The Ontario community sports landmark, Jay Littleton Ball Park, suffered significant damage in a late-night fire that ravaged the historic baseball field’s wooden grandstands that have stood since 1937. The field holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it provided the backdrop for scenes in the popular 1992 film „A League of Their Own“ starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis, as well as other Hollywood movies.
The fire, which broke out late Thursday night, quickly engulfed the wooden grandstand and other parts of the historic Jay Littleton Ball Park in Ontario, California. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion around 11:30 p.m., signaling the start of the devastating blaze. The following morning, the extent of the damage became apparent as the grandstands lay in ruins.
Dan Kloosterman, the fire investigations supervisor, expressed the community’s sorrow, stating, „It’s a sad day for the city of Ontario. It has a lot of history.“ While the cause of the fire remains unknown, Kloosterman speculated that the presence of old, dry wood in the grandstand structure may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Baseball has been a cherished pastime at Jay Littleton Ball Park for over 80 years, with the wooden grandstand being completed in 1937. The surrounding John Galvin Park, established in 1910, further adds to the historical significance of the area. The ballpark was briefly home to the Ontario Orioles in 1947 before being officially dedicated as Jay Littleton Ball Park in 1998 in honor of a local figure renowned for his contributions to baseball and youth sports.
The news of the fire drew members of the Ontario baseball community to the ballpark, including Ontario Eastern League president Aaron Matthiesen. He described the scene as heartbreaking, with baseball enthusiasts visibly distraught over the loss of the beloved landmark. Matthiesen highlighted the park’s importance as a hub for youth baseball and lamented that future generations may never have the opportunity to play on its hallowed grounds.
Despite facing challenges such as dilapidation and an increase in homelessness in recent years, there were signs of revitalization at the ballpark. Matthiesen noted that efforts were underway to restore the field for the benefit of the community, making the destruction caused by the fire even more devastating.
Jay Littleton Ball Park’s significance extends beyond the local community, as it has served as a filming location for several Hollywood movies, including „A League of Their Own,“ „Eight Men Out,“ and „The Babe Ruth Story.“ The picturesque stadium’s vintage charm and historical ambiance have made it a popular choice for filmmakers seeking to capture the essence of baseball in bygone eras.
The loss of Jay Littleton Ball Park represents a significant blow to the Ontario community and the broader baseball world. As efforts to assess the damage and determine the future of the iconic ballpark continue, the memories of its storied past and the hope for its revival will endure in the hearts of those who cherished its presence.