Rebuild and Preserve the History and Legacy of Jay Littleton Ballpark


Rebuild and Preserve the History and Legacy of Jay Littleton Ballpark
The Issue
Preserve the Legacy! Rebuild Jay Littleton Ballpark in Ontario, CA!
Sign Now to Help Restore This Iconic Landmark!
Jay Littleton Ballpark, located within John Galvin Park at the corner of Fourth Street and Grove Avenue, was tragically destroyed by a devastating fire in August 2024. For nearly 90 years, this historic ballpark has been a treasured part of Ontario, California’s identity — a place where baseball history was made and where future generations learned the values of teamwork, discipline, and community.
A Rich Legacy of Baseball and Community
Built in 1935: Constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression, the ballpark was built at a cost of $30,000 to provide jobs and strengthen the community.
Spring Training Home: From 1937 to 1942, the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League held their spring training at Littleton Ballpark. The first game was played on March 14, 1937, when the Angels defeated the Ontario Merchants 8-6 before a crowd of 3,000 spectators.
Professional and Local Roots: The ballpark was home to the Ontario Orioles for one season in 1947, boasting one of the largest field dimensions in the country at 402 feet from home plate to center field — seven feet deeper than Dodger Stadium. Over the decades, it has also been a beloved home for local youth baseball organizations.
A Hollywood Favorite: Thanks to its well-preserved vintage charm, Jay Littleton Ballpark has been featured in several notable films, including Eight Men Out, The Babe Ruth Story, and A League of Their Own, bringing a touch of cinematic magic to Ontario.
Honoring Jay Littleton: In 1998, the ballpark was renamed to honor Joe “Jay” Littleton, whose lifelong dedication to Ontario’s youth baseball left an enduring legacy.
Why We Must Rebuild:
Jay Littleton Ballpark was more than a ball field — it was a living testament to Ontario’s history and a gathering place for generations of families and athletes. The ballpark’s destruction is a heartbreaking loss, but we have an opportunity to restore this landmark and ensure that its rich history lives on for future generations.
Preserving History for Future Generations:
As part of the rebuilding effort, we ask that the City of Ontario make every effort to retain and capture the original historical look and charm of Jay Littleton Ballpark. Rebuilding the ballpark in a way that reflects its iconic design and vintage character will honor its storied past and continue to inspire a sense of pride and connection within the community.
Our Goal:
We are calling on the City of Ontario to prioritize the rebuilding and preservation of Jay Littleton Ballpark. Restoring this iconic ballpark, while maintaining its original historical look, will not only pay tribute to Jay Littleton’s contributions but also provide a space where young athletes can dream, families can gather, and history can be celebrated.
How You Can Help:
✅ Sign this petition to show your support for rebuilding and preserving Jay Littleton Ballpark.
✅ Share this petition with your family, friends, neighbors, and baseball fans to spread the word.
✅ Attend city council meetings and voice your support for this important project.
Together, we can restore this beloved ballpark and keep the spirit of baseball alive in Ontario.
Let’s come together to ensure that Jay Littleton Ballpark rises from the ashes and continues to inspire future generations. Sign today and make a difference!

1,871
The Issue
Preserve the Legacy! Rebuild Jay Littleton Ballpark in Ontario, CA!
Sign Now to Help Restore This Iconic Landmark!
Jay Littleton Ballpark, located within John Galvin Park at the corner of Fourth Street and Grove Avenue, was tragically destroyed by a devastating fire in August 2024. For nearly 90 years, this historic ballpark has been a treasured part of Ontario, California’s identity — a place where baseball history was made and where future generations learned the values of teamwork, discipline, and community.
A Rich Legacy of Baseball and Community
Built in 1935: Constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression, the ballpark was built at a cost of $30,000 to provide jobs and strengthen the community.
Spring Training Home: From 1937 to 1942, the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League held their spring training at Littleton Ballpark. The first game was played on March 14, 1937, when the Angels defeated the Ontario Merchants 8-6 before a crowd of 3,000 spectators.
Professional and Local Roots: The ballpark was home to the Ontario Orioles for one season in 1947, boasting one of the largest field dimensions in the country at 402 feet from home plate to center field — seven feet deeper than Dodger Stadium. Over the decades, it has also been a beloved home for local youth baseball organizations.
A Hollywood Favorite: Thanks to its well-preserved vintage charm, Jay Littleton Ballpark has been featured in several notable films, including Eight Men Out, The Babe Ruth Story, and A League of Their Own, bringing a touch of cinematic magic to Ontario.
Honoring Jay Littleton: In 1998, the ballpark was renamed to honor Joe “Jay” Littleton, whose lifelong dedication to Ontario’s youth baseball left an enduring legacy.
Why We Must Rebuild:
Jay Littleton Ballpark was more than a ball field — it was a living testament to Ontario’s history and a gathering place for generations of families and athletes. The ballpark’s destruction is a heartbreaking loss, but we have an opportunity to restore this landmark and ensure that its rich history lives on for future generations.
Preserving History for Future Generations:
As part of the rebuilding effort, we ask that the City of Ontario make every effort to retain and capture the original historical look and charm of Jay Littleton Ballpark. Rebuilding the ballpark in a way that reflects its iconic design and vintage character will honor its storied past and continue to inspire a sense of pride and connection within the community.
Our Goal:
We are calling on the City of Ontario to prioritize the rebuilding and preservation of Jay Littleton Ballpark. Restoring this iconic ballpark, while maintaining its original historical look, will not only pay tribute to Jay Littleton’s contributions but also provide a space where young athletes can dream, families can gather, and history can be celebrated.
How You Can Help:
✅ Sign this petition to show your support for rebuilding and preserving Jay Littleton Ballpark.
✅ Share this petition with your family, friends, neighbors, and baseball fans to spread the word.
✅ Attend city council meetings and voice your support for this important project.
Together, we can restore this beloved ballpark and keep the spirit of baseball alive in Ontario.
Let’s come together to ensure that Jay Littleton Ballpark rises from the ashes and continues to inspire future generations. Sign today and make a difference!

1,871
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Petition created on March 18, 2025