part of the Pepsi MAX Field of Dreams ballot,” said Tony Gwynn, baseball Hall of Famer and Pepsi MAX Field of Dreams Team outfielder.  “These guys are some of the greatest baseball players of all time, and it’s truly humbling to be chosen by the fans for their Field of Dreams™ Team.”

Similar to how the 11-man roster was chosen, from September 14 through October 5, fans will have the chance to vote for which of the four finalists will host the Pepsi MAX Field of Dreams Team, in their local community surrounded by family, friends and baseball fans.  Additionally, ESPN will air a one-hour special chronicling the Pepsi MAX Field of Dreams program, the fan-voted 11-man team and four consumer finalists on September 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

“Pepsi MAX wanted to engage MLB fans by having them choose their favorite players from a ballot of some of the greatest living legends of the game,” said Mark Rooks, senior director for Pepsi sports marketing.  “While fans had some tough decisions to make, we ended up with a true ‘Field of Dreams’ team and one lucky fan will soon get the chance to share the field and challenge this team to a game.”