Baseball Field Where A League of Their Own Was Filmed Destroyed by Fire

Baseball Field Where A League of Their Own Was Filmed Destroyed by Fire

As a devoted cinephile and baseball enthusiast, I find myself deeply saddened by the news of the devastating fire that consumed Jay Littleton Park, the iconic California baseball field that has graced our screens in numerous beloved films over the decades. This hallowed ground, where legends were born and immortalized on celluloid, now lies in ruins – a stark reminder of the ephemeral nature of our cherished cultural landmarks.


A blaze consumed Jay Littleton Park, a cherished California baseball venue that served as the backdrop for numerous iconic baseball movies during the late ’80s and early ’90s. This significant site housed productions like “A League of Their Own“, “Eight Men Out”, and “The Babe”, all of which had a connection to the field.

Based on Deadline’s report, a fire broke out approximately 40 miles east of Los Angeles in Ontario during the evening on Thursday. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found that the blaze had fully taken hold, consuming numerous seats and the dugout in flames. An Ontario Fire Department representative confirmed an ongoing probe into the cause of the fire, though no injuries were reported. The extent of the damage caused by arson was still being evaluated later on, but officials stated that the majority of the facility had been destroyed by the flames.

In 1997, the city of Ontario named their park, known as Jay Littleton Ball Park, after Joe “The Jay Bird” Littleton. This park was designated a historic landmark by the city in 2003. With a history spanning more than eight decades, this field and park have seen many games of baseball. Additionally, it was utilized by the professional minor league team, the Ontario Orioles, in 1947.

Hollywood Movies Filmed in Littleton Ball Park

Baseball Field Where A League of Their Own Was Filmed Destroyed by FireBaseball Field Where A League of Their Own Was Filmed Destroyed by FireBaseball Field Where A League of Their Own Was Filmed Destroyed by Fire

Prior to the fire, the field was meticulously maintained because it had been featured in numerous Hollywood productions and served as a venue for multiple sports leagues. Known as a significant landmark within the city, it played host to several film shoots, including the 1992 biographical movie The Babe, starring John Goodman portraying baseball legend Babe Ruth. Notably, the 1988 film Eight Men Out, featuring Charlie Sheen, was also filmed at Littleton Ball Park. The cast included John Cusack, Clifton James, Michael Lerner, and Christopher Lloyd, among others. Furthermore, it was mentioned that numerous commercials were filmed on this site during its 80-year history.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by Littleton’s claim to fame – the iconic film “A League of Their Own,” directed by Penny Marshall and released in 1992. This culturally influential piece was based on the real-life All American Girls Professional Baseball League, which thrived from 1943 to 1954. Known as one of the greatest baseball films ever made, it resonates with memorable lines like “There’s no crying in baseball!” and boasts an outstanding cast featuring stars such as Tom Hanks, Madonna, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, and Rosie O’Donnell. A reboot of this classic was launched as a Prime Video series titled “A League of Their Own” in 2022, attracting generally favorable reviews and showcasing fresh talent like Chanté Adams, D’Arcy Carden, and Abbi Jacobson. However, despite winning a GLAAD Award, the series sadly met its end after only one season.

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2024-08-26 18:01