A fire has destroyed the historic wooden grandstands at Jay Littleton Ball Park in Ontario, California, as reported by the Associated Press.
The fire broke out late Thursday night, and by the time firefighters arrived, the structure was already fully engulfed in flames.
The grandstands, dating back to 1937, were a notable feature of the ballpark, which has appeared in several well-known films, including A League of Their Own.
City communications director Dan Bell stated: “By the time they got here, which was pretty quickly, the structure was already fully engulfed.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The grandstands were located behind home plate, extending along the first and third-base lines.
Jay Littleton Ball Park holds a significant place in film history. It has served as a filming location for several iconic movies.
The 1992 film A League of Their Own, starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, and Lori Petty, used the ballpark to depict the story of a women’s professional baseball team in the 1940s.
Other notable films that featured the ballpark include Eight Men Out and The Babe Ruth Story.
The destruction of the grandstands has sparked a sense of loss among the community and film enthusiasts.
The park’s association with these films has made it a cherished part of Southern California’s cultural landscape.
The fire at Jay Littleton Ball Park has drawn reactions from the local community, especially those who have long regarded the park as a local treasure.
U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres, who represents the area, expressed her sadness over the loss.
She said the ballpark had been the site of “countless, cherished memories” for local families since the 1930s.
Torres added: “The stadium’s legacy lives on in the hearts of its patrons and through the movies it has been featured in.”
The park has been a beloved destination for residents of Ontario and visitors alike, who appreciated its nostalgic charm and historical significance.
Firefighters responded to the blaze at 11:25 p.m. on Thursday night (22August).
Although they arrived quickly, they were unable to save the grandstands, which had already been overtaken by flames.
No injuries were reported in the incident, and the Ontario Fire Department has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
The wooden grandstands were a key feature of the park, providing seating for generations of baseball fans and serving as a backdrop for scenes in classic films.
While the cause remains unknown, authorities are working to determine the origins of the fire.
A fire destroyed the historic wooden grandstands at Jay Littleton Ball Park in Ontario, California, late Thursday night.
The park, which dates back to 1937, has been used as a filming location for movies such as A League of Their Own, Eight Men Out, and The Babe Ruth Story.
Firefighters responded quickly to the blaze, but the structure was already engulfed. No injuries were reported.
Local officials, including U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres, expressed sadness at the loss of a site where families have created lasting memories for decades.
The Ontario Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire.
