IN APPRECIATION: It Takes A Family To Build A Park

While Bob Davis is World Series Park’s superintendent, his late wife Carolyn’s influence made it happen for two decades

By Joe McConnell

Long before World Series Park was even in Bob Davis’s thought process, both he and Carolyn, his wife of 60 years, before she passed away in February after a long illness, understood the pros and cons of the Saugus sports scene. Together, they raised three children in the community, where they were quite active in its athletic programs across all backdrops.

In 2003, when the Saugus American Little League Williamsport all-star team not only captured the attention of its neighbors in town, but also throughout New England after they made it all the way to the United States championship game, Bob got the ball rolling to turn a piece of swampland behind the Belmonte School into what turned out to be the crown jewel of baseball facilities throughout the North Shore, if not the state itself. Bob knew the work involved to pull everything together to get the project done would take time and patience. He needed first and foremost the support of his family. Carolyn already knew the town needed a brand-new baseball complex, because of her involvement as a sports mom. Stackpole Field was showing its age, and, because of that, it was easy for her to get behind the development of World Series Park.

When World Series Park was christened in 2004, there was still work to be done to bring the facility up to certain 21^st century standards that would make it the envy of nearby communities. A new state-of-the-art concession stand and press box and meeting room behind home plate was soon built. An aluminum flagpole down the right-field line followed, and in 2021 lights were finally installed after years of fundraising to make it happen.

I saw the 2004 opening of World Series Park and subsequent additions to it firsthand as the sports editor of a former Saugus newspaper. I began to know Bob and Carolyn quite well, as well as their son, Glen. They seemingly were always there to make sure the grass was mowed and the basepaths and batter’s boxes were properly lined for the games, the concession stand was constantly stocked with goodies for the fans, and for other aesthetics that created a pleasant, memorable experience.

Bob took care of the park’s grounds both on and off the diamond, while Carolyn managed the concession stand. Their springs, summers and even falls for two decades were consumed at the park, pretty much seven days a week. But they weren’t complaining, because they were doing it for the love of the Saugus community without any financial benefit. And Bob continues to put in the work.

The experience was not always pleasant for them. They had to endure occasional vandalism, as well as criticism from some who thought they knew better. But they soldiered on because they understood the bigger picture. This park was and continues to be for Saugus baseball players, and Carolyn’s contributions and sacrifices to make that happen will never be forgotten by those of us who saw her dedication and support for it up close.

The concession stand was rightfully named after her during the 20^th anniversary ceremony of the park late last month. Sacrifice and volunteerism embodied her entire life, and the Saugus community is richer today for it.