Sports
Local Fans Cheer Fairfield American On To Victory
Fairfielders celebrate team's 1-0 victory over Rhode Island that sends it to the Little League World Series
Courtesy of a special Fairfield American Little League championship viewing party on Saturday night, the Colony Grill was abuzz with plenty of passion and energy, as a packed house cheered on the victorious Fairfield ballclub all evening long.
Fairfield Woods history teacher Kevin Donovan enjoyed dinner with his wife Maryann, taking time to marvel at the accomplishments of the young championship squad that got the job done under the bright lights, live on ESPN.
The young heroes clinched a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania with a 1-0 win over Rhode Island in the New England Regional title game.
Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Having watched his son John – who now pitches at Gettsysburg - play on the squad in 2003 brought back some great memories over dinner. To see the current squad shine on such a big stage was a thrill for the Donovans.
Fairfield Woods student Nick Nardone pitched another stellar outing atop the mound, prompting Donovan to touch upon the presence of Nardone in the hallways and classrooms of Fairfield Woods.
Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Nick's a legend at school," Donovan said. "Whenever the topic of baseball comes up, the kids always start talking about Nick. He's a terrific kid, and he's not only a great baseball player. Everyone in town is so proud of the entire team."
Roger Ludlowe students Jaqui Lanese (eight grade) and her brother Thomas Lanese (seventh grade) enjoyed some pizza and took in the experience with the rest of their fellow Fairfield residents.
"I think it's really cool to watch this team play, and they handle the pressure so well," Thomas Lanese. "It's exciting to watch them, and it's got to be such a great experience for all of them."
Fairfield resident Mark Elletson shared a pie with his son, Parker Elletson, who is a fourth-grader at the Sherman School in Fairfield.
Just like Nardone, Eddie Magi, and the rest of the victors who could be seen live on ESPN at every corner of the restaurant, the younger Elletson is a baseball player who loves the game and watched the televised action in admiration all evening long. His father soaked in the experience alongside his attentive son.
"This is a great inspiration to kids in Fairfield, and it's a real testament to the league, the coach's, the players, and the town itself," Mark Elletson said. "Youth baseball is truly a fabric of our community."
