Ontario’s historic Jay Littleton Ball Park, known for its appearances in Hollywood films like “A League of Their Own,” was damaged in a late-night fire that destroyed the wooden grandstands dating back to 1937. The community came together in mourning at the beloved baseball stadium, which has been a landmark for over 80 years.
The fire, which witnesses heard an explosion during, caused significant damage to the grandstands and other parts of the park. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but authorities suspect old, dry wood in the structure may have contributed to the quick spread of flames.
Jay Littleton Ball Park has been a hub for baseball in Ontario, with various leagues playing games there. The park was even home to the Ontario Orioles in 1947 and was officially dedicated to Jay Littleton in 1998.
Members of the Ontario baseball community, including Ontario Eastern League president Aaron Matthiesen, were devastated by the loss of the historic park. Despite recent improvements to the field, Matthiesen expressed his disappointment that his children, and others in the community, may never get the chance to play there again.
The picturesque stadium has been featured in numerous Hollywood films, serving as a backdrop for baseball movies from the ’20s era. The loss of Jay Littleton Ball Park is not only a blow to the community but also to the legacy of baseball history that the stadium represents.
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