Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 28, 2023 A SPECIAL OPENING DAY Barbara Cannon, sister of 2003 Saugus Little League Manager Rob Rochenski, flashes the familiar orange-colored t-shirt from that memorable summer to the passing “Duck Boat.” The 2003 Little League World Series team helped the Saugus Little League players, coaches and fans open their 2023 baseball season on a nostalgic note last Saturday (April 22) as nine players, two coaches and the manager from that team that finished runners-up in the USA stood in a makeshift “Duck Boat,” leading a parade from the staging area at Anna Parker Field/ Playground to a newly renovated Grabowski Field on Hurd Avenue. Hundreds of family members, friends and fans lined the two-mile-plus parade route to cheer on the best Saugus Little League team ever assembled and 272 players, from ages four to 12, who were ready to play ball. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) Local photographer Charlie Zapolski dressed for the occasion, wearing the keepsake t-shirt he owns from 20 years ago. Young players carrying the Saugus Little League banner lead the long parade procession of 27 teams from five divisions. THE VIP CAR: Eugene Decareau, the oldest living former Saugus Little League coach at 93 and his wife, Arlene, ride in the backseat of this classic Pontiac, driven by owner Joe Silipigni with John Cannon of the Saugus Veterans Council sitting in the front passenger seat. Rob Rochenski, manager of the 2003 Saugus Little League World Series team, accepts a “Volunteerism Award” for Charlie Bilton – a coach from that team who was recuperating in the hospital and unable to join the team on Saturday. Beloved Saugus singer Bucky Cole belts out the National Anthem.
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