Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 25, 2025 Play Ball! Saugus Little League Softball thanks retiring coach and scoreboard donors Pirates 12U: Shown from left to right: Back row: Mason Botta, Brayden Reynolds, Ryan Mannetta and Nolan DeThomas; front row: Ryan Powers, Owen Chesna and Joseph Rench. Shown from left to right: Saugus Little League President John Benoit, WIN Waste Innovations Plant Manager Elliott Casey and Selectman Anthony Cogliano by the new scoreboard that replaced an existing 25-year-old one. Thirty-year Saugus Public Schools educator Barbara Wall threw out the first softball pitch during last Friday’s Opening Day along Hurd Avenue. Shown from left to right: former Saugus High School varsity players Cate Blandini, Stephanie Strout, honoree Barbara Wall, Melanie Wheeler, Ashley Nichols, Kim Keohane and Natalie O’Donnell. By Tara Vocino S augus 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 PLAY BALL | SEE PAGE 13 Saugus Little League President John Benoit opened the ceremonies. Saugus Softball Little League Vice President Stephanie Strout said Play Ball. T-Ball player Jake Blandini was enthusiastic about Opening Day. Catchers John Benoit and Gio Natalucci caught the ball from pitchers Sal Beatini and Elliott Casey. Twelve-year-olds Nathan Bannister (in front) and Deandre West ran the bases to commemorate their baseball career with Little League. Team Gray Majors 10 to 12U: Shown from left to right: back row: Assistant Coach Matthew LaCorcia, Henry Rodriguez, Owen O’Connell, James Pearson and Assistant Coach Ed O’Connell; front row: Ryan LaCorcia, Ben O’Connell and Grayson Salomone. Members of Saugus Softball Little League and Saugus Baseball Little League boards are ready to kick off the season.
13 Publizr Home