Final Quest Begins For Fairfield American

There had been some talk of putting together a sendoff party for the Fairfield American Little League team, but those  plans were nixed because the player wanted to maintain their business-like approach.

And so, without much fanfare, the traveling party will depart for Bristol, site of the New England Regionals, on Thursday morning, knowing that it is now but one step away from the ultimate destination - the Little League World in South
Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Named after the former Major League Baseball commissioner and Yale University president who passed away in 1989, the Bart Giamatti Little Center has hosted the New England and Mid-Atlantic Regionals since 2001, when the Little League World Series field was expanded from eight to 16 teams.  Prior to that, it was the site of the East Regional, dating to 1987.

The last two Connecticut teams to play in Williamsport - Trumbull National in 1989 and Shelton National in 2008 - came through Bristol.

This marks the first time any Fairfield American team has reached the regionals and is the first appearance for a district two squad since 1996.

While not quite the hallowed turf at Lamade Stadium amid the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, this is a step up into the big time, as the championship game in the New England Regional on August 14 will be televised by ESPN. Last year's game between Connecticut and Rhode Island - Fairfield American's first opponent in pool play on Friday- drew 3,000 fans.

In addition, Fairfield American final pool play game against Massachusetts on August 11 will be televised by NESN at 1 p.m.

Throughout the summer, Fairfield American has looked unbeatable, averaging 12 runs per game while allowing under three. The team has scored in double figures in 11 of its 15 contests.

Still, one has to believe the competion in the New England Regional will be tougher than what Fairfield American faced against Madison in the Connecticut state championship. The Fairfielders swept the best-of-three series, 15-4 and 11-1,  and both games were stopped after four innings because of the mercy rule.

While Fairfield American's potent attack has been led by three and four hitters Nick Nardone and Jack Quinn, the teams boasts a balanced offense throughout the lineup with no easy outs. Nardone and Quinn also anchor the pitching staff.  

Fairfield's toughest game in Bristol may come right off the bat, as Rhode Island traditionally sends strong teams to the New England Regionals. This year's Rhode Island representative is Cumberland National.

Last season, Rhode Island advanced to the regional finals, losing, 11-7, to Massachusett's Peabody Western, which made the trip to Williamsport.

Since the advent of the New England Regional tournament , a team from the Ocean State has reached the final five times, the most of any of the six New England states.

The other teams are: Maine, Bangor East; Massachusetts, Southborough Youth Baseball; New Hampshire, Portsmouth; and Vermont, Shelburne.

Since the top four teams in pool play advance to the single-elimation semifinals, there is a margin for error, as a 2-2 record likely would be good enough to advance.

Fairfield American obviously wants to finish in the top four, but it also wants to set up its pitching so that Nardone would be available for a pontential semifinal game on August 12. Assuming he pitches against Rhode Island, a well-rested Nardone would have nearly a week between starts.

Fairfield American could then come back with Quinn in the championship game.