World series park celebrates 20th anniversary

SAUGUS — World Series Park celebrated its 20th anniversary with a collation, after a game between Saugus High and Lynn English.

After the game, Bob Davis, Superintendent of the park, took to the microphone in front of home plate to address the crowd, who had gathered to celebrate the park.

“I told the umpires before the game, that they should have a bigger strike area, so they could get this game moving faster — didn’t do any good,” Davis joked, prior to announcing a performance from the Lynn High School JROTC Color Guard.

World Series Park, near the Belmonte STEAM Academy, has been kept up by Davis on a volunteer basis for nearly 20 years.

Father John Mulloy, a former pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church, took the diamond next to offer a blessing to the park, but first, said, “I think you’d all agree with me that only Bob Davis could get us out here on this cold night for this occasion.”

Davis then invited Steve Agganis to the microphone. Davis said that Agganis helped him greatly with the Special Olympics which were held at the park, as well as excavating the field.

“He has always been there for me, from day one…he’s been a true friend,” Davis said.

Agganis said that he had met Davis during a Nor’Easter, as he had been out plowing snow. “He’s continued to amaze me, the way he’s just put the whole town, the whole community together. The biggest achievement I can say, with Mr. Davis, was the Special Olympics we did for many years. We put many smiles on many families and kids’ faces, we brought the town together.”

“What was once a dream, back in 2003, 2004, became a reality, and has grown over the years into a professionally rated baseball field. We are very proud of this, and continue to manage and maintain it for all those who want to play baseball to enjoy. Without this commitment, World Series Park would not be possible,” Davis said.

Sen. Brendan Crighton spoke about the park and Davis, and brought a citation from the House of Representatives and the Senate, to commemorate the anniversary.

“There’s no finer ball field in the commonwealth…it’s so much more than a ballpark, and it’s a great testament, Bob, to your leadership, and the way you bring the community together, and obviously, a great source of pride for Saugus, and a symbol of such a strong community,” Crighton said prior to awarding the citations to Davis.

Town Manager Scott Crabtree, alongside the Board of Selectman were also in attendance at the event. Crabtree called it “Our own Field of Dreams”, and thanked Davis, saying that his leadership is instrumental in allowing the community to continue to enjoy the park.

Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta honored Davis and the park. “He wanted to do something special for the youth here in Saugus, and it was such a humongous undertaking, but he kept pursuing. And we have this today because of all his hard work, his leadership, dedication, and love for our town,” Panetta said, calling him an “inspiration for Saugus.”

The Board of Selectmen also presented Davis with a citation for his service to the field.

Davis took the microphone again to thank those in attendance, urging the crowd to take time to look at plaques around the field, as they also made important contributions to the park.

To honor Davis’ late wife, Carolyn, who helped run the snack bar, a plaque was unveiled by their children, with the bar being renamed the Carolyn Davis Snack Bar in her memory.

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