Labatt Park

Origins and Early History

The site of Labatt Memorial Park, a grassy commons area at the forks of the Thames River, was likely used for recreational games before its formal establishment. Baseball's roots in the region trace to nearby Beachville, Ontario, where the first recorded game was played in 1838. The founding of the London Tecumsehs Baseball Club in 1868 led directly to the creation of Tecumseh Park, which opened on May 3, 1877. The park was named by china merchant W. J. Reid in honour of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, who died in the Battle of the Thames in 1813. The inaugural game saw the London Tecumsehs defeat their junior team, the London Atlantics, 5-1, before a crowd reported at a thousand people. Later that same month, the Tecumsehs, then members of the International Association, narrowly lost 7-6 to the National League champion Boston Red Stockings before 8,000 fans, featuring star pitcher Fred Goldsmith. The 1877 season was a triumph, as the Tecumsehs later defeated the Pittsburgh Allegheny 5-2 to win the International Association pennant before more than 6,000 spectators in a park built to seat 600.

Evolution of the Ballpark

The original Tecumseh Park was significantly damaged by a flood of the Thames River on July 11, 1883, which destroyed the grandstands located near today's outfield foul lines. This event prompted a reconstruction that reoriented the park, moving home plate from left-centre field to approximately its current location and building a new east-facing grandstand that stood from 1883 to 1937. The park's use diversified beginning in 1892 when it hosted amateur and professional bicycle races, attracting international stars and fostering the publication of a cycling magazine in London. Baseball continued with several more incarnations of the Tecumsehs in various leagues, including the International Association, the International League, and the Canadian League. The park was also the site of London's first motion picture display in 1895, organized by the London Bicycle Club. A second devastating flood in April 1937 caused extensive damage, leading to the construction of the park's third grandstand (1937 to 2001) and a new clubhouse. This reconstruction was funded in part by a $10,000 donation from the Labatt Brewing Company, which had deeded the park to the City of London on December 31, 1936, with the stipulation it remain a public athletic park and be renamed The John Labatt Memorial Athletic Park.

Key renovations and upgrades have marked the park's modern era. In the early 1940s, lights were installed to permit night baseball for the London Pirates of the PONY League. In 1989, approximately $1 million in upgrades were completed for the London Tigers, including new lights, dugouts, seating, and a 40-by-19-foot electronic scoreboard. The park and head groundskeeper Mike Regan won the prestigious Beam Clay Award for the best natural-grass field in North America in 1990. In 2001, the 1937 grandstand was demolished and a new $1.97-million, wheelchair-accessible grandstand, the park's fourth, was built alongside a new irrigation system for the Canada Summer Games. Most recently in the 2020s, a new sports lighting system with LED fixtures and spun concrete poles was installed to improve field illumination for evening games.

Historic Teams and Notable Players

Labatt Park has been home to a wide array of baseball teams across different eras. The London Tecumsehs were the foundational club, followed by other professional entries like the London Pirates of the PONY League in 1940 to 1941. The park regularly hosted barnstorming Negro league teams in the first half of the 20th century, including a celebrated visit by pitcher Satchel Paige on June 30, 1954. After Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier, numerous former Negro league players joined the Senior Intercounty Baseball League, making appearances at Labatt Park throughout the 1950s. The London Majors have been a constant presence, winning multiple championships, including the Canadian Sandlot Congress in 1947 and the Can-Am Baseball Congress in 1948. The park also hosted women's teams like the London Supremes during and after the Second World War. Professional baseball returned with the AA London Tigers, an Eastern League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, from 1989 to 1993. The 1990 team won the Eastern League title under manager Chris Chambliss. Later tenants included the Frontier League's London Werewolves (1999 to 2001) and the Canadian Baseball League's London Monarchs in 2003.

The park has seen an extraordinary roster of baseball legends play in exhibition or regular season games. Ty Cobb played for the Detroit Tigers in an exhibition against the London Tecumsehs on September 15, 1920. Walter Johnson suited up for the Washington Senators in an exhibition on May 23, 1923. Legendary pitcher Satchel Paige barnstormed at the park in 1954. Future Hall of Famer Earle Greasy Neale played at the park from 1912 to 1914 before his MLB and NFL career. Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins pitched for the London Majors in 1984 and 1985 after his MLB career. Former Cy Young winner Denny McLain played for the 1974 London Majors, batting .380. Local players who graduated to the Major Leagues from Labatt Park include Frank Colman, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees from 1942 to 1947, and Tom Burgess, who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels from 1954 to 1963. Both are inductees of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.

Designation and Heritage Features

Labatt Memorial Park was designated a historic site under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act in 1994, following a campaign by the Friends of Labatt Park. The designating by-law was amended in 1996 to specifically include the circa-1937 clubhouse, which was renamed the Roy McKay Clubhouse on August 1, 1996, by longtime Majors owner Arden Eddie in honour of former pitcher and manager Roy McKay. The clubhouse, with its tongue-and-groove clapboard construction, is considered the heart of the park and houses a collection of historical artifacts. A commemorative rock and bronze plaque honouring McKay are installed at its front. The park's historic status was further cemented when it was inducted into the London Sports Hall of Fame in September 2021. The park also holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's oldest continually operating baseball grounds, a status it has maintained since its establishment in 1877. An art deco entrance gate constructed in 1938 on Dundas Street, now Riverside Drive, to commemorate the park's renaming was demolished around 1980.

Modern Use and Community Role

Today, Labatt Park remains a busy community hub and active sports venue. Its primary tenants are the London Majors of the Intercounty Baseball League and the Western Mustangs university baseball team. The park also hosts the London Badgers junior team, various youth and adult leagues, and community events. Guided walking tours of the historic grounds have been offered since 2021, with the 2026 season running from May 29 to September 6. These tours provide access to the field, dugouts, and the Roy McKay Clubhouse, sharing stories from the park's 149-year history. The park has a seating capacity of 5,200 and continues to be maintained to a high standard, as evidenced by its past Beam Clay Award. The City of London oversees the park's operations and recent infrastructure improvements, such as the 2020s lighting upgrade completed in collaboration with Spartan Sports Lighting. The park's longevity was symbolically upheld during the COVID-19 pandemic when the London Majors hosted the Guelph Royals in the Legacy Classic exhibition game on August 21, 2020, to continue the streak of continuous operation.

The park's schedule and events for the 2026 season illustrate its ongoing activity. Guided tours are offered Wednesday to Sunday from May 29 to September 6, 2026. The London Majors play their Intercounty Baseball League home games throughout the summer. The Western Mustangs play university games during the OUA season. A special event called the Green Game 2026 will feature the London Majors versus the Brantford Red Sox. The park is also available for local league play and tournaments, ensuring its role as a public athletic facility.

Cultural Significance and Multisport History

Beyond baseball, Labatt Park has served as a multifunctional civic space throughout its history. Beginning in 1892, the park was used for amateur and professional bicycle races, attracting international stars. In 1895, the park was the site of the first-ever motion picture display in London, organized by the London Bicycle Club. During World War II, the park was the home field for several women's baseball, softball and fastball teams, including the London Supremes. At the end of August during the 1950s, Labatt Park annually hosted athletes from across the city's playgrounds competing in a variety of sports during a two- to three-day event, called the "Junior Olympiad."

• Bicycle racing: Hosted amateur and professional races beginning in 1892.
• Soccer, fastball, softball, and football: All played on the grounds.
• Track and field, wrestling, and boxing: Athletic competitions held at the park.
• Winter skating: The park was used as a skating rink.
• Political rallies and civic receptions: Used as a public gathering space.
• Showjumping: Equestrian events were held there.
• RCMP Musical Ride: The mounted police performed at the park.
• Royal visit: A 21-gun salute for Queen Elizabeth II on June 26, 1997.

The park's connection to popular culture includes being considered for the filming of the 1992 movie A League of Their Own starring Madonna and Geena Davis. Filming could not fit around the home schedule of the Double A London Tigers of the Eastern League. Previously, the scoreboard was changed manually. Ted Giannoulas, who later became the famous sports mascot The Famous Chicken, began his career working at Labatt Park, changing the manual scoreboard for 25 cents a game between 1965 and 1967.

Notable Exhibition Games and Events

Throughout its long history, Labatt Park has been the site of numerous memorable exhibition games featuring Major League stars and barnstorming teams. On May 24, 1877, before 8,000 fans, the National League champion Boston Red Stockings played the London Tecumsehs. On September 15, 1920, with Ty Cobb in the lineup, the Detroit Tigers defeated the London Tecumsehs 5-4 before 3,000 people. On May 9, 1921, under manager George Gibson, the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the London Tecumsehs 8-7 before 3,500 people. On May 23, 1923, Washington's pitching ace Walter Johnson was in uniform as the Washington Senators defeated the Tecumsehs.

• May 24, 1877: Boston Red Stockings (NL champions) defeat London Tecumsehs 7-6 before 8,000 fans.
• September 15, 1920: Detroit Tigers, with Ty Cobb, defeat London Tecumsehs 5-4 before 3,000 people.
• May 9, 1921: Pittsburgh Pirates, managed by George Gibson, beat London Tecumsehs 8-7 before 3,500.
• May 23, 1923: Washington Senators, with Walter Johnson, defeat Tecumsehs 13-9.
• June 30, 1954: Satchel Paige pitches for a barnstorming team against the House of David.
• August 21, 2020: Legacy Classic exhibition game, London Majors defeat Guelph Royals 3-0.

These games were often major community events, with reserved seating for the 1920 game costing $1. On June 30, 1954, legendary African-American pitcher Satchel Paige pitched in an exhibition game against another legendary barnstorming team, The House of David baseball team. The House of David team members all sported beards and long hair and travelled with their own generator-powered lights. The game featured noted baseball clown, Frank (Bobo) Nickerson. The park is the oldest continually operating baseball grounds, with a history dating back to 1877.

Questions about Labatt Park

Why is Labatt Memorial Park considered historically significant?

Labatt Memorial Park is the oldest continually operating baseball grounds, with a history dating back to 1877. It was originally named Tecumseh Park. Since December 31, 1936, Labatt Park has been owned by the City of London. The park has hosted numerous minor league and independent baseball teams and notable sportspeople, including Greasy Neale and Charlie Gehringer, who were inducted into the Football and Baseball Hall of Fame, respectively.

Who owns and operates Labatt Park today?

The City of London has owned Labatt Memorial Park since December 31, 1936, when it was deeded by the Labatt Brewing Company. The city maintains and operates the facility, overseeing upgrades and scheduling. Primary tenants include the London Majors of the Intercounty Baseball League and the Western Mustangs university team. The city also organizes public tours of the historic site through a dedicated tours program.

Can the public visit Labatt Park for a tour?

Yes, guided walking tours of Labatt Memorial Park are offered to the public. For the 2026 season, tours run from May 29 to September 6, Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Tours provide access to the historic field, dugouts, and the Roy McKay Clubhouse, featuring artifacts and stories from the park's 149-year history. All tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

What Major League Baseball legends have played at Labatt Park?

Numerous baseball Hall of Famers have played at Labatt Park, often in exhibition games. Ty Cobb played there with the Detroit Tigers in 1920, and Walter Johnson suited up for the Washington Senators in 1923. Legendary pitcher Satchel Paige barnstormed at the park in 1954. Future Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins pitched for the London Majors in 1984 to 1985 after his MLB career. Other notable figures include Earle Greasy Neale, Denny McLain, and many former Negro league stars who played in the Intercounty League.

What is the Roy McKay Clubhouse?

The Roy McKay Clubhouse is the historic team clubhouse at Labatt Park, built shortly after the 1937 flood. It was officially renamed on August 1, 1996, by then-Majors owner Arden Eddie in honour of Roy McKay, a former pitcher, manager, and coach for the London Majors who died in 1995. The building was specifically included in the park's heritage designation in 1996. It serves as the heart of the park, housing team facilities and a collection of historical artifacts displayed during public tours.

What other sports and events have been held at the park?

While primarily a baseball venue, Labatt Park has a diverse multisport history. It has hosted professional and amateur bicycle racing, soccer, football, fastball, softball, track and field, wrestling, and boxing. The park has also been used for winter skating, political rallies, showjumping, civic receptions, and performances by the RCMP Musical Ride. It was the site of a 21-gun salute for Queen Elizabeth II in 1997, demonstrating its role as a central community gathering place for over a century.

Sources and further reading

• Labatt Park (Wikipedia)
• Labatt Memorial Park Tours | London, Ontario, Canada (labattparktours.com)
• Labatt Memorial Park (londonmajors.com)
• Labatt Park Tours Return for 2026 Season (londontourism.ca)
• Labatt Memorial Park (spartansportslighting.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-26.