Ben Casparius — believed to be the first Staples High School graduate to pitch in the Major Leagues — now has the chance to do even better.
He’s on the Los Angeles’ Dodgers’ World Series roster.
Despite his stellar performances since being called up from the minors in August, the 2017 SHS grad’s Series status was not a grand slam. Two injured pitchers might have returned, leaving him on the bench but unable to play.
But the former University of Connecticut star is on LA’s 26-man roster.
That’s great for Casparius. And not so great for all the “06880” New York Yankee fans, who now have at least one reason to cheer for the Dodgers. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)

Ben Casparius, with the National League Championship Series trophy.
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There are many ways to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
One of the biggest is Pink Aid’s “Pink After Dark.”
Thursday’s event — hosted generously, as always, by Mitchells of Westport — raised over $1.4 million.
Thanks to its many supporters, Pink Aid will help thousands of breast cancer patients pay bills, get to treatment, keep the lights on, and put food on the table.
Honorees and others spoke eloquently about their own experiences with breast cancer, and Pink Aid’s importance to them personally.
Civil rights activist Ben Crump discussed health equity, and Pink Aid’s work helping the underserved breast cancer patients get the care they need, and provide for their families.
Shelenna McKissick moved the large crowd when she told how Pink Aid helped her and her family during her most difficult moments.
Motivational fitness guru Stacey Griffith had everyone on their feet, when she described her own breast cancer journey, and urged: Never give up!
Another highlight was the Celebration of Life Warrior Fashion Show, featuring breast cancer Warriors.

Pink Aid fashion show inspires the crowd.
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There are just 5 days till Halloween.
That’s less than a week to stock up on pounds of candy for trick-or-treaters.
Or tons, if you live by Compo Beach.
Here’s a sneak preview of that popular area:

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
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Though we think so at times, Westport is not the center of the universe.
And we are hardly the only Westport in it.
Longtime residents may remember the “Westports of the World” conventions. Every couple of years, a Westport — in Massachusetts, perhaps, or Ireland — would host a celebration for the others.
We haven’t had one in a while.
But Maya Mandell is doing her bit.
The 2014 Staples alumna finished her master’s in film producing at London’s Goldsmiths University. Before graduation ceremonies this January, she set out for Down Under.
She made a special stop in Westport, New Zealand.
It’s the furthest Westport from Westport, Connecticut. But it may have the coolest sign of any Westport in the world.

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Some “Westport … Naturally” photos show birds, marine life, bears or rodents.
Some show flowers or trees.
This shows a scene without any of those. And it’s one of the most beautiful of all.

Sunrise from Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Tammy Barry)
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And finally … Phil Lesh, the legendary Grateful Dead bassist, died yesterday. He was 84. Click here for a full obituary.
(A great weekend begins and ends with “06880.” As always, we rely ono reader support to inform, entertain, inspire and occasionally provoke our readers. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

I had a jolt when I read it is 5 days until Thanksgiving. Then I came to my senses and realized you meant Halloween. I thought “How did I miss the election”. Dan do you know if there is construction going on during the night on the Merritt?
Yep – I meant Halloween. It’s been fixed. Thanks.
Not sure about Merritt construction. Check with the state Department of Transportation website.
Last night’s World Series game was one of the best I’ve ever seen. The first ever grand slam homer to win a World Series game. This game ranks with Don Larson’s perfect game in 1956 and Mazoraski’s (sp) home run in 1960 to win the World Series for Pittsburgh! I got more pleasure from watching the Yankees lose than if I hit the Powerball for 400 million and had dinner with Taylor Swift!
That ends any lingering doubts 😱
That is indeed a very cool sign and it makes me think that Westport, New Zealand might very well have its own version of Miggs Burroughs.
Re Ben Casparius: I think there is more than a remote chance that he might pitch tonight based on the number of relievers used by the Dodgers last night (and the number of pitches thrown). If so, I will absolutely be rooting for a flawless performance by Ben.
that is a picture of Bob Weir after the note on the sad passing of Phil Lesh
Not a picture. A link to a video of “Truckin’.” The Roundup always ends with a YouTube song.
“Unbroken Chain” would be a more appropriate song. Written and sung by Phil.
Dan, you must be a fan of Thanksgiving as am I. We can forget the Halloween thing. Is this your silent message? Watch for trick or treaters.
A very slight moment of panic hit me as I read your post about Halloween. five days to Thanksgiving… for a split second I thought “did I sleepwalk through a month?” – but just for that split second!
BoSox nation supports the Dodgers and any Wrecker.
Preach Scooter!
You always know it’s October when Judge’s image appears on Stew’s milk cartons 😀
true. The modern Yankee high payroll free agents have very poor post season performance. Windfield Texierw Cano. Oneil Judge. The Yankees don’t have Reggie Jackson. Berra. Mantle. Munson. Chambliss. As much as these Yankees earn they are not clutch hitters. And not clutch pitchers. I’d like to see Judge perform well. His lifetime post season stats are pathetic for the money he earns
You know it’s October when Red Sox nation is stewing at home after delivering another ho-hum season, neither rising to the top or sinking to the bottom as they have done many times in recent years.
So good, so good, so good.
20 years ago this month Rusty. The greatest choke in the history of pro sports.
The Yankees lose, the Yankees lose, the Yankees lose, the Yankees loooooose! 4-3.
Where have you gone Aaron Judge…..$$$ can’t buy you W’s
Hey, speaking of choking, did you hear about the team that choked for 86 years?
Soto just homered. I gotta get back to the World Series. Check your fridge for a cold one.
Rusty, we all, ‘Miss Judge’d’ you!
So good, so good!
Aaron Judge ?
I like Judge because he’s a really decent, humble individual. I’m looking forward to game two, but even though I like Judge, I hope they lose tonight. It will be tough to try to forget last night. Boone blew that game with his managerial decisions in the tenth inning!
I agree. Judge is a very nice person. His post season hitting is below average.
Right on Jack‼️ please add the insanity of yanking Cole after only 88 pitches when he was mowing down the Dodgers. Go figure ⁉️
Boone made a huge mistake doing that! And tonight. Judge struck out three times. I can’t see the Yankees losing Monday in the Bronx.
The three worst people of the 20th century: Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Walter O’Malley