The field is set - Winchester welcomes World Series tonight

For almost two years, Nutile’s time has been devoted to planning this year’s Cal Ripken 12-Year-Old World Series, hosted by the town where he grew up playing baseball. This evening, 10 teams from across the country converge to commence a weeklong tournament, ending next Thursday with one club crowned World Series champion.

That the tournament is being played at Robert J. Nutile Field, a new field built for the tournament and named after Nutile last summer, is only fitting.

“He’s been with the program for almost 50 years,’’ said Rich Michienzi, tournament cochair. “We named the field after him about a year ago because he deserves to have a piece of this program. He’s given it so much over the years that it’s special to see it all come together.

“There’s no way this could’ve happened without him. It’s synonymous: ‘Bob Nutile’ and ‘Winchester baseball’ go together.’’

This year’s World Series will host 10 teams from eight regions, including two local clubs, host Winchester and New England representative Burlington. Last night’s opening ceremonies were to include a speech from Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray and a performance by Ayla Brown, former “American Idol’’ singer and Boston College senior basketball player.

President of the Sachem Youth Baseball/Softball Association for the past 15 years, Nutile took on the task of planning a World Series after the town hosted its third New England regional tournament in 2007.

Since then, Nutile has known little else. “It’s been my life for the last two years,’’ he said. “I can’t remember the last time I had dinner with my wife at a decent hour, because we’re always eating after I get home from planning meetings.’’

Over the last 10 years, Winchester has hosted three district tournaments, three state tournaments, and three New England tournaments, a requirement to be considered a World Series host town. After visits from top officials in the Babe Ruth League, who scoured the program’s financial books, facilities, and personnel, the town signed a contract to host the World Series.

To help oversee the planning, Nutile enlisted tournament cochairs Michael Creane and Michienzi. Former board member Fred DeSimone was brought in to lead the construction of a new press box and field.

“We’ve never done this before; it’s sort of a work in progress,’’ said Michienzi. “It’s been a lot of late nights, but my wife and I have met some of our best friends through Winchester baseball.’’

Michienzi’s youngest son, Stephen, follows in the footsteps of older brothers Chris, 21, and Phil, 16.

Nutile’s dedication to the program stems from a love of the game. The time he commits to its growth comes amid personal challenge, since he was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago.

“I haven’t been able to work since then, so my time has gone to baseball,’’ said Nutile. “I’m lucky to have something I enjoy and can give my time to. It’s so much better than sitting at home every day. I’m around a sport I love, with these great kids and adults, and it’s just fantastic.

“This week will be worth all the running around the last two years.’’

Schedules and information can be found at www.winchesterworldseries.com.