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Key Crystal River figure calls it quits

Sasada has served in the program as president and commissioner after starting as an umpire.

By LARRY BUGG
Published June 29, 2005

Bud Sasada Jr. is sort of on a farewell tour.

Sasada, 53, said goodbye to 148 pounds after undergoing a bypass operation in 2004 and is saying so long to his six-year post of Crystal River Little League president.

He was a commissioner for three seasons before that and started as an umpire.

"I stayed in it for the kids," Sasada said. "My son (Jeff) played only one year and lost interest."

Fortunately for the program, Sasada was hooked.

He did doubleheaders in the heat and ran the concessions and general operations of the games as commissioner.

Though Little League baseball and softball has become known for nasty, screaming parents, Sasada found that he liked many of the adults.

"Most of the people are good people," Sasada said. "You have your problems. ... I have worked with a lot of good board members."

Sasada lived in a number of places before coming to Citrus County.

He was born at March AFB in Riverside, Calif. His father, Bernard, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, moved the family to Chicago, then to Baltimore.

Sasada, who attended high school in Maryland, and his wife, Chris, resided in Annapolis before relocating near Citrus Hills in 1989.

After having a large construction business for 20 years, Sasada purchased some shopping centers and rental property when he arrived in Florida.

In business for 33 years, Sasada now runs a painting contractors operation. In his spare time, he does disc jockey work with Don Lyons for weddings and karaoke.

That's more fun than sometimes facing angry Little League parents.

It should always be "all about the kids," Sasada said. "You watch the kids have fun."

But, overall, Sasada has had an enjoyable experience and is proud of the program.

"I think we have one of the finest run Little Leagues in the whole area," he said. "Citrus County has worked with us. We got state-of-the-art lightning detectors three years ago, and now it's in all of the parks.

"I think the parks look the best. Our concessions look good.

"It has worked out well," Sasada said. "We keep up on uniforms for the children."

Sasada has worked with about 30 board members throughout the years, and he appreciates their service.

The league's Bicentennial Park is busy preparing for playoff games.

Crystal River and Little League District 15 will host sectionals for softball players 9-10, 11, 11-12 and 13-14 starting July 15.

Then the league will have baseball for players 9-10, 11, 13-14 and in the senior division beginning July 23.

A healthier Sasada, who has been in charge of about 650 league members, is happy with what he heas accomplished - on and off the field.

"I feel great," Sasada said of his weight loss. "This has been a total success."

[Last modified June 29, 2005, 11:40:03]