Baseball lovers will once again be able to learn more about and get a behind the scenes look at London's Labatt Memorial Park.
The London Heritage Council, in partnership with Tourism London, is bringing back guided tours of the world’s oldest continuously used baseball grounds this Wednesday. Throughout the season tours of the venue will be offered every Wednesday to Sunday.
The tours are approximately 60 minutes in length and offer visitors an up close look at the grandstand, dugout, press box, and brief outfield access. Guides will share stories of the park's rich history, provide interesting facts about baseball in the city, and highlight notable London Majors players who once played on the field. Legendary players to play at Labatt Park include Fergie Jenkins, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Jesse Owens, and Deion Sanders.
The tour ends inside the original 1937 Roy McKay Clubhouse, where artifacts dating back to the early 20th century can be viewed.
Labatt Park opened in 1877 and spans 8.7 acres. In addition to being recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest baseball grounds, it is considered one of the prettiest ballparks in Canada because of its natural grass and close proximity to the Forks of the Thames. It was designated a historic site by the city in 1994 and is the home of the London Majors
This is the fourth year the Heritage Council has offered the behind the scene look at the historic park. Since launching in 2021, the park tours have drawn hundreds of people from as away as Philadelphia, Oregon, Halifax, and Mexico. In 2023, the tours won the London Heritage Award for local history.
People interested in taking the tour have to book in advance at www.labattparktours.com. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children ages 6 to 12. Kids 6 and under get in free.
