Play Ball! Saugus Little League Softball thanks retiring coach and scoreboard donors

By Tara Vocino

Saugus Little League Softball honored retiring preschool teacher Barbara Wall during its opening ceremony along Hurd Avenue last Friday night. Wall coached varsity softball at Saugus High School from 2000 to 2005 and is retiring from Saugus Public Schools after 30 years, serving most recently as a preschool teacher.

“I’m very privileged that my former players are carrying on with their daughters and sons as players,” Wall said after she threw out the first softball pitch. “I wish the children luck throughout the season.” Wall appreciated that her players are now giving back to the community with their children.

Many former players came out to support her, including Saugus Softball Little League Vice President Stephanie Strout. “Her dedication to our youth, both in the classroom and on the field, has left a mark that can’t be measured,” Strout said. “Whether it’s cheering from the stands, guiding a student through a tough day, or leading by example with integrity and heart, Barbara shows up – always.”

Strout said the foundation that Wall created will always remain in students’ hearts, inspiring generations of Sachems who will feel her impact for many more years to come.

In addition, Saugus Little League President John Benoit recognized WIN Waste Innovations and oneZero Financial Systems for their generous donations toward a new scoreboard, replacing an existing 25-year-old one. Sal Beatini, who works for oneZero Financial Systems, and Elliott Casey, who works for WIN Waste Innovations, threw out the first baseball pitch.

Benoit thanked Selectman Anthony Cogliano for putting them in touch with WIN Waste Innovations. “Through WIN Waste’s very generous donation of $8,000, we were able to purchase and install the brand-new scoreboard that you see there today,” Benoit said.

A second company that they recognized is oneZero. “One of our board members, Sal Beatini, works at oneZero, and we have been a very fortunate recipient of his company’s generous donations over the past couple of years,” Benoit said.

Last and certainly not least, they recognized Anthony Winn for his family’s generosity. “Anthony is the father of two sons who are in Saugus Little League and he very generously offered to help pay for things that would help improve the league and the fields,” Benoit said. “So, on the backs of his generosity, we were able to seal coat the blacktop around this field, plant nine brand-new Aborvitae bushes around the snack shack and purchase two new pitching machines for the league.”

So, big thanks to Anthony and his wife, Jill!

Heavy rain last weekend cancelled a more formal parade, but the tradition still continued with a shorter route along Hurd Avenue.