Current:Home > ScamsHistoric ballpark featured in 'A League of Their Own' burns to the ground in Southern California -Wealth Evolution Experts
Historic ballpark featured in 'A League of Their Own' burns to the ground in Southern California
View
Date:2025-04-17 09:04:51
California community members are mourning the loss of a beloved historic ballpark that was featured in several Hollywood films and gave little league teams a place to play.
Ontario’s Jay Littleton Ball Park, located roughly 40 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles, burned down Thursday night, according to a news release from the Ontario Fire Department.
The Ontario Fire Department responded to the scene Thursday at 11:32 p.m. and found a fire in the baseball park’s wooden grandstands. Officials requested help and 51 personnel arrived at the scene, including eight fire engines, the fire department said in a news release posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The fire was contained at 12:39 a.m. Friday and no victims were found, the department said.
The fire’s cause is still under investigation.
More on the landmark featured in 'A League of Their Own'
The park was built in John Galvin Park between 1936 and 1937. The construction was part of an expansion of the park’s recreational facilities, according to the city.
According to Ontario officials, people began playing ball at the park over 80 years ago. The park has all-wooden grandstands that were built in 1937, and professional baseball players for the Ontario Orioles, a minor league team, took to the field for one season in 1947, according to the city.
The park has been featured in numerous Hollywood films, including “Eight Men Out,” “The Babe Ruth Story,” and “A League of Their Own.”
The ballpark was dedicated to Joe "Jay" Littleton in 1998. Calling him “an important local figure in baseball and youth sports,” the city said many little leagues and amateur leagues still played at the park prior to the fire. The park was named a historic Landmark in 2003.
In November 2018, the city of Ontario announced that Lowe's donated funding and staffing resources to replace the wooden steps in the grandstand at Jay Littleton Ball Park.
Community wishes tearful goodbye to local landmark
Once word got out about the fire at the park, social media users and locals mourned the loss online.
"We never thought we would witness this beautiful historic Jay Littleton Ball Park burn nearly to the ground," wrote one Facebook user. "I’m so sad. I spent many hours of my childhood watching many ball games there. Mostly played by the boys I went to school with. This is a huge heartbreak. I know for a fact the BALL PARK will be RE-BUILT!!!"
D'Andre Lampkin, from the city's planning commission, wrote on Facebook that he is grateful for everyone who reached out about the loss. Calling it a "cherished landmark," he shared photos of the wreckage and said the park has been part of the city's heritage for a long time.
"The demand to rebuild Jay Littleton Ballpark is strong, and I am committed to doing everything within my professional capacity to support those efforts," Lampkin wrote. "While it has loss its nationally historic designation, I know that together we can honor the memory of the ballpark and ensure its legacy continues for future generations."
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her atsdmartin@usatoday.com.
veryGood! (6284)
Related
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Do dogs dream? It's no surprise – the answer is pretty cute.
- Trump courts conservative male influencers to try to reach younger men
- One of Matthew Perry's Doctors Agrees to Plea Deal in Ketamine-Related Death Case
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- New Grant Will Further Research to Identify and Generate Biomass in California’s North San Joaquin Valley
- What to know about Johnny Gaudreau, Blue Jackets All-Star killed in biking accident
- NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother have died after their bicycles were hit by a car
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- What to know about Johnny Gaudreau, Blue Jackets All-Star killed in biking accident
Ranking
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Mississippi sues drugmakers and pharmacy benefit managers over opioids
- A former slave taught Jack Daniel to make whiskey. Now his company is retreating from DEI.
- Allison Holker, wife of the late Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, teases a new relationship
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Jack White threatens to sue over Trump campaign staffer's use of White Stripes song
- One person is under arrest after attack on Jewish students, the University of Pittsburgh says
- Everything Our Staff Loved This Month: Shop Our August Favorites
Recommendation
Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
Alexei Popyrin knocks out defending champ Novak Djokovic in US Open third round
NFL, owners are forcing Tom Brady into his first difficult call
Allison Holker, wife of the late Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, teases a new relationship
Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
A jury acquits officials of bid-rigging charges in a suburban Atlanta county
'DWTS' pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev arrested on domestic violence charge
Patrick Mahomes Says Taylor Swift Has Been “Drawing Up Plays” for Kansas City Chiefs