Town to Baseball Dad: League Has Right to Ban You

Scott Dean, in the news for the past year over the 's recently upheld decision to , had questions for the Town Council at its Tuesday night meeting at .

Dean's argument is that because PTWLL leases township-owned fields (for $1 per year), it has no right to ban him from the premises.

Dean asked the governing body whether the league had a right to ban him from the property and keep him from watching his son play baseball.

"It's a free country," quipped Councilman John Cesaro.

"Some would think," Dean responded.

The frustrated father expanded his question.

"Does the league, which leases its fields, have the right to bar me, and can the township provide paperwork to prove that authority?" he asked.

"Is the council willing to fight for my kid?"

Mayor James Barberio, who noted that open space monies were not used to purchase the land that houses either the Par-Troy West or leagues, said the league does have the right to ban Dean.

"Par-Troy West or Par-Troy East are private organizations. They have their own rules and regulations," the mayor said.

Barberio continued, telling Dean that if he has any complaint, it's "between you, Williamsport, Pa. and the Little League."

"I don't know much more about it and the town doesn't run it," according to Barbero. "We don't sanction them. You have to appeal to the Little League organization."

Attorney John Wyciskala, filling in for absent Town Attorney John Inglesino, agreed with the mayor.

"They're a tenant," he said. "They have lease rights, they have control."

The league banned Dean from PTWLL facilities over alleged statements he made against the league and its officials after being told last year he was not chosen to coach a team.

Dean asked questions regarding how league monies were handled and wondered whether funds were going into maintaining the PTWLL fields and concession stand.

He has stated an opinion that Par-Troy East Little League facilities are of higher quality than those offered by the West league.

The has said that Dean's questions amounted to slander. It has demanded a public apology from Dean before he will be permitted to watch his son play ball.

According to the board, the national Little League Baseball Inc., based in Williamsport, Pa., stands by the PTWLL decision.