ANDOVER LITTLE LEAGUE

1988 25TH ANNIVERSARY 2013

WHEN THE ANDOVER BOYS WERE KINGS

Ricky Saggese is hoisted on the shoulders of his Andover National teammates 25 years ago after his grand slam in the regional final sent Andover to Williamsport, Pa., and the Little League World Series.

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S2 Thursday, August 08, 2013

Thanks for the memories

Here are 10 of many from Williamsport in 1988
Bill Burt
Admittedly, I jumped on the bandwagon late, very late. The manager, Jim Arnold, of the 1988 Andover National team forewarned me a few weeks before I knew who Ricky Saggese and Toby Guzowski were. Arnold said, We have two great pitchers. We have a great hitting team ... I think we are good enough to get to Williamsport (Pa.). When they clinched the state title and were headed to the thenEast Regional in Bristol, Conn., then-sports editor Russ Conway summoned me to hop in a car and see if something crazy happens. Mind you, Massachusetts hadnt won an East Regional in 32 years (Winchester in 1956), particularly with powerhouses from New York, N.J. and Pennsylvania members of the East. Because our Little League travel budget had no money it, I ended up sleeping at some elementary school gym with several parents. It was then I technically was adopted as part of the family. I spent the entire week in Williamsport, arriving two days after the players did. It was a trip I will never forget. Here are 10 of the fondest memories:

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

Andover National manager Jim Arnold, on right, is with his wife, Beth and newborn son, Rory, in 1988.
League, too, as Andover manager Jim Arnold opted to fly home (good decision) to be home with his wife, missing the first game against Texas. We will never forget about Rory Arnolds birthday around here. Never.

THE EAGLE -TRIBUNE

8. Ricky and his dad.

The Townsman

Andover National Little League team from 1988 poses for the team photo on the hill above Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, Pa. Here is the team: Front row, from left, Ryan Moynihan, Pete Daniels, Danny Hansberry, Brian Flanagan, Matt Chapin, Paul Cassidy and Ricky Crispo. Back row: Todd Harris, Ricky Saggese, Matt Wolcott, Paul Allard, Pat Walsh, Matt Marvin, Toby Guzowski and assistant manager Red Harris. Manager Jim Arnold and assistant coach John Murphy are not pictured.
mohawk (he was the only player that did it) I had ever seen, but he immediately became the media darling USA Today put his smiling, energetic mug on its cover for his outgoing personality. The kid had guts.

While there were many special relationships, this one, between the Andover star and his dad, Rick Sr., was extra special. When players and parents were permitted to spend time together, Ricky always was with his dad, who died tragically three years later in south Florida from a freakish line drive off his head while throwing batting practice.

9. Players village.

4. Watching Taiwan work out.

Talk about a sight! Watching the Taiwan team running as a team through the complex at 7:30 a.m. was incredible. It was like a group of Marines running before breakfast. It was intimidating.

especially the boys from Taiwan.

6. Connection with Panama.

1. Seeing Lamade Stadium for first time.

Before checking into the hotel, which was less than a quartermile from Little League Headquarters in South Williamsport, I drove the car rental directly to the complex. I was high above the field, looking at Lamade Stadium and I was in awe.

3. Harris reading the pledge.

One of the best 11-year-olds playing regularly at the 1988 Little League World Series, the shortstops brightest moment was not one of his patented nice plays on defense, but his reading the Little League Pledge to officially open in the 1988 tournament. His father Red Harris, manager Jim Arnolds top assistant, couldnt have been prouder.

5. Watching Taiwan players watch Toby.

The irony is that while the Taiwan players were an intimidating force on and off the field, the representatives of the Far East were in awe of the largest boy in the tournament, Andovers Toby Guzowski, who was six-feet tall and very strong. When Toby walked around, everyone watched,

2. Paul Allards mohawk.

I dont know if the Andover National catchers mohawk was the first-ever team bonding

The boys from Panama had a connection with the Andover team. The irony was they couldnt understand each others language but that didnt stop them from 10. The drive out of competing at the ping pong table Williamsport. and the diving board. The fact that the Panamanian boys werent When it was over and Andover totally supervised made it an had headed home by bus, I will interesting relationship. never forget the drive from Williamsport to the Scranton-Wilkes7. Rory was the story. Barre airport. It was a thing of How many times have we seen beauty, driving along the river a professional athlete have to and mountains. I remember sayweigh the option of playing a ing Some day I will return with game or seeing their child being my son. And I did, 16 years later born. Well, it happened in Little five years in a row.

This is one of the great aspects of this event, even today. The players stay in dormitory-like apartments, with their coaches, with all of the other teams. There are no parents (or media) allowed. It was like Willie Wonkas Chocolate Factory. You could hear boys from all walks of life having fun in the pool.

S3 Thursday, August 08, 2013

Congratulations! Congratulations !
Andover Nationals 1988 Eastern Champions
Coaches - Jim Arnold, Frank Harris, John Murphy

~ 25 YEARS LATER ~

The Townsman THE EAGLE-TRIBUNE

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE CHAMPIONS & THE PRIDE OF ANDOVER

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

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S4 Thursday, August 08, 2013

A quarter-century later, the ride hasnt ended

By Jim Arnold

o one contributed less than me to Andovers 1988 march to the Little League World Series. Thats why I was especially happy to finally offer something albeit 25 years later by hosting a team reunion at my home a few weeks ago. Reuniting with my coaches, players, their folks and kids, and our integral team helpers only served to reinforce to me how lucky I was to manage such a special team. It was a great team. In those days only four United States teams made it to Williamsport, and eight overall. Our eastern United States bracket began with over 2000 teams, and our Bristol, Conn., regional hosted the state champions from Maine to Maryland, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. (FYI: Nowadays the New England champ goes straight to Williamsport, along with eight other United States teams, and 16 overall). My two coaches, Red Harris and John Murphy, did all of the adult work. Look Red Harris up some time in the Boston College football record book. He finished his career (1968-70) first alltime in passing yards, attempts, touchdowns, you name it. Those records stood until Doug Flutie came along. Red ran stern, efficient and focused practices. Fun? Red and we all had the same definition of fun winning. Red threw over 15,000 batting practice pitches that summer. At full throttle. Simultaneously, John Murphy hit as many fly balls and grounders. When practice ended, Murph did something just as essential he put on his parenting hat. Bear in mind we were on the road for weeks moms and dads only saw players one hour per day. Murph took it from there. As for our team, we had a twoman pitching rotation. Toby Guzowski and Rick Saggese. Rules were such, and the schedule allowed for it. Even better, both Toby and

Members of the 1988 Andover National Little League All-Star team that went to the World Series: Front row, from left, Ryan Moynihan, Pete Daniels, Dan Hansberry, Todd Harris, and Brian Flanagan. In back, from left, Manager Jim Arnold, Matt Chapin, Coach John Murphy, Paul Allard, Pat Walsh, Toby (Guzowski) McGrath, and Coach Red Harris. The team had a reunion and party at their former coach Jim Arnolds home.

TIM JEAN/Staff photo

The Townsman

Imagine Randy Johnson as a Little Leaguer and that was Toby Guzowski overwhelming and just a little wild. Imagine Sandy Koufax as a Little Leaguer and that was Rick Saggese smooth, and cruelly tactical.
Ricky were lefthanded. Imagine Randy Johnson as a Little Leaguer and that was Toby Guzowski overwhelming and just a little wild. Imagine Sandy Koufax as a Little Leaguer and that was Rick Saggese smooth, and cruelly tactical. My role was simple: Pencil in Toby to pitch, pencil in Ricky to play first. Next game: reverse it. Ricky pitches, Toby at first. If the rules were different and we had needed more pitching, I would have rolled Matt Marvin out. One of my biggest frustrations was, and remains, not affording Matt Marvin more chances to show the world how good he was. Matt was better than almost any pitcher we faced all summer. But we had much more than pitching we had everything. Matt Chapin, Peter Daniels and Paul Cassidy could play any position. And they did. As grown ups now, they are beyond accomplished, more or less making the world go round. Our shortstop Todd Harris was our only 11-year-old starter. Yet he was the best shortstop in Williamsport. To the surprise of absolutely no one, Todd went on to play baseball at Phillips Andover, then at Harvard. Now he works at Nike. Our second baseman Brian Flanagan was beyond dependable with his glove. In fact, he just turned 37 and still has yet to

second base for Philips Andover, then four more years of second base for Wesleyan. For kicks he played four years of hockey at Wesleyan, too. Our right fielder Ryan Moynihan was the smallest player in Williamsport. But he played big all summer for us, then grew up enough to play four years of Division 1 hockey for Cornell. Our leftfielder Matt Wolcott made the greatest play of the summer a diving catch in the Eastern Regional. If we had an Unsung Hero, it was Matt Wolcott. Tough as nails, he went on to play and start for UMass Amherst baseball. Speed? Toby Guzowski pledged to one day beat out an infield double, but the fact was Dan Hansberry and Rick Crispo were faster than him. Hansberry covered centerfield effortlessly. And I suspect Crispo could have covered the entire outfield by himself if need be. Our third baseman Pat Walsh fit that positions prototype: big, fearless, hit for power, played through pain. And with a sense of humor. We never named a captain because we didnt have to we all knew it was our catcher Paul Allard. To say he acted like a man every moment of the summer would not do him justice. His poise, work ethic and determination set the standard. He was solid. He was our leader. Red and Murph taught our players to think one step ahead, then drilled them to succeed. The boys were literally world class, and understood commitment. Me? I could have pulled names from a hat and they would have won anyway. I mostly mugged for cameras and talked to newspapers. Thankfully, the best team ever from these parts brought me along for the ride.

THE EAGLE -TRIBUNE

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

Manager Jim Arnold led the Andover National team to the Little League World Series in 1988.
make his first error. He hit better than he fielded. Everyone knows Flanny is my all time Number 1 favorite player. He went on to play four years of

MARY SCHWALM/Staff photo

Jim Arnold was the manager for the 1988 Andover National team that advanced to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. He worked as a writer and columnist for The EagleTribune for 12 years and is a life-long Andover resident. He currently is CEO of SportsCourt New England.

Simply Red
By Red Harris In our family, if someone just says, 1988, a smile will come to everyones face. That will never change. The 25th anniversary player and family reunion held a few weeks ago was wonderful, but not just for reasons that are so obvious. Yes, Coach that 1988 team Red Harris of 11-and-12year-old boys accomplished some great things on the field, however, to me it was the almost two months or so leading up to Williamsport that I will remember most clearly. I remember the selection process and how difficult it was to choose from so many talented boys. I often think back, even now, to the boys that were so close to making the team. I remember that we had two equally talented All-Star teams in our small town. The other being the Andover Americans. Ill always feel sad that more of the fine baseball players in town were not able to experience that great ride to Williamsport. Sports are not always meant to be fair, and what better example. Im reminded now of some of the great individual plays, clutch hits, smart base running plays, and very fine pitching on that team.

Former assistant coach with team recalls the little things that got them to Williamsport
One thing, as a coach, that will always stick out in my mind was the great defense that team played. I honestly do not remember a single error in the 19 games we played. Oh, Im sure we must have made a couple, but I am equally sure that none cost us a game. I remember that we won as many games with our defense as we did with our bats. As I re-read the write-ups (my wife, Bernadette, saved all the Eagle-Tribune and Andover Townsman articles from July and August, 1988) from the District 14 games, the four-state tournament games and the Eastern Regional tournament games in Bristol, Conn., I am struck by the high level of talent those 14 boys displayed that magical summer. Each article seems to have the names of different boys doing the same thing ... doing something special to get the job done. Each name brings a smile to my face and I was so happy to see what fine young men they have become over these 25 years. Back in that summer, I think about how hard the boys worked together to achieve what, at the time, seemed like an unattainable goal ... get to Williamsport. Yes, we worked hard and played hard, but we also laughed hard and enjoyed just being together. Seeing the team together again at the reunion, some with children who might someday do the seemingly impossible themselves, brought a nostalgic tear to my old eyes. A pat on the back to the parents who always got the boys to practice on time. Many stayed to watch practices and all watched the games. Thankfully, there were no electronics for distraction back then. It was wonderful to see so many of the parents at that 25th reunion. It was great for my wife, Bernadette, and I to reconnect with so many good people. No wonder all the boys have become such fine men.

S5 Thursday, August 08, 2013 The Townsman THE EAGLE-TRIBUNE

Red Harris was an assistant coach with the Andover National team and a former quarterback at Boston College. His son, Todd, was the starting shortstop on the team as an 11-year-old.

Coach Murph: Nobody worked harder

By John Murphy I have so many great memories of this team and the ride they took us on that I could spend an entire day telling stories. But 25 years later a few things really stick out. I will never forget the work that these kids put in. We were tough on them. We practiced every day we werent playing. I know we took a day off, but I dont remember it. But you know what? The kids were always there and never complained. It struck me how much fun we had during those hard practices. Another thing I will never forget was Red Harris throwing

When it was all over and we got back to Andover, we really saw how much support we all had.
they needed to see fast pitching because thats what we were up against, even as far back as the districts. I remember so many days when Reds arm would be hanging from throwing so many pitches. And it was also very, very hot, a lot of days in the 90s, too. The other thing I will never forget was the support of the town. It was amazing in the East Regionals in Bristol, Conn., and

Former Andover Little League coach John Murphy.

ANGIE BEAULIEU/Staff photo

batting practice. Mind you, he was our only batting practice pitcher. And he was still a great athlete even in his 40s. I just remember how hard he threw it to the kids, knowing

how many people drove there from Andover to see us play. That meant a lot to us and gave us all energy, even when we were very tired. When it was all over and we got back to Andover, we really saw how much support we all had. I will never forget that parade when we drove the bus into downtown Andover. They then put us on fire trucks and we drove through the downtown area. We knew people cared, but we didnt realize it, none of us, until we actually got home. Last, but not least, I have to give props to Jim Arnold. He really was a great manager. We had been together for about

five or six years prior to that coaching the Cardinals in town. We loved that, too. We didnt have kids yet, but we knew we would some day and coaching kids was the best. Jim really gave great pregame speeches and after practices, too. He was a great leader and really played a big role in what we accomplished. Overall, I still smile when I think of what this team accomplished. I always will smile when I think of every one of them.

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

John Murphy was good friends with manager Jim Arnold, both coaching Little League in Andover for six years while in their twenties without children.

34 ESSEX STREET, ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01810 978-470-8400 / WWW.DFLLP.COM

CONGRATULATIONS TO MATT DANIELS AND THE REST OF THE 1988 ANDOVER LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM FOR THEIR AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE 1988 LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES.

S6 Thursday, August 08, 2013

Paul Allard
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife, Jenn (pregnant with our first child, a boy due in Oct.); and son, James (8) RESIDENCE: Pawleys Island, S.C. COLLEGE: BS in Psychology at UMass Lowell OCCUPATION: Medical Sales Consultant WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: If anyone of us say anything other than Ricks grand slam to carry us to Williamsport in the (ninth). They certainly may want to have a visit with their family doctor. An amazing moment. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: A Little Leaguers dream ... and that was 25 years ago. I cant wait to take my boys in the not so distant future, when the time is right. I am so interested to see what kind of baseball mega-tropolis it is today. My parents have made it back a few times with a couple of my nephews, and they have relayed how much the site has grown. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR CO-WORKERS?: On occasion. My mom speaks of it like it was yesterday. I may use it as a fun/interesting fact about me in team-building exercises while working with a group of people. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: Seeing everyone smile the kind of ear-toear smile that comes along with deep laughter and/or a feeling of accomplishment that can only be seen in a child. If you dont know, or forget, what Im talking about ... head down to your local ball field and take in a Little League game. I cant tell you how much I love seeing my son, James, light up after a he gets a hit or when he crosses the plate. Priceless. We were smiling like that all summer long.

Paul Cassidy
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife, Jacqueline, sons Andrew (4) and Luke (2) RESIDENCE: Summit, NJ COLLEGE: University of Michigan. Business Administration OCCUPATION: VP of Operations, small hedge fund, New York City WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: When I think about the Delaware game, I guess the thing that sticks out was just the ending. I dont remember being nervous or if the other team came close to winning at any point. I guess that is part of being young ... just enjoying the game and being happy to win. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: Williamsport was summer camp. There was a lot of down time in between practices. But I do remember doing a remote TV spot for some local news channel. There was a growing sense of people back home following the team, outside of just in Andover.

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

TIM JEAN/Staff photo

ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: I do have a comment, not about the LLWS, but about one of the most important people involved with the town of Andover and its Little League program, my father, Dick Allard. My family moved into the town of Andover in 1980. My father jumped right in and became heavily involved with the Little League program, becoming its treasurer. My parents watched the three youngest of four boys play within the town system. My father made sure every kid had a uniform, every team had adequate equipment (helmets, bats, balls, etc.), the fields had the appropriate amount of equipment and tools (bases, chalk/ lime, rakes, shovels), that there was someone to maintain the fields (and made sure they were compensated), that there were funds for lights (and the electric bills were paid). He is still the treasurer 25 years after his youngest child left the system. I am very proud of him.

ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: This whole thing was a few weeks in the summer of 1988. And being a year younger, and likely not seeing much playing time I remember being on the fence about accepting my spot vs. just waiting for next year when Id be a starter. And Im e-mailing about it today as a father DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME of two boys ... in 2013. So I guess my UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR COtakeaway would be to encourage my WORKERS?: Experience rarely comes up. kids to try different things and seize Outside of my mom giving me updates the opportunities presented to them. on how everyone is doing in life, which You never know where youll make is nice. new friends and create new memories.

The Townsman

THE EAGLE -TRIBUNE

Paul Cassidy with son Luke

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S7 Thursday, August 08, 2013

Matt Chapin
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife, Sarah, sons Jackson (5) and Harrison (3) RESIDENCE: Amesbury COLLEGE AND MAJOR: Bates College, Bio-Chemistry OCCUPATION: Corporate Development, Pharmaceuticals WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: Ricks grand slam. The celebration afterwards on the field. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: Perfectly manicured field. The crowd of people and energy in the entire complex. The teams families. The international mix of players. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR CO-WORKERS?: It comes up often actually. Usually someone from Andover bringing it up and sharing the story saying, Did you know... People from the area, not even just Andover, many times remember. Someone from a local business that I walked into recognized me from one of the prior spreads in the paper. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: It was amazing how close-knit the team and all the families were. It was one large family that whole summer, including parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents. Even at the recent 25-year reunion, everyone acted like it was just yesterday, didnt skip a beat as far as the family atmosphere and genuine bond among the players and families. It was, and still is, a true honor to be part of this team and extended family.

Rick Crispo
CURRENT FAMILY: Single RESIDENCE: Corvallis, Ore. COLLEGE AND MAJOR: Just finished my Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering at Oregon State University. OCCUPATION: I have 6 weeks of research work lined up this summer then Im going to try to find a real job. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: Ricky Saggeses grand slam, of course. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: It was nice. I remember how well kept the grounds and the facilities were. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR COWORKERS?: Occasionally it will come up in a conversation. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: The camaraderie with Jim, Red, Murph and the other players. ANOTHER ANECDOTE? I missed the reunion and nobody sent me any photos. Im still waiting.

The Townsman THE EAGLE-TRIBUNE

TIM JEAN/Staff photo

ANOTHER ANECDOTE? Just learned a couple weeks ago at the reunion barbecue that Flanny and I work in the same office building in Andover, and weve both been there for several years. Connections kept going. When playing baseball with some of the guys through high school, I felt there was always a special bond. I remember even during college working out with Matt Walcott during school breaks and playing against Toby (Bates vs. Bowdoin). I still remember vividly the speech Jim gave heading into the state tournament. He took out a Just do it Nike ad, held it up, and said, Guys ... Just do it! And we did it!

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

I still remember vividly the speech Jim gave heading into the state tournament. He took out a Just do it Nike ad, held it up, and said, Guys ... Just do it! And we did it!

Rick Crispo

S8 Thursday, August 08, 2013 Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

Andover National third baseman Pat Walsh avoids a base runner after completing a force play at third base during the East Regional in Bristol, Conn., in 1988.

Andover Nationals star pitcher, Toby Guzowski-McGrath speaks with coach Red Harris during the East Regional title game.

The Townsman

THE EAGLE -TRIBUNE

The Andover National cheering section watches East Regional action in Bristol, Conn. Andover Nationals Toby GuzowskiMcGrath lets go of a pitch during East Regional action.

After the East Regional win, Toby Guzowski-McGrath (middle) is surrounded by, from left, Ricky Crispo, Pat Walsh and Matt Wolcott.

THE PRIDE OF ANDOVER

S9 Thursday, August 08, 2013 The Townsman

The Andover National players and coaches ride in the back of a truck in downtown Andover during a parade in their honor upon returning home from Williamsport, Pa.

THE EAGLE-TRIBUNE Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

The Andover National players stand on the staircase facing the common in downtown Andover following their return from Williamsport.

S10 Thursday, August 08, 2013

Peter Daniels
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife, Meghan; sons Zach (4) and Quinn (17 months) RESIDENCE: Barrington, R.I. COLLEGE: Boston College (History/ Pre-Law) OCCUPATION: Assistant General Counsel, GTECH Corporation

Brian Flanagan
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife Heather and two children Fiona (4) and Shane (2) RESIDENCE: Andover COLLEGE: Wesleyan University, Economics OCCUPATION: Vice President, Client Services CyberGrants, Inc. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: Getting on base and then Ricky smashing one over the fence! WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE? Crazy we were signing autographs as 12-year-olds for other, younger kids. Im pretty sure my father had to bring me back to earth by making me run several laps around the house when we got home.
TIM JEAN/Staff photo

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: Rickys home run was obviously huge, but what stands out to me the most was the joyful chaos that ensued after the game, as within what felt like minutes we were whisked away onto the charter bus headed for Williamsport, and our families were left scrambling to rearrange their schedules back home so that they could follow right behind us (which they pretty much all did amazingly). WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: Williamsport was the epitome of the ultimate dream for any 12-year-old boy that had ever picked up a baseball glove. Pristinely manicured fields, stadium seating, brand-new uniforms, and top-of-the-line equipment. Throw onto that the fact that we were housed in what was essentially an adult-free zone, with a pool, ping pong tables, and private cafeteria and then treated likely celebrities from all of the fans (some who even went so far to request our signatures) it was pretty amazing. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR COWORKERS?: Other than a few good years of high school football and baseball at Andover High, I unfortunately hit the pinnacle of my athletic achievement with the Williamsport experience. So from time to time over the past 25 years it has come up, and each time it does, it always brings a smile to my face. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: Without a doubt my favorite memory of the experience was our celebratory parade through Andover upon our

DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR CO-WORKERS?: Yes, once in a while. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: Coach Jim giving the team a pep talk at practice (prior to District/State tournaments) for playing like a bunch of wimps. Immediately after that point the team gained some cohesion and developed some teeth.

TIM JEAN/Staff photo

THE EAGLE -TRIBUNE

return from Williamsport, and the rampant support we received from the community, including the Town government, local businesses, friends and, most importantly, our families who gave up their summer activities to allow us to chase our dream in Williamsport. Despite moving away, I will always be proud to call Andover my hometown because of the incredible support we received in the summer of 1988. ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: To any aspiring 10-12-year-old boy, my only advice is to not take a strike three looking. In my only at-bat in Williamsport, I had worked the count to 3 balls and 2 strikes, and could taste the chance to reach first base at Williamsport in what I thought would be a hard-fought walk. To this day I stand by the fact that the 3-2 pitch (erroneously called strike 3) was a ball (it was clearly outside), but I never should have been satisfied with the walk. So swing away and, more importantly, have fun doing it, as you never know, you too may hit your athletic peak at age 12 (and still be regretting leaving the bat on your shoulder 25 years later).

ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: The parade around Andover when we got home was fantastic. The support from the town and neighboring communities was incredible. In hindsight, its humbling to realize that so many people cared so deeply about the success of the team. Im happy to have been a part of such a wonderful experience.

The Townsman

In hindsight, its humbling to realize that so many people cared so deeply about the success of the team. Im happy to have been a part of such a wonderful experience.

S11 Thursday, August 08, 2013

Toby Guzowski-McGrath
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife, Molly; sons, Jonas (7) and Owen (3) RESIDENCE: Brunswick, Maine COLLEGE: Bowdoin College, History OCCUPATION: Deputy Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Angus King WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: Ricks monster grand slam to give us the lead in extra innings. As usual he delivered when we needed it most. Thats what great players do. What magnificent composure Ricky had. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: Meeting the kids from the other countries and learning about their cultures left a memorable impression. Even through there was a language barrier, I spent a lot of time with the Panamanian players. Humorous antics never get lost in translation. They were just a joy to be around. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR COWORKERS?: Every once in a great while someone finds out that didnt know me growing up. Its a conversation starter to say the least. My friends that do know still like to give me a hard time about throwing a no-hitter and losing to Saudi Arabia. If anyone was capable of tossing a no-no and losing it was me. Im surprised I didnt do it sooner. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: Simply just playing ball all summer long with my friends. We were just having fun being

Dan Hansberry
CURRENT FAMILY: Single RESIDENCE: Plaistow, N.H. OCCUPATION: RMG Enterprises, Londonderry, N.H. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: Definitely the Saggese home run and then getting directly on the bus to Williamsport, Pa. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: Great experience, a lot of fun meeting kids from other countries, trading pins, swimming and, of course, playing the games. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR COWORKERS?: Recently Toby sent an email with the Regional and LLWS games from the radio in an attachment, I was listening to a game at work and Frankie B. (WCCM Radios Frank Benjamin) called me the Baby Faced Assassin and my co-workers heard it. Needless to say I have a new nickname at work. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: I would have to say, the parade through the town of Andover was my favorite memory. It made me feel like a celebrity for a day. I had people asking me for my autograph. It was the first time I realized

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TIM JEAN/Staff photo

TIM JEAN/Staff photo

kids, not really knowing what we were accomplishing until we got on the bus to Williamsport immediately after beating Delaware. It got me out of mowing the lawn for the summer, which was a nice perk. ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: There are numerous great memories but the best part is the greater friends we became that summer. Im glad a couple of weeks ago when we all got together we saw that everyone is healthy and living interesting lives. For 25 years the mothers still get together once a month for lunch. Its truly special that this experience still bonds our families together.

how big of a deal it was to make it to Williamsport. ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: Another great memory for me was when we first arrived in Williamsport the bus stopped at the top of the hill and we all got out to look at the stadium. I could not believe that I was going to play on that field.

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

The parade through the town of Andover was my favorite memory. It made me feel like a celebrity for a day.

We were just having fun being kids, not really knowing what we were accomplishing until we got on the bus to Williamsport. ... It got me out of mowing the lawn for the summer.

S12 Thursday, August 08, 2013

Todd Harris
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife, Jessie; daughter, Marlowe (4); son, Sullivan (18 months) RESIDENCE: Portland, Ore. COLLEGE: Harvard, Economics; UCLA, MBA OCCUPATION: Business Planning Manager, Nike

Matt Marvin
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife, Holly; daughters Charlotte (9) and Emma (7) RESIDENCE: North Salem, N.Y. COLLEGE: Williams College (History) OCCUPATION: Producer, NBC Sports WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: Rickys grand slam to win it. It was an unbelievable moment but then when I realized it was Ricky who hit it, it didnt seem so unbelievable. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: It was phenomenal. I remember having seen the LLWS growing up as a kid and then to be able to be there was amazing. It was on such a larger scale than anything Id experienced before. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR CO-WORKERS?: Not as much anymore. It definitely did years ago when it was a little fresher in everyones mind. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: I dont think I have one memory that stands out above all of the others. Really it was just the entire summer and the friendships we made. I dont see the guys much, if at all anymore but if I ran into Flanny, Toby, Paul, Todd or any of the rest of the team I know wed pick up right where we left off. It was just a really cool experience and you end up bonding without realizing it until later. ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: I believe Toby threw a no-hitter vs Saudi Arabia and we lost. That always stuck with me. Toby could throw a ball through concrete but control was never something he was very interested in. Watching kids step into the box against him was always pretty amusing. Lots of guys stepping into the bucket looking like John Kruk versus Randy Johnson in the All-Star game. Id like to get the box score on that game and see how they got the runs to beat us.

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: Saggeses grand slam, of course. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: Summer camp for little league baseball players. We stayed in cabins, there was a recreation hall with ping pong tables, a cafeteria, and lots of pine trees. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR CO-WORKERS?: With ESPN televising so much of the event, not a summer goes by when it doesnt come up. I had only been working at Nike for a few months when I came upon a few colleagues gathered around a TV in the office hallway watching a LLWS game. I told them that I had played on that same field back in the LLWS back in 1988. And then I also told them about the extra inning grand slam that sent us to Williamsport. People love that story. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: Almost impossible to pick just one. The streets of Andover lined with people welcoming us back home. Saggeses grand slam sending us to Williamsport. Obviously those two stand out, but one moment

TIM JEAN/Staff photo

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always comes to mind for me when I think of our Williamsport experience. Murph (coach John Murphy) and some buddies made a huge banner with the words Beast of the East and they held it up while standing on the hill beyond the fence in Williamsport as we took the field for our first game down there. Ill never forget that moment. ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: A teammate of mine at Harvard was on the Pennsylvania team that we beat in the East semifinal in Bristol, Conn. I also played against Saggese in college during our spring break trip to Miami.

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(Coach John Murphy) and some buddies made a huge banner with the words Beast of the East and they held it up while standing on the hill beyond the fence in Williamsport as we took the field for our first game down there. I ll never forget that moment.

Matt Marvin with his two daughters, Charlotte and Emma

S13 Thursday, August 08, 2013

Ryan Moynihan
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife Stacy, son Max (11 months old) RESIDENCE: Andover COLLEGE: Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration OCCUPATION: Sales for Rocky Mountain Orthodontics (based in Denver). WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: Rick Saggeses grand slam in the ninth. It was incredible. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: It was a lot of fun, not only on the field, but also the experience of being on the campus with the other teams from all over the world. I didnt realize how amazing it was until we got home to the parade and we saw all the support we had been receiving from the town. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR CO-WORKERS?: It only comes up once in a while, but if someone hears theyre always surprised and want to know all about it. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: Winning the East Regionals then getting on the bus to Williamsport. When we arrived late at night to Williamsport we ran down the hill to the field and just looked at

Rick Saggese
CURRENT FAMILY: Wife, Lisa and one cat (Poo Bear) RESIDENCE: Naples, Fla. COLLEGE: University of Miami (Business administration) OCCUPATION: Baseball mentor performance coach (Think Outside the Diamond, LLC) WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: I remember getting lifted above my teammates after the grand slam and getting in the bus with everyone celebrating toward Williamsport. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: Like we lived as celebrities for a week, on top of the world.
TIM JEAN/Staff photo

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it. We were all so excited to be there and couldnt wait to play on that field. ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: Thinking back it was really amazing that we made it all the way there are so many teams starting out and so few that actually make it to Williamsport. We played in a lot of close games along the way so we were fortunate to keep on winning. We had a great team and great coaching. It was an amazing summer.

TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: My favorite memory was seeing how the international teams played and lived. How different cultures lived differently than us in the USA. Trading pins with all the teams was a great memory as well.

ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: It was harder to make the LLWS back when we did it versus now, as there more teams make it (only four in the U.S. back in 1988). I feel that makes our accomplishment even more special.

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My favorite memory was seeing how the international teams played and lived. How different cultures lived differently than us in the USA.

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

Thinking back it was really amazing that we made it all the way there are so many teams starting out and so few that actually make it to Williamsport.

Ricky Saggese, top, was the hero of the East Regional in Bristol, Conn. His extra inning grand slam in the final against Delaware propelled Andover National to the Little League World Series.

S14 Thursday, August 08, 2013

Pat Walsh
CURRENT FAMILY: Single RESIDENCE: Pelham, N.H. OCCUPATION: Optimum Sportswear, Lawrence WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: As many of us will say, Saggeses grand slam stands out the most. It was amazing. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: Williamsport was great! Trading pins from our countries and playing Wiffle Ball with kids from all over the world. It was so much fun with kids being kids. I think the parents knew how big a deal it was but I was just having fun. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR COWORKERS?: Yes. Its cool. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: My favorite memories of 1988 would have to be the practices. They were simple and very fun.
TIM JEAN/Staff photo

Matt Wolcott
CURRENT FAMILY: Single RESIDENCE: Tampa, Fla. COLLEGE: University of South Florida (Tampa); University of Massachusetts Amherst (Sports management) OCCUPATION: Operations Manager, Westshore Connection WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM EAST FINAL VS. DELAWARE?: I only remember one thing: Rick Saggeses grand slam. You would think I would remember more. WHAT WAS WILLIAMSPORT LIKE?: Little League baseballs version of Disney World. Each team had their own barracks. And back then they were simple four walls, a roof and a bunch of bunk beds in rows. But it was awesome. Every morning the kids from Saudi Arabia would march at 6 a.m. and chant, We are Saudi. They were all American kids overseas for their families oil jobs. Your days were spent practicing or playing baseball games, trading pins with kids from the other teams, they had a recreation hall with ping pong tables and other games where all the kids would meet and play. Everybody treated you like a rock star, but nobody lost sight we were only 12. Kids and parents were asking you for your autograph. You were doing interviews for national and worldwide newspapers. Paul Allard was on the cover of USA Today. I did a TV segment with Jim Palmer giving me pitching lessons. And fans from all over knew who Toby and Rick were. DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT LLWS EVER COME UP WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY (KIDS) OR COWORKERS?: Something you are unaware of as a child, that Ive learned as an adult, is that pretty much every kid that played Little League knows about and wanted to go to Williamsport. So naturally, I let them know in a notso-subtle way I was there. Seriously, usually in the summertime when they start showing the games it comes up in conversation. It really does amaze me how excited people get when they find out you were in the Little League World Series. I got my first job

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: Our coaches were great. They went out of the way to take away the pressure. They made it a great experience.

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Williamsport was great! Trading pins from our countries and playing Wiffle Ball with kids from all over the world. It was so much fun with kids being kids. I think the parents knew how big a deal it was but I was just having fun.

out of college as a 23-year-old stock broker with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter because of baseball. The hiring manager was a huge baseball fan. My interview had one non-baseballrelated question and ran for two hours. By the way, his Little League team lost in the finals of the South Regional. TO THIS DAY, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?: My favorite memory was coming back to a parade in downtown Andover. It was wild. I dont think anybody expected that kind of crowd. ANOTHER ANECDOTE?: Looking back now, I am so grateful for the parents, coaches and teammates I had. The parents were so supportive of all the children, not just their own. All the kids had their own group of friends during the school year, but that summer we were all best friends. The coaches never put any pressure on us to win. Coach Harris, Murph and Jim Arnold coached for the kids and not their personal wins and losses record book. I cant remember one instance of a coach getting upset over a bad play or losing it on an umpire. Granted we made their jobs easy. We did win all three tournaments we entered as 11-year-old all-stars (Just kidding guys!). Thanks to everybody who made that a special time for all the kids.

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Lunch Bunch has lived on long after last out

By Dustin Luca
dluca@eagletribune.com

A motherly bond

S15 Thursday, August 08, 2013

hen the 1988 Andover Little League team went on a tear that catapulted them to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, they did so with the support and pride of a special group of fans their mothers. And while those boys eventually went their separate ways after being eliminated in the first

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us, because it has gone by in the blink of an eye.

Bernadette Harris, mother of Todd Harris

To think it has been 25 years is shocking to all of

Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

round of the series, the bond between their mothers remained strong long after the team parted ways. For the last quarter-century, the mothers, who morphed into the Lunch Bunch, have remarkably continued to meet every month, sharing 25 years of milestones. The topics and settings for their conversations may have changed over the years, but they said their love for each other remains steadfast. Were like sisters, we really are, Bernadette Harris said. This summer, not long after the 1988 team celebrated its 25th anniversary, the Lunch Bunch convened in New Hampshire at the home of one of the mothers. Sitting on a boat tethered to a dock, they laughed over snacks as they all caught up. They also took the opportunity to surprise mom Barbara Munroe with a bouquet of balloons to mark her recent retirement from teaching at Bancroft Elementary School

From left, Carolyn Moynihan, Barbara Munroe, Linda Langone, Kathleen Walsh, Wanda Corcoran, Jane Cassidy and Bernadette Harris.
in Andover. It was the latest of countless milestones the group has shared. For every child who played on the Andover team, there has been a wedding and the birth of a child. The Lunch Bunch has been there to mark each occasion, throwing the happy couples or parents-to-be their own bridal and baby showers that often turn into part variety show. Our group will plan our own shower, and well have just our girls, Linda Langone said. We always do a theme. Weve done Grease ... we act, we sing, we put on costumes ... As the rest of the women laugh and reminisce about themes of past celebrations, Langone shook her head. Weve done so many weird shows, she said. Jane Cassidy recalled the Market Basket-themed shower the group threw for one members son who met his bride-to-be one summer while he was bagging groceries at the store. We asked for those big signs on the windows, we had the Market Basket manager sign a proclamation or something like that, Cassidy said. Their sons are now well into their 30s and the mothers have all reached their 60s. Theyre proud to say their marriages are all

ANGIE BEAULIEU/Staff photo

at least 40 years strong and call themselves lifers, since were in it until death, Harris said. To think it has been 25 years is shocking to all of us, because it has gone by in the blink of an eye, Harris said. Munroe added, And Im not sure we realized how important (the World Series trip) was or how special it was at the time, and certainly didnt know that it would last.

S16 Thursday, August 08, 2013

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Andover Little League 25th Anniversary

Hoops for Hope Celebrating 20 Years and more than 10,000 youngsters participating in our programs.

EMPOWERING CHILDREN AND TEENS IN NEW ENGLAND www.hoopsforhope.com