Town, Family, Fans Greet Fairfield American Thursday

Friends, family, fans, and local and state officials were on hand Thursday to greet the Fairfield American 12-year-old team as the players made their way home from Williamsport, Pa. 

when it played Petaluma, Calif. for the second time in the series. During its World Series run, Fairfield American made history when pitcher against the team from New Castle, Ind.

In a ceremony at the gazebo on , First Selectman Michael Tetreau congratulated the team on behalf of the town. Both Fairfield American Coach Bill Meury and the league's president, John Sohigian, recounted the team's success. 

"You made us proud, not only by the heart and effort you put in on the field, but your demeanor and humility off of it," Sohigian said.

"You lived up to the hype, but you didn't believe it. You carried yourself like adults but enjoyed the ride like 12-year-olds should."

The boys on the team gave special credit to their parents -- especially to their mothers and the support they gave the team throughout the season.

State Rep. Kim Fawcett, D-133, echoed the praise for the player's mothers as all the members of the state delegation -- Rep. Brenda Kupchick, R-132, Rep. Tony Hwang, R-134, and Sen. John McKinney, R-28 -- presented the team with a state citation.

Representatives from Congressman Jim Himes' office delivered a national citation to the team as well.

Officials and coaches also congratulated the Girls' Little League softball 12-year-olds and the Fairfield National Little League 11-year-olds on both becoming state champions, as well as the Fairfield National Little League 10-year-old team on being runners-up for Section 1.