Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 4, 2025 Mabee the year for Saugus baseball: new coach confident in experienced team By Dom Nicastro T he Saugus High School baseball program heads into the 2025 season with a new coach – but a familiar face. Mike Mabee Jr., an alum with the program and former assistant, takes over for former boss Joe Luis. Mabee coached with Luis from 2021 to 2022 as an assistant. He has coached with Vikings AAU baseball at the 13u and 16u levels and has also coached the Saugus Middle School basketball team. The 2018 Saugus graduate played four years of baseball at Worcester State University. “My vision for this team and the future is to create a culture of family and competitors,” Mabee said. “We have a great group that I got to walk into, and they have bought into this already. And we are getting better every day working on these skills that are going to help us compete and win baseball games, as well as give them tools they will take into their lives after baseball at Saugus High School. The more we practice, compete, fail and succeed is going to build this team up, and there is no limit for this team’s success as we continue to do these things.” The team voted for four captains who are all seniors. Cam Soroko brings a lot to the table. He can play anywhere on defense and will be a steady presence on the mound. “He is a leader through and through and will be one of the players we rely on all year offensively, defensively and on the bases,” Mabee said. “Cam is going to Bryant University next year to tion pitching. “He is always ready to work and is trying to get better in every aspect of his game every day,” Mabee said. “He is a great locker room guy and is a key in keeping the team’s energy in the right place.” Captain Cam Bernard is Mike Mabee (right, as a player in 2017) takes over as head coach for Joe Luis (left). (Facebook photo) play baseball and further his academics.” Ty Riley, captain, is always consistent. He shows up on time, ready to go and never needs reminders to be ready. “He is a guy who leads by example, everywhere he is,” Mabee said. “Like Cam, he can do a lot defensively between the infield and outfield and will be a routine bat in our lineup.” Captain Danny Zeits will do most of his work at first base this year. He can also play third and will be in the rotaa “grinder,” the coach said: on the weight room, taking ground balls, in the cage, anywhere he is there is no doubt he is trying to perfect his craft. “He will spend his time in the infield primarily at shortstop but can play anywhere left of first base,” Mabee said. “He also will hold a steady presence in our pitching rotation.” Along with the four captains, the Sachems have a heavy group of upperclassmen where others have taken BASEBALL | SEE PAGE 17 Senior Center hosts a special birthday celebration T he Senior Center held its monthly birthday celebration on Friday, March 28. This was not just any birthday celebration. We honored a truly remarkable milestone. Abettina (Dell) Morano turned the grand age of 100 on March 20. Happy 100th Birthday, Dell! A special thank you goes to Charlie Hickey for sponsoring this month’s celebration in honor of his wife Pam’s birthday, who celebrated her 80th birthday on March 13. His generosity and love for Pam are truly heartwarming and we are grateful for his support. If anyone would like to sponsor a birthday in honor of someone special, please stop by the office and let us know. Each month the Senior Center likes to recognize the Senior birthdays with a collective birthday celebration, usually on the final Friday of the month. Each birthday recipiA NEW CENTENARIAN: 100-year-old Abettina (Dell) Morano. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) ent receives a free pizza lunch, cake, ice cream and a souvenir group photo to take home. —From Saugus Senior Center Director Laurie Davis MARCH BIRTHDAYS: The Saugus Senior Center recognized 14 residents who celebrated their birthdays collectively last Friday during a special celebration at the Saugus Senior Center. Pictured from left to right: Front row: Joanne Zambuto, Marie Halstead, Julia DePlacido, Abettina (Dell) Morano (100), Pam Hickey (80), Simone Sarnie, Joanne Genzale and Joan Joyce; second row: Marylou Graham, Betty Desimone, Linda Dall, Sandra Milano and Angela Hogan; back row: Richard Wholly. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate)
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