Ontario Debates Restoring Iconic Ballpark After $100M Fire Damage

City leaders weigh options for historic Jay Littleton Ball Park, a filming location for "A League of Their Own"

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Ontario city leaders are debating the future of the iconic Jay Littleton Ball Park, which was destroyed in a 2024 fire and could cost $100 million to restore. The nearly 100-year-old ballpark was a filming location for Hollywood classics like "A League of Their Own" and housed a minor league team, but city leaders say the restoration price tag may be too high. Residents are pushing to preserve the historic site, while officials are considering alternatives like a splash pad or multi-purpose facility.

Why it matters

The Jay Littleton Ball Park holds significant historical and sentimental value for the Ontario community, having served as a hub for baseball and a filming location for beloved movies. However, the high cost of restoring the fire-damaged stadium is forcing city leaders to weigh difficult decisions about the site's future and balance nostalgia with fiscal realities.

The details

The iconic ballpark, which dates back to the 1930s, was destroyed in a 2024 fire that left only the outfield fence and scoreboard standing. Before the blaze, it was a popular attraction for baseball fans and film crews, having been used in the production of classic movies like "A League of Their Own," "Eight Men Out," and "The Babe Ruth Story." The ballpark also housed the Ontario Orioles minor league team for one season in 1947.

  • The Jay Littleton Ball Park has been a city staple for nearly 100 years.
  • The ballpark was destroyed in a fire in 2024.
  • City leaders discussed the future of the site at a city council meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • Another meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to further discuss options.

The players

Mando Escobar

A resident who used to play on the field and wants his son to be able to experience the historic ballpark.

Gary Littleton

The son of the ballpark's namesake, Jay Littleton, who was a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers and managed the American Legion Baseball Club at the park for many years.

Alan Wapner

An Ontario City Council member who suggested complementing existing city offerings with alternatives like a splash pad or multi-purpose facility.

Jay Littleton

The namesake of the iconic ballpark, who was a well-known scout and baseball coach in the community.

Ontario Orioles

The minor league baseball team that played at the Jay Littleton Ball Park for one season in 1947.

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What they’re saying

“To me, it's got a lot of history behind it. Now, I want my little boy to play there when he turns 15. That's why I want this to come back so we can get back to playing.”

— Mando Escobar (cbsnews.com)

“Building that park isn't going to bring back the memories, and I agree, it won't bring back the memories, but we'll be able to create new memories. That's something that we can show our grandchildren and their grandchildren and so on and so forth.”

— Gary Littleton (cbsnews.com)

“To me, it's about complimenting what we already have in the city and filling a void.”

— Alan Wapner, Ontario City Council member (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The city council will hold another meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to further discuss options for the future of the Jay Littleton Ball Park.

The takeaway

The debate over the Jay Littleton Ball Park's future highlights the challenges cities face in preserving historic landmarks while balancing fiscal realities. The community's strong attachment to the ballpark, which served as a hub for baseball and a filming location for beloved movies, must be weighed against the prohibitive $100 million price tag for restoration.