Behind the Name: How 45 Baseball Place in Toronto Became a Hidden Gem for Sports Fans

TORONTO — Nestled in the heart of South Riverdale, a two-bedroom condo at 1110 – 45 Baseball Place is currently listed for rent at $2,900 per month. But the address itself carries a story far richer than its real estate listing suggests—a tale rooted in Toronto’s deep baseball history and the city’s evolving relationship with America’s pastime. For sports fans, the name “Baseball Place” isn’t just a quirk of urban planning. it’s a nod to a legacy that predates the Blue Jays, the Rogers Centre, and even the city’s first professional baseball teams.

The Address That Tells a Story

The condominium building at 45 Baseball Place sits in a neighborhood that, at first glance, seems more synonymous with hip cafes, indie bookstores, and the Leslieville arts scene than with baseball diamonds. Yet the name of the street—and by extension, the address—harks back to a time when baseball was a cornerstone of Toronto’s sporting identity, long before the city became a global hub for hockey, basketball, and soccer.

According to city records and historical archives, Baseball Place was officially named in the early 1900s, a period when Toronto was home to several semi-professional and amateur baseball teams. The street was likely named to honor the sport’s growing popularity in the city, particularly in the Riverside and South Riverdale areas, where local leagues thrived. While the exact origins of the name remain somewhat murky—city planning documents from that era are sparse—local historians and archivists agree that the street was almost certainly tied to the sport’s cultural significance in Toronto at the time.

For modern residents, the address is a conversation starter. “When I tell people I live at 45 Baseball Place, the first question is always, ‘Is there a stadium nearby?’” said a current resident of the building, who asked not to be named. “There isn’t, of course, but it’s fun to explain that the name is a throwback to a different era of Toronto sports.”

Toronto’s Baseball Roots: A Forgotten Legacy

Toronto’s love affair with baseball dates back to the mid-19th century, long before the Toronto Blue Jays became the city’s most recognizable baseball team. In the 1860s and 1870s, the city was home to teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs (no relation to the NHL team) and the Toronto Canucks, both of which played in the International Association, a precursor to modern minor-league baseball. These teams played at venues like Sunlight Park, a ballpark located near the current site of the Distillery District, which was one of the first professional baseball stadiums in Canada.

By the early 20th century, baseball had become a staple of Toronto’s summer entertainment. The city hosted games for teams like the Toronto Bees and the Toronto Tecumsehs, the latter of which played in the Federal League, a short-lived major league that operated from 1913 to 1915. While the Federal League folded, Toronto’s passion for baseball endured, with semi-pro and amateur leagues continuing to thrive in neighborhoods like South Riverdale, Leslieville, and the Beaches.

The naming of Baseball Place likely coincided with this golden era of local baseball. Streets in Toronto were often named to reflect the cultural or industrial identity of their neighborhoods, and in South Riverdale, baseball was a natural fit. The area was home to several sandlot fields and community diamonds where local teams played, and the sport was a unifying force for residents.

From Sandlots to Condos: The Evolution of South Riverdale

Today, South Riverdale is known for its vibrant arts scene, trendy restaurants, and proximity to the Don River and Lake Ontario. But in the early 20th century, it was a working-class neighborhood where baseball was a central part of community life. The fields where local teams once played have long since been replaced by residential and commercial developments, but the name Baseball Place serves as a lasting reminder of the sport’s historical footprint in the area.

The condominium building at 45 Baseball Place was constructed in the early 2000s, part of a wave of urban development that transformed South Riverdale from a primarily industrial and working-class neighborhood into one of Toronto’s most sought-after residential areas. The building itself is a modern, mid-rise structure with amenities like a fitness center, concierge services, and underground parking. Units like the one currently listed for rent—1110 – 45 Baseball Place, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment—offer a blend of contemporary living and historical charm, thanks to the street’s unique name.

“It’s a great place to live, especially for sports fans,” said a real estate agent familiar with the building. “The name Baseball Place gives it a bit of personality, and the location is fantastic—close to downtown, the waterfront, and all the amenities of South Riverdale. It’s a hidden gem.”

Why the Name Matters in Modern Toronto

In a city where hockey reigns supreme and the Raptors and Blue Jays have brought international attention to Toronto’s sports scene, the name Baseball Place serves as a quiet tribute to the sport’s enduring legacy. While the Blue Jays, who began play in 1977, are the most visible representation of baseball in Toronto today, the history of the game in the city runs much deeper. Streets like Baseball Place are rare reminders of that history, offering a glimpse into a time when baseball was a grassroots, community-driven sport.

For baseball enthusiasts, the address is also a point of curiosity. Toronto has no major baseball stadiums in the immediate vicinity of South Riverdale, but the name evokes the city’s rich baseball past. The Rogers Centre, home of the Blue Jays, is located about 5 kilometers west of Baseball Place, near the downtown core. Meanwhile, smaller diamonds and community fields dot the city, including Ted Reeve Arena in the Beaches and Withrow Park in Riverdale, where local leagues and youth teams continue to play.

“It’s cool to think that this street was named for baseball at a time when the sport was a big part of Toronto’s identity,” said a local baseball historian who has researched the city’s early teams. “Even though the Blue Jays are the face of baseball in Toronto now, the name Baseball Place is a nod to the game’s roots here. It’s a small but meaningful connection to the past.”

Living at 45 Baseball Place: A Sports Fan’s Perspective

For sports fans considering a move to 45 Baseball Place, the address offers more than just a historical footnote—it’s a gateway to Toronto’s vibrant sports culture. The building is located within a 15-minute drive or transit ride of several major sports venues, including:

• Rogers Centre (Blue Jays, home of the 2015 and 2016 American League East champions and the 1992 and 1993 World Series-winning teams)
• Scotiabank Arena (Raptors, home of the 2019 NBA champions, and the Maple Leafs)
• BMO Field (Toronto FC, home of the 2017 MLS Cup champions, and the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL)

The neighborhood itself is also home to several sports bars and pubs where fans gather to watch games, including The Local and Bar Fancy, both of which offer a lively atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. For those who prefer to play rather than watch, the nearby Jimmie Simpson Park and Riverdale Park offer baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and tennis courts.

“If you’re a sports fan, this is a great place to live,” said a current resident of the building. “You’re close to everything—downtown, the waterfront, and all the major sports venues. Plus, the name Baseball Place is a fun conversation starter. It’s not every day you live on a street named after America’s pastime.”

The Future of Baseball in Toronto

While baseball may not dominate Toronto’s sports landscape the way hockey or basketball does, the city’s connection to the game remains strong. The Blue Jays continue to draw large crowds to the Rogers Centre, and minor-league baseball has seen a resurgence in recent years with the Toronto Maple Leafs (now a member of the International League) and the Buffalo Bisons, who play just across the border in New York but have a strong following in Southern Ontario.

For residents of 45 Baseball Place, the address is a daily reminder of the sport’s deep roots in Toronto. Whether it’s the history behind the name, the proximity to major sports venues, or the sense of community that baseball has always fostered, the building offers a unique blend of modern living and sporting heritage.

“It’s a small thing, but it’s meaningful,” said the local historian. “Names like Baseball Place keep the history of the game alive in Toronto. They remind us that baseball has been a part of this city for a long time, and it still is today.”

Key Takeaways

• Historical Significance: Baseball Place in Toronto was named in the early 1900s, reflecting the sport’s popularity in the city during that era. The name predates the Toronto Blue Jays and honors the city’s deep baseball roots.
• Community Ties: South Riverdale, where Baseball Place is located, was once home to several local baseball teams and sandlot fields. The street name serves as a lasting tribute to the sport’s role in the neighborhood’s history.
• Modern Living: The condominium building at 45 Baseball Place offers contemporary amenities and a prime location near downtown Toronto and major sports venues like the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena.
• Sports Access: Residents of 45 Baseball Place are within close proximity to Toronto’s top sports bars, parks, and stadiums, making it an ideal location for sports fans.
• Cultural Legacy: While hockey and basketball dominate Toronto’s sports scene today, the name Baseball Place is a reminder of the city’s rich baseball history and its enduring connection to the game.

What’s Next for 45 Baseball Place?

As of April 2026, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at 1110 – 45 Baseball Place remains available for rent at $2,900 per month. For sports fans and history buffs alike, the address offers a unique opportunity to live in a building that carries a piece of Toronto’s sporting past. Whether you’re a Blue Jays season ticket holder, a casual baseball fan, or simply someone who appreciates the story behind the name, 45 Baseball Place is more than just an address—it’s a slice of Toronto’s history.

For those interested in learning more about the building or scheduling a viewing, the listing can be found on REALTOR.ca. And for sports fans looking to dive deeper into Toronto’s baseball history, the City of Toronto Archives and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame offer a wealth of resources.

Have you lived at 45 Baseball Place or another uniquely named sports-related address? Share your story in the comments below or tag us on social media with your favorite Toronto sports history tidbits.