Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home for Amateur Baseball Excellence in West Lawn
The West Lawn Owls have been a cornerstone of amateur baseball in Pennsylvania since 1955, dedicated to nurturing athletic talent and fostering community engagement. As a volunteer-driven organization, we provide structured baseball programs for both Senior and Youth Legion teams, emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and lifelong learning. Our state-of-the-art facility, Owls Field at Ted Palka Park, features meticulously maintained grounds, modern amenities, and a legacy of hosting regional and national tournaments. With over six decades of experience, our leadership team combines deep local roots with a commitment to excellence, ensuring players receive top-tier coaching and facilities.Recognized for our contributions to amateur sports, we have produced championship teams and supported athletes in advancing to collegiate and professional levels. Our transparent governance and community-focused initiatives reflect our dedication to ethical standards and long-term sustainability, making us a trusted institution in Berks County and beyond.
Services
Senior Legion Baseball
Youth Legion Baseball
Tournament Hosting
Facility Rentals
Concessions Services
Details
- Year established: 1955
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years of volunteer-driven baseball expertise in Berks County
- Our state-certified coaches have developed multiple championship teams
- We maintain Pennsylvania's premier amateur baseball facility with modern amenities
- Our alumni network connects players to collegiate and professional opportunities
- We combine tradition with innovation through facility upgrades and training programs
Services
Senior Legion Baseball
Competitive summer baseball for ages 17-19, featuring regular season games and playoff tournaments. Our teams have won multiple Berks County and regional championships. Players receive professional coaching and access to top-tier facilities. This program prepares athletes for collegiate and professional opportunities while emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship.
Youth Legion Baseball
Developmental baseball for ages 14-17, focusing on skill-building and competitive play. Teams regularly advance to state and regional tournaments. Our coaching staff emphasizes fundamentals, leadership, and academic balance. The program serves as a pipeline to our Senior Legion teams and collegiate scholarships.
Tournament Hosting
Premier venue for regional and national baseball tournaments, including NCAA Division II Regionals and American Legion events. Our facilities accommodate multi-day competitions with full field maintenance, concessions, and spectator amenities. We've hosted 14+ regional tournaments since 1992, featuring teams from 7+ states.
Facility Rentals
Multi-purpose baseball field rentals for practices, games, and special events. Features include turf warning tracks, enclosed batting cages, and climate-controlled pavilion space. Available for local schools, travel teams, and community organizations with customized rental packages.
Concessions Services
Full-service concessions with diverse menu options including hot dogs, burgers, specialty sandwiches, and beverages. All proceeds support team operations and facility maintenance. Menu items meet safety standards and cater to various dietary preferences with affordable pricing for spectators.
People
John Piscitelli
President
Wilson High School and DeSales University Hall of Famer with 25 years of probation officer experience. Led the Owls since 2012, hosting 10+ regional tournaments. Inducted into the Owls Fence of Fame in 2024.
Steve Carroll
Vice-President
33-year pitching coach with multiple championship teams. Holds finance degree from Shippensburg University. Inducted into Owls Fence of Fame with retired #8 jersey. Serves as vice-president since 2012.
Kurt Behrenshausen
Treasurer
1982 Wilson graduate with electronics degree. Coached championship teams and transformed field aesthetics. Inducted into Fence of Fame with retired #19 jersey. Serves as treasurer since 2022.
Zack Williams
Secretary
Wilson High and Millersville University alumnus with education leadership roles. Coached teams to Berks championships. Serves as secretary while maintaining principal position in Antietam School District.
Tony Matz III
Trustee
Hall of Fame coach with 23-year tenure, leading teams to 4 Berks titles. First inductee to Fence of Fame with retired #23 jersey. Continues advisory role for organizational decisions.
Questions
How can my child join the West Lawn Owls teams?
Registration opens annually for summer baseball. Visit our website to complete forms and attend tryouts typically held in April.
What fees are associated with participation?
Registration is free, but selected players pay a $200 refundable calendar fee and $200 for uniforms/equipment.
What makes Owls Field unique?
Our field features grass baselines, enclosed pavilion training facilities, and terraced lawn seating, making it one of Pennsylvania's premier amateur venues.
Does the organization offer scholarships?
Yes, we award annual scholarships to deserving athletes, including the Ted & Arlean Palka Scholarship and Charles Flannery Legion Baseball Scholarship.
How is the organization funded?
We rely on donations, concession sales, sponsorships, and volunteer contributions to maintain operations and facilities.
What community events do you host?
We organize alumni games, fundraising tournaments, and maintain partnerships with local schools and businesses for youth development.
