An Unforgettable Summer For Family Of Fairfield American Players

As evidenced by the passionate sea of red that blankets the bleachers at Breen Field in Bristol, Fairfield American baseball truly is a family affair.

Waves of parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and friends have ventured to Bristol all week long to witness the magical run of Fairfield's favorite Little Leaguers.

Fairfield American defeated Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 10-8, Thursday to advance to the championship game of the New England Regionals and is now just one game away from a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport,  Pennsylvania.

Fairfield American will face Cumberland National, the Rhode Island state champion, in the title game Saturday at 7 p.m on (ESPN. Rhode Island rallied for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat Vermont, 5-4, in Thursday's other semifinal game.

"It's been such an amazing ride for these boys, and it's something none of us will ever forget," said Kate Magi, whoseson plays a variety of positions and was the winning pitcher in Fairfield American's first two victories in Bristol.

"It's so much fun to come up here and root them on, and they are playing great baseball. And back in Fairfield, wherever I go with my red shirt on, people start talking about the team. It's amazing to see all the support and encouragement that the town of Fairfield has for this team."

Jim O'Leary, the father of Patrick O'Leary, shared his sentiments on what the championship ride has been like as a fan, a parent and a Fairfield resident all in one.

 "The energy and support that the town has shown has been tremendous," the elder O'Leary said. "And it seems like every  time this team plays, somebody new steps up to help us win.

"After watching them come from behind several times and find so many different ways to win this summer, I've stopped wondering what they are capable of. The sky is the limit with this group."

DJ Quinn – mother of Thusday's winning pitcher Jack Quinn – brought Jack's aunt, her kids, and family friend Mary Ellen Connelly to Bristol on Thursday.

In between innings, the enthusiastic mother, decked out in red, reflected on just how exciting this summer has been.

"I think the best part about it as fans and parents is the camaraderie, and everyone is having a great time cheering this team on every single game," said Quinn, who nervously watched her son pitch in the semifinals with the stakes high.

"Sure, as a mom it's nerve-wracking at times, but they're a really good group of kids and its very exciting to be a part of," she said.

Fellow standout player Nate Klein also had a large contingent on hand, including his parents and grandparents Gene and Carol Klein, native New Yorkers who enthusiastically headed up to Connecticut to check out their grandson and his teammates.

"I've told several people today that I've been watching baseball since 1940 and this team is the most fun to watch in  all those years," said Gene Klein, a hard core fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. "They play hard and they pull for each other all game long. They're an unbelievable group, and a real joy to watch."