The Southern California baseball field has been made famous by several movies – including A league of its own — was badly damaged in a fire overnight on Thursday, August 22, according to multiple reports.
A “huge” blaze reportedly broke out at Jay Littleton Ballpark in Ontario, California around 11:30 p.m. Thursday night, according to ABC, and firefighters arrived to find the stadium and dugout significantly damaged by fire.
No injuries were reported, according to ABC, and while the cause of the fire remains unknown, media outlets reported that fire investigators were on the scene Friday morning.
Although the building has been renovated over the years, officials said a significant amount of scrap wood likely contributed to the fire.
According to KTLA, the extent of the damage remains unknown.
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Historic baseball field in Ontario, California destroyed by fire.
ABC7/Youtube
Built in the 1930s, Jay Littleton Ballpark has been the setting for several baseball movies, the most famous being the 1992 film. A league of its own starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Madonna. Other famous films set in the park include Eight men out and The Babe Ruth Story.
Ontario Eastern Little League president Aaron Matthiesen told KTLA the news is “upsetting” for the community. “This ballpark has been a part of the city’s baseball history. I have two young kids in our league and it’s always been a dream for them to play at Jay Littleton.”
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Tom Hanks in “A League of Their Own”.
Snap/Shutterstock
Speaking to ABC, Matthiesen called the stadium “the heart of Ontario.”
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“It’s a historic playground, a place for our children to play. Unfortunately, we won’t get the chance to play on it anymore,” added Matthiesen.
The wooden grandstand built in 1937 serves as a favorite landmark for the community, towards the city. It is managed by the Public Works Agency, and the city declared it a historical monument in 2003, according to ABC.
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Source: HIS Education