Gerald (Ben) Hostelley Field
Nor-Gwyn Baseball and Softball has a long and storied history. Founding father, Gerald (Ben) Hostelley served Nor-Gwyn from 1947-1997. He was one of the original members of the Nor-Gwyn Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1996, Nor-Gwyn Baseball and Softball’s main field was named in Ben’s honor, recognizing his 50 years of service to youth baseball. Hostelley Field has been home to Nor-Gwyn’s Connie Mack, American Legion and Perkiomen Twilight League teams and has hosted these League finals for many years.
In 2020, the Chestnut Hill College Baseball Griffins lost their then current home field to a flood just before the start of their baseball season. Fortunately, Nor-Gwyn and Hostelley Field was able to accommodate their college season schedule that year. Chestnut Hill stayed with Hostelley Field the next year, and, in a short time, Chestnut Hill College Baseball and Nor-Gwyn Baseball and Softball formed a partnership that made Hostelley Field the Griffin’s permanent home field.
With the goal of turning Hostelley Field into a quality College Division II baseball field, Chestnut Hill and Nor-Gwyn began the transformation of Hostelley Field.
Starting in 2022, improvements included:
- New dugouts including a press box, viewing deck and storage area
- New warning track
- New sod in the foul ground around the infield
- New Right Field, raising the level 3’ to eliminate a major dip
- Addition of two new double bullpens
- Stand and picnic table relocations
Many of these improvements would not have been possible without the support of our local sponsors, including THK Landscaping, Nyce Crete & Landis Block, Scott Lauro Masonry and the countless volunteer hours from members of the Nor-Gwyn organization.
In 2024, the improvements continued:
- Addition of a turf halo around home plate
- New infield sod along the base paths
- Expanded warning track
- New dugout safety fences
- Complete renovation of two viewing stands, accommodating over 300 spectators.
- Streaming home games using four different camera angles.
- Wheel Chair Accessible viewing area
In 2024, Nor-Gwyn and Chestnut Hill entered into a three year commitment through 2026 to continue improving Hostelley Field, providing Chestnut Hill continuity for years to come. The Chestnut Hill players enjoy the use of the Nor-Gwyn Hawks Nest. A five tunnel, covered, batting Cage facility.
During the season, the Griffins maintain Hostelley Field and keep it in ideal playing condition. They also help around the complex, participating in Nor-Gwyn’s Opening Day Ceremonies, hanging windscreens and doing field maintenance on the Youth League fields.
One of the highlights for the Nor-Gwyn Youth League is the annual fall baseball/softball clinic that Coach Spratt and his players conduct.
