Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home for Amateur Baseball Excellence in Reading, PA
West Lawn Owls has been a cornerstone of amateur baseball in Pennsylvania since 1941, dedicated to nurturing athletic talent and fostering community spirit. As a volunteer-driven organization, we provide structured baseball programs for both youth and senior players, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Our state-of-the-art facility, Owls Field at Ted Palka Park, features advanced amenities including enclosed terraces, batting cages, and professional-grade playing surfaces. With a legacy of over 80 years, we have produced numerous championship teams and continue to host regional and national tournaments. Our experienced coaching staff, many of whom are former players, brings decades of expertise to player development.We prioritize community engagement through scholarships, volunteer initiatives, and partnerships with local schools. Transparency in operations and a commitment to accessibility ensure families can participate without financial barriers. Our track record of producing collegiate athletes underscores our dedication to excellence. By maintaining rigorous safety standards and continuous facility improvements, we provide a secure environment for players and spectators. West Lawn Owls remains steadfast in its mission to preserve baseball traditions while adapting to modern needs.
Services
Senior Legion Baseball
Youth Legion Baseball
Summer Baseball Programs
Winter Workouts
Concessions
Details
- Year established: 1941
Highlights and features
- Volunteer-driven organization with 80+ years of community baseball experience
- State-of-the-art Owls Field facility with enclosed terraces and training amenities
- Proven track record of producing regional/national championship teams
- Youth development programs led by certified coaches with collegiate ties
- Transparent fee structure with scholarship opportunities for participants
What people say
Top-tier facilities
Dedicated volunteer staff
College recruitment success
Family-friendly environment
Championship tradition
Services
Senior Legion Baseball
Competitive baseball program for players aged 17-19. Features regular season games, playoff tournaments, and opportunities to advance to regional/national championships. Emphasizes skill refinement and collegiate recruitment preparation. Coaches include former professional players and certified instructors.
Youth Legion Baseball
Developmental program for ages 14-17. Focuses on fundamental skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Includes structured practices, league games, and tournament participation. Formerly known as Junior Legion, rebranded in 2025 to align with modern youth sports standards.
Summer Baseball Programs
Annual summer season running May-July. Combines regular games with specialized training clinics. Includes uniform provision, travel logistics, and tournament entry fees. Requires pre-season tryouts and mandatory parent contributions for operational support.
Winter Workouts
Indoor training facility offering batting cages, pitching mounds, and strength conditioning. Sessions held weekly December-February. Designed to maintain player readiness and improve technical skills during off-season months. Requires completion of safety waiver forms.
Concessions
Full-service concession stand operating during games. Menu includes hot dogs, burgers, specialty sandwiches, and beverages. Implements cashless payment system with 5% convenience fee for card transactions. Proceeds support facility maintenance and player scholarships.
People
John Piscitelli
President
1995 Wilson High graduate, 2005 Hall of Fame inductee. Played 3 years at DeSales University with 3 conference titles. Probation officer for 25 years. Led Owls since 2012, hosting 15+ major tournaments. Inducted into Owls Fence of Fame in 2024.
Steve Carroll
Vice President
Shippensburg University graduate with 33 seasons as pitching coach. Holds #8 retired jersey. Served on executive board since 1994. Instrumental in developing 12+ collegiate pitchers. Recognized for 20+ years of volunteer service to Berks County baseball.
Kurt Behrenshausen
Treasurer
1982 Wilson graduate with 40+ years of involvement. Coached 1992 Region 2 champions. #19 jersey retired for contributions. Managed field renovations including 2015 indoor facility expansion. Serves as groundskeeper and financial steward.
Zack Williams
Secretary
2003 Wilson graduate with master's in education. Head coach 2010-2019, winning 2 Berks titles. Principal in Antietam School District. Oversees volunteer coordination and facility scheduling. Inducted into Wilson Athletic Hall of Fame as coach.
Tony Matz III
Trustee
1983 Wilson graduate, PA Legion Hall of Fame inductee. Coached 1987-2009 with 4 Berks titles. #23 jersey retired first in club history. Currently oversees coaching staff development and strategic planning for player pathways.
Questions
How do I register for summer baseball?
Complete the online registration form and waiver documents. Tryouts held annually in April for both Senior and Youth Legion teams.
What are the participation fees?
Summer fees total $500 (non-refundable $300 + $200 refundable calendar fund). Winter workouts cost $10 per session.
What makes Owls Field unique?
Features include enclosed terraces, 415-foot center field, indoor training facility, and historic Fence of Fame honoring contributors.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, through the Ted & Arlean Palka Scholarship and Charles Flannery Legion Baseball Award, with 2-3 recipients annually.
How can I volunteer?
Contact via email for coaching positions, facility maintenance, or event coordination opportunities. No experience required.
What tournaments do you host?
Annual Berks County Playoffs, NCAA Division II Regional, and Mid-Atlantic National Regional tournaments since 2007.
