Official Tourism London News Release
London, Ont. – Beginning this summer, Labatt Memorial Park, home of the London Majors and the world’s oldest baseball diamond, will be offering exclusive behind the scenes public tours of this legendary facility.
With a history dating back to 1877, Labatt Memorial Park has played an important role on the growth and development of baseball in Canada, and now thanks to support from the Government of Ontario, Tourism London and the City of London, guests will have the opportunity to get behind the scenes, see artifacts, and hear firsthand about some of the famous teams and players that have come through this facility, including Satchel Paige, Ty Cobb, Fergie Jenkins, Jesse Owens, Deion Sanders and many more.
Along with Labatt Memorial Park, Southwestern Ontario is home to a number of important baseball sites including the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Marys, Ont., and the Beachville District Museum, home to one of the first ever recorded baseball games, located just outside of Woodstock, Ont.
Together with these organizations, the “Southwestern Ontario Baseball Heritage Pass” will be formed, marketing the region as a destination for baseball heritage. This partnership will include a dedicated website, itineraries, travel booking and one ticket into all three attractions, encouraging guests to visit each location and explore the entire Southwestern Ontario region.
“Many people aren’t aware of the incredible history of Labatt Memorial Park, and we look forward to sharing these stories with Londoners and many others. We believe this has the opportunity to become another key attraction for the city by providing a unique, memorable and educational experience. The collaboration with the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and the Beachville District Museum to create a regional baseball heritage pass will provide additional tourism opportunities that will benefit each location while also strengthening the entire region,” said Zanth Jarvis, director, sport tourism, Tourism London
“Labatt Memorial Park is a gem in our city and we’re thrilled to be able to begin offering tours to showcase its incredible history. With our recently announced investment, as well as this additional programming, we’re excited for the future of Labatt Memorial Park and we look forward to continually welcoming guests for years to come,” added Jon-Paul McGonigle, division manager, culture, special events and sport services, City of London
Such a beautiful shrine, where both baseball fans and non-baseball fans can simply soak in the charm, character, passion, heritage and history of Canada’s greatest ballpark. Excellent initiative with the Ball Hall & Beachville too! I only hope that you, Kevin, are the chief tour guide, so you can spread your passion for baseball verbally as you do so well with your written words! Thanks for passing this along!
Hi Tom. Hope you are well. Thanks for your note. Stephen Harding and Barry Wells are the best tour guides for Labatt Park.
What a great family day this will make for baseball loving families or even history loving families. Can’t wait to take part.
It should be exciting, Scott.