THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 7, 2023 Page 5 A Special Opening Day league offi cials going the distance to honor 2003 little league World Series team with parade and ceremony By Mark E. Vogler W ith several large piles of dirt covering a grassless infi eld, the Hurd Avenue Field is far from ready for the Saugus Little League’s Opening Day ceremonies, which are set for Saturday, April 22. But league offi cials say the fi eld – just like the extensive plans that are already underway for the big celebration – is a work in progress. The entire playing fi eld has to be raked of the tree branches and debris from the winter. The mounds of dirt have to be molded into the pitcher’s mound and the base paths. And the fi eld will need some new infi eld grass. Meanwhile, offi cials continue to work on the parade – which they hope will be the best one in recent memory, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of Saugus making it to the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa. Players from that historic 2003 team, which fi nished second in the United States and fourth in the world, will ride a makeshift duck boat in the parade and will be honored during the Opening Day Ceremonies at Hurd Field. This week, the league was able to recruit Guy Moley – the Saugonian behind most of the charity car shows in town – to enter some cars in the parade. Those cars will join vehicles from the Saugus Police and Fire Departments. Even with Opening Day just two weeks from tomorrow, the Saugus Little League isn’t done yet in putting the fi nishing touches to the parade and the ceremonies. The league is reaching out to all segments of the community, trying to make the day as special as THE 2003 SAUGUS BOYS OF SUMMER: A team photo of the dozen players who made local sports history 20 years ago by fi nishing as runner-up in the United States during the 2003 Little League World Series. The team will be honored on April 22 during the parade and Opening Day Ceremonies for the Saugus Little League. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Founders Day and the Christmas Tree Lighting – the two biggest annual crowd-drawing events in Saugus. “The Little League is reaching out to anyone who wants to participate in the parade or be involved in the Opening Day ceremonies,” said Rick Kasabuski, the father of Joe Kasabuski – one of the 12 players of the 2003 Saugus team. “Anyone who has ever played Little League Baseball in Saugus is invited to attend. The more, the merrier. The league wants this to be a communitywide event,” he said. Opening Day ceremonies will be held at the Hurd Avenue Field, where the 2003 team will be the guests of honor. There will be a food truck and a DJ will play music to celebrate the start of the season. Old School Apparel of Saugus will be selling the sports clothing line for the Saugus Little League during the event. The 2003 World Series team includes Ryan Bateman, Tyler Calla, Craig Cole, Anthony DiSThe COVID-19 Update Town reports 9 newly confi rmed cases; no new deaths By Mark E. Vogler T here were nine newly confi rmed COVID-19 cases in Saugus over the past week through Wednesday (April 5). The new cases reported by the state Department of Public Health (DPH) over the past week increased the overall total to 10,606 confi rmed cases since the outbreak of the global pandemic in March of 2020, according to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. This week’s total was a decrease of one from the number of newly confi rmed cases reported last week. There were no new COVID-19-related deaths over the past week, as the death toll remained at 110. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families aff ected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said. *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes that interest remains on deposit until maturity. 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He likes to point to one of the fl iers that has been circulating around town lately: “Spring has Sprung. Cabin Fever is over. Get out of the House! Join the Town of Saugus! Fun for all.” Opening Day at a Glance (Courtesy graphic of the Saugus Little League) Hurd Avenue Field remained a work in progress this week as Saugus Little League offi cials and volunteers rushed to get it into playing shape for Saturday, April 22. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) 4.50 9 Month CD Savings make dreams possible. %APY*
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