A Special Opening Day

Grabowski Field is ready to “Play Ball!” as Saugus Little League prepares for unprecedented celebration tomorrow

  Everybody loves a parade. But Saugus Little League officials were promising late this week that people are going to love this year’s parade more than any of the past processions that the league has organized.

  Officials have cranked up the preparations substantially this year as the league prepares to celebrate 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. Guy Moley – the Saugonian behind most of the charity car shows in town – is helping to make the parade extra special by organizing a procession of 15 to 20 cars. One of them will be carrying the oldest living former Saugus Little League Coach, 94-year-old Gene Decareau. The Saugus Police and Fire Departments will be lending a hand with vehicles from their respective departments. League officials are trying to make this year’s Little League Parade and Opening Day ceremonies a town-wide event by reaching out to the town’s veterans, senior citizens and youth organizations to join the parade.

  Meanwhile, the league made major renovations and improvements to Grabowski Field. A new fence was installed from the first base dugout to the right field corner to replace a dilapidated fence that was damaged by a fallen tree. The new fence includes a swinging double door. All the flags from district championships will be flying along with a brand-new American flag. The bleachers have been put in place. Some painting and mulching have been done to enhance the appearance of the field. The bullpen has been cleared and refurbished. The batting cage has been improved and is ready to use. To complete the major overhaul of Grabowski Field, the league planned to cut the infield and outfield grass to its proper length and line the field so it’s ready for the first pitch of the season.

  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. Beloved Saugus singer Bucky Cole will sing the National Anthem and other patriotic numbers. 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. Any Saugus resident is welcome to join in the procession to Grabowski Field

  Parade begins – 10: 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.