Al Leiter Baseball Park Unveiled, Local Legend Returns Home

BERKELEY, NJ — Students, alumni and community members gathered at Central Regional on Saturday, April 2 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the newly redone Al Leiter Baseball Park at Al Kunzman Memorial Field.

Legendary Central baseball alum, including Leiter himself, were celebrated at the ceremony before Central's varsity team played against Toms River South. It was a six figure donation from Leiter that allowed the field to be redone.

"Al, we can never say thanks enough for all of your commitment," Berkeley mayor Carmen Amato said. He said that the new ballpark is one of the finest facilities for youth baseball in all of New Jersey.

To express the community's gratitude for Leiter, Amato proclaimed that April 2, 2022, will be known as "Al Leiter Day" in Berkeley.

"We are honored that Al Leiter takes the time to return to his roots and make a difference in the lives of many residents here in Berkeley Township," Amato said.

As part of the ceremony, Central superintendent Tom Parlapanides presented Leiter with gifts to also show thanks.

"This field will make many of our students dream big," Board of education president Louis Tuminaro said.

Also thanked was Toms River South baseball coach Ken Frank for being there and everything he has done for Ocean County. Frank was presented with a bat to honor him as New Jersey's all-time winningest baseball coach.

The Kunzman family was thanked and presented with a base to honor Central's late, legendary coach Al Kunzman, who coached Leiter.

"This is a great day," Leiter said, sharing his pride in the Ocean County baseball community. He gave special thanks to both Frank and Kunzman.

Leiter is "maybe the greatest example we'll see in our lifetime of a guy who never forget where he came from," local radio personality Kevin Williams said.

"What an impact he has made on his community, where he played Little League baseball, and of course his high school. And Al, again, on behalf of everyone, thank you, and thank the Leiter family for their incredible generosity and support," Williams added.