A Special Opening Day

League officials going the distance to honor 2003 Little League World Series team with parade and ceremony

  With several large piles of dirt covering a grassless infield, the Hurd Avenue Field is far from ready for the Saugus Little League’s Opening Day ceremonies, which are set for Saturday, April 22. But league officials say the field – just like the extensive plans that are already underway for the big celebration – is a work in progress.

  The entire playing field has to be raked of the tree branches and debris from the winter. The mounds of dirt have to be molded into the pitcher’s mound and the base paths. And the field will need some new infield grass.

  Meanwhile, officials continue to work on the parade – which they hope will be the best one in recent memory, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of Saugus making it to the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa. Players from that historic 2003 team, which finished second in the United States and fourth in the world, will ride a makeshift duck boat in the parade and will be honored during the Opening Day Ceremonies at Hurd Field.

  This week, the league was able to recruit Guy Moley – the Saugonian behind most of the charity car shows in town – to enter some cars in the parade. Those cars will join vehicles from the Saugus Police and Fire Departments.

  Even with Opening Day just two weeks from tomorrow, the Saugus Little League isn’t done yet in putting the finishing touches to the parade and the ceremonies. The league is reaching out to all segments of the community, trying to make the day as special as Founders Day and the Christmas Tree Lighting – the two biggest annual crowd-drawing events in Saugus. “The Little League is reaching out to anyone who wants to participate in the parade or be involved in the Opening Day ceremonies,” said Rick Kasabuski, the father of Joe Kasabuski – one of the 12 players of the 2003 Saugus team.

  “Anyone who has ever played Little League Baseball in Saugus is invited to attend. The more, the merrier. The league wants this to be a communitywide event,” he said.

  Opening Day ceremonies will be held at the Hurd Avenue Field, where the 2003 team will be the guests of honor. There will be a food truck and a DJ will play music to celebrate the start of the season. Old School Apparel of Saugus will be selling the sports clothing line for the Saugus Little League during the event.

  The 2003 World Series team includes Ryan Bateman, Tyler Calla, Craig Cole, Anthony DiSciscio, Dave Ferreira, Tyler Grillo, Joe Kasabuski, Matt Muldoon, Yano Petruzzelli, Dario Pizzano, Mark Sacco and Mike Scuzzarella.

  Kasabuski said he hopes to see residents throughout the community join in this year’s Opening Day for the Saugus Little League, whether it’s participating in the parade or hanging out at Hurd Field. He likes to point to one of the fliers that has been circulating around town lately: “Spring has Sprung. Cabin Fever is over. Get out of the House! Join the Town of Saugus! Fun for all.”