The 2003 Little League World Series team helped the Saugus Little League players, coaches and fans open their 2023 baseball season on a nostalgic note last Saturday (April 22) as nine players, two coaches and the manager from that team that finished runners-up in the USA stood in a makeshift “Duck Boat,” leading a parade from the staging area at Anna Parker Field/Playground to a newly renovated Grabowski Field on Hurd Avenue. Hundreds of family members, friends and fans lined the two-mile-plus parade route to cheer on the best Saugus Little League team ever assembled and 272 players, from ages four to 12, who were ready to play ball. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler)
Barbara Cannon, sister of 2003 Saugus Little League Manager Rob Rochenski, flashes the familiar orange-colored t-shirt from that memorable summer to the passing “Duck Boat.”Throwing out the first pitches are members of the 2003 World Series Team.Saugus Little Leaguer Richard Nuzzo, 11, with his idol and mentor Dario Pizzano, a member of the 2023 Little League Team who went on to play professional baseball and coached Richard last year.Players from the 2003 World Series team are introduced.More than 270 players lined the outfield of Grabowski Field.Honoring Charlie BiltonThe Saugus Board of Selectmen – Chair Anthony Cogliano and Selectmen Jeff Cicolini, Debra Panetta, Michael Serino and Corinne Riley – watch the Opening Day Ceremonies.Saugus High School baseball players were there.Rob Rochenski, manager of the 2003 Saugus Little League World Series team, accepts a “Volunteerism Award” for Charlie Bilton – a coach from that team who was recuperating in the hospital and unable to join the team on Saturday.Eugene Decareau, 93, the oldest former Saugus Little League coach, savors the moment at Grabowski Field.Beloved Saugus singer Bucky Cole belts out the National Anthem.Young players carrying the Saugus Little League banner lead the long parade procession of 27 teams from five divisions.THE VIP CAR: Eugene Decareau, the oldest living former Saugus Little League coach at 93 and his wife, Arlene, ride in the backseat of this classic Pontiac, driven by owner Joe Silipigni with John Cannon of the Saugus Veterans Council sitting in the front passenger seat.Members of the 2003 Little League World Series team, standing in their “Duck Boat,” get ready to lead the parade from Anna Parker Field/Playground.Local photographer Charlie Zapolski dressed for the occasion, wearing the keepsake t-shirt he owns from 20 years ago.
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