Fire burns in historic baseball field used in ‘A League of Their Own’

Several sources claim that an overnight fire on Thursday, August 22, severely damaged the Southern California baseball diamond made famous by several movies, including A League of Their Own.

According to ABC, “massive” flames broke out at Jay Littleton Ballpark in Ontario, Calif., at 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, and firemen arrived to find the stadium and dugout severely damaged by the fire.

There were no injuries reported, according to ABC, and while the origin of the fire is unknown, arson investigators were on the site Friday morning.

Despite the property’s years-long renovations, officials told the source that a significant amount of old wood most likely caused the fire.

According to KTLA, the amount of the damage is still unknown.

Built in the 1930s, the Jay Littleton Ballpark has served as the backdrop for numerous baseball films, including the 1992 film A League of Their Own, which starred Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, and Madonna. Other prominent movies set in the park include Eight Men Out and The Babe Ruth Story.

Aaron Matthiesen, President of the Ontario Eastern Little League, told KTLA that the news is “upsetting” to the community. “This ballpark is part of the city’s baseball heritage. I have two young kids in our league, and their goal has always been to play at Jay Littleton.”

Speaking to ABC, Matthiesen described the ballpark as “the heart of Ontario.”

“It’s a historical ballpark where our kids can play. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to participate in it anymore,” Matthiesen explained.

The city considers the 1937 construction of the wooden grandstand a valuable community monument. The public works administration oversees it, and in 2003, the city designated it as a historical landmark, according to ABC.

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