Londoners are being asked to rummage through their attics and basements for old Labatt Park memorabilia.
The London Heritage Council, in partnership with Tourism London, made the public request on Tuesday as it puts together a new Labatt Memorial Park Collection. In addition to preserving the history of the park, items in the collection will be used to support the walking tours of the grounds offered each summer.
Items that would be worth donating to the collection include old ticket stubs, photos, jerseys, baseballs, merchandise, and posters.
"We are so fortunate to have this historic venue right in the heart of our city, and it's important that we preserve its history and heritage,” Heritage Council Executive Director Terri Smale said in a statement. “Labatt Park has an incredible baseball history. Not only with its teams in the Tecumsehs, Majors, Tigers and more, but also with some of the legendary players to have played at the park, including Ty Cobb, George ‘Mooney’ Gibson, Honus Wagner, Fergie Jenkins and more."
Smale also noted the park has played host to many non-baseball related events through the years.
"Bicycle racing, horse jumping, football and even a 21-gun salute for Queen Elizabeth II. This collection will help preserve the history from these events and continue to tell the important story of Labatt Park for many years to come," said Smale.
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.
Anyone wishing to donate items to the Labatt Memorial Park Collection can visit www.labattparktours.ca/donation.
Guided 60 minute tours of the park will begin again in late May. The cost is $5 per person. Children 12 and under get in for free.
