World Series Park celebrates its 20th anniversary with a snack bar dedication to Carolyn Davis

By Tara Vocino

World Series Park has been a legend in town, but on April 26, it celebrated its 20th Anniversary by dedicating the snack bar in memory of Superintendent Bob Davis’ late wife, Carolyn.

Her son Glen said the night-time playing lights came in 2022. “We’ve been raising money for lights since the park was built 20 years ago,” Glen said. “We have Christie Serino Stadium at the high school now, too.”

It enables more flexibility for children to play baseball at night. Annually, there are approximately 250 games played.

Glen said there’s a monument dedicated to the 2003 Little League team, which was the only Saugus team ever to make it to the Little League World Series. “My father drew together Agganis Construction to build the field,” Glen said.

Superintendent Bob Davis, who was her husband, said there are approximately 54 sponsor signs around the mound.

“My wife of 60 years passed away recently,” Davis said. “It’s a milestone that this park has been in existence for 20 years.”

The night lights have added 60 games to allow more use of the field for adult leagues.

“She ran the snack bar for 20 years,” Bob said. “She always had a smile on her face even when the team lost.”

Davis said they dedicated the monument to the 2003 Little League team. “They brought the town together, despite differences,” Davis said. “Because of that we decided to dedicate the field to them.”

Glen said his mother was a great person who volunteered for First Congregational Church’s pumpkin patch and at the snack bar.

“It’s been 20 years, incredibly,” Davis said. “My grandson Kevin played here, and it was just swampland.”

Carolyn’s daughter, Rachel, said her mother supported her father’s passion by working at the park and for the love of the town that she grew up in. “She was the most unbelievable person you’ve ever met in your life,” Rachel said. “She gave of her talents, time and [was] the kind of person who everyone would want to be around.”

Selectman Corinne Riley said Carolyn was with Davis a lot and was very supportive of his hours at the park. “She supported all his hard work,” Riley said. “Carol knew he takes a lot of pride on the field and all that he’s accomplished.”

Riley said she was probably the sweetest woman she’s ever met, adding that she was quiet but pleasant. “When you met her, you felt like you knew her forever,” Riley said.

Selectman Anthony Cogliano said that behind every man is a better woman. “She ran a great snack bar,” Cogliano said. “She kept Bob in line, which is very hard to do.”

Cogliano said she was always smiling and kind, and she is missed by everyone.

Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta said Carolyn was always by Davis’ side, always helping out. “She was loving and caring,” Panetta said. “To have a vision like Bob and the family did and see it to fruition is amazing.”

Her son, Mark, played Babe Ruth at what she called a premiere park. She added that she is very thankful for Davis’ commitment to the youth.

State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) said it’s a wonderful night to celebrate the community coming together, tireless efforts and the park’s 20th anniversary. Father John Mulloy said only Davis could get him here from Boston on a cold, spring night to participate in the park’s 20th anniversary.

As part of the celebration, there was a reading of several hundred names of individuals and businesses who contributed to the success of World Series Park over the years.

Saugus Middle High School eighth grader Nick Shaw said Carolyn was a wicked nice lady who had a passion for the town, raised beautiful kids and was an amazing woman who would do anything for anyone. “She was a kind and loving person,” Shaw said. “The lights are good so the kids don’t have to play in the dark.”