Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 14, 2023 A Special Opening Day Work accelerates at Grabowski Field as Saugus little league prepares for start of season on April 22 By Mark E. Vogler T his week was a productive one for the Saugus Little League. Volunteers continued to spruce up Grabowski Field at Hurd Avenue as the league stayed on schedule for Opening Day ceremonies on April 22. Work crews leveled out the dirt mounds across the infield, the pitcher’s mound was cut out, fresh sod was rolled off a truck and locked into place in the outfi eld and the sprinkler system was installed – all with an eye toward a special celebration. 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 Grabowski Field. Water Works Lawn Sprinkler Co. Inc. of Saugus installed the sprinkler system while Homefield Athletics Turf Services worked on the fi eld. “What a diff erence a week (and a little sod) makes!” exclaimed a message on the league’s Facebook page. “We’ve been working on Everett, MA 617-202-8259 * We work with most Fuel Assistance programs “We’re accepting new customers, no experience necessary” “Aceptamos Nuevos clientes no se necesita experiencia.” ~ Hablamos Española ~ 50 Gallon Minimum (Surcharge Applys) Major Credit Cards Accepted Scan our QR Code it since November, leveling the ground, repainting the snack shed, cleaning out broken equipment, repairing the fences and cleaning up a fallen tree,” the message continued. “We can’t wait to show it to you on April 22. We’re not only celebrating the start of the new season but the 20 year anniversary since the 2003 Saugus Little League team went to the World Series. It will all kick off with a parade and include a food truck, music and our fi rst game of the season on the new fi eld! Thanks again to Vibe Food Truck and Old School Apparel for joining us on Opening Day!” Opening Day ceremonies will be held at Grabowski Field, where the 2003 team will be the guests of honor. THE 2003 SAUGUS BOYS OF SUMMER: A team photo of the dozen players who made local sports history 20 years ago by fi nishing 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) The new sprinkler system watered the infield grass on Grabowski Field at Hurd Avenue. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by John Benoit) 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: Patriotism Stands. We’ll be closed Monday, April 17th in observance of the holiday. You can access your accounts using our ATMs and Online & Mobile Banking. Thank you! Ryan Bateman, Tyler Calla, Craig Cole, Anthony DiSciscio, Dave Ferreira, Tyler Grillo, Joe Kasabuski, Matt Muldoon, Yano Petruzzelli, Dario Pizzano, Mark Sacco and Mike Scuzzarella. Most of the players are expected to be there, according to league offi cials. Opening Day Fun The schedule: April 22 (Rain Date is April 23); players line up at Anna Parker Field: 9:15 a.m.; parade begins: 10:00 a.m.; Opening Day Ceremony follows after the parade concludes at Grabowski Field at Hurd Avenue.; food truck & DJ ahead of the fi rst Majors Game at 11:30 a.m. A shipment of sod arrived for placement on Grabowski Field at Hurd Avenue as Saugus Little League offi cials and volunteers teamed up to get it into playing shape for Saturday, April 22. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by John Benoit, president of the Saugus Little League)
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