A Special Opening Day

Work accelerates at Grabowski Field as Saugus Little League prepares for start of season on April 22

  This week was a productive one for the Saugus Little League. Volunteers continued to spruce up Grabowski Field at Hurd Avenue as the league stayed on schedule for Opening Day ceremonies on April 22. Work crews leveled out the dirt mounds across the infield, the pitcher’s mound was cut out, fresh sod was rolled off a truck and locked into place in the outfield and the sprinkler system was installed – all with an eye toward a special celebration.

  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 Grabowski Field.

  Water Works Lawn Sprinkler Co. Inc. of Saugus installed the sprinkler system while Homefield Athletics Turf Services worked on the field.

  “What a difference a week (and a little sod) makes!” exclaimed a message on the league’s Facebook page.

  “We’ve been working on it since November, leveling the ground, repainting the snack shed, cleaning out broken equipment, repairing the fences and cleaning up a fallen tree,” the message continued. “We can’t wait to show it to you on April 22. We’re not only celebrating the start of the new season but the 20 year anniversary since the 2003 Saugus Little League team went to the World Series. It will all kick off with a parade and include a food truck, music and our first game of the season on the new field! Thanks again to Vibe Food Truck and Old School Apparel for joining us on Opening Day!”

  Opening Day ceremonies will be held at Grabowski 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: 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. Most of the players are expected to be there, according to league officials.

Opening Day Fun

  The schedule: April 22 (Rain Date is April 23); players line up at Anna Parker Field: 9:15 a.m.; parade begins: 10:00 a.m.; Opening Day Ceremony follows after the parade concludes at Grabowski Field at Hurd Avenue.; food truck & DJ ahead of the first Majors Game at 11:30 a.m.