SAUGUS — In August, a mob of teenagers destroyed World Series Park.
Now, the man responsible for the field’s existence is finding ways to cover the cost of the repairs.
More than two dozen teenagers kicked in doors and tore downspouts from the building last summer. They smashed glass beer bottles on the ground, overturned trash cans, and spread litter and filth across the field. Because of the low quality of surveillance cameras at the park, they never answered for the path of destruction they carelessly left behind, said Park Superintendent Bob Davis, who watched the footage the next day.
“It was disturbing to watch it happen — to see them actually try to stomp in the doors of the building,” said Davis. “Thank God they didn’t do more damage. Everything was repairable.”
As the teenagers tried to kick in doors, Davis believes an alarm was set off.
“I noticed at about quarter past 12, they scattered like ants,” he said. “I think they broke the alarm.”
For Davis, the destruction felt personal.
In 2003, his son was involved in the Babe Ruth baseball and complained to him that the town needed another big-league-sized field. At the time, all games were held at Stackpole Field, he said.
A large committee formed a nonprofit organization, and got permission from the town to use an overgrown former field from the 1960s. Fundraisers were held and countless hours of work went into creating what today is the park.
“Right now, we really don’t have a lot of people to help,” he said. “I basically take care of it.”
Davis cuts the grass and his family runs the snack bar.
While many of the repairs were donated by people in the community, some still came at a cost. The biggest burden was the installation of eight high-definition security cameras that will enable Davis to clearly see faces and license plate numbers of people trespassing on the property. The upgrade came at a cost of more than $4,000.
To help recoup some of the money spent as a result of the vandalism, Davis is offering an incentive for donors. Anyone who gifts more than $100 will have their name etched into a Wall of Fame. The permanent 4-foot by 8-foot plaque will be hung on the field side of the building.
“The Wall of Fame will go up during the 2018 season,” said Davis.
Davis said the community has already stepped up in a big way. Bob Firth repaired the damaged metal door, and monetary donations enabled the infield to be revamped.
More than 30 people have already stepped up to the plate. If the amount raised exceeds the cost of repairs, the money will be used for upkeep and future improvements to the park.
Donations can be sent to World Series Park at 8 Holden Ave. or by contacting Davis at 781-233-4555.
