Community Theatre To Show Trumbull's 1989 LLWS Title Game Victory

Leo Redgate, who is involved with the Community Theatre, has come up with a great way to help fans celebrate Fairfield American's trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

According to Redgate, his friends at ESPN agreed to go back into the vault and bring out the actual game footage from the LLWS championship contest in 1989, when Trumbull National defeated Taiwan, 5-2. They also agreed to make a first-ever DVD of the memorable game.

On Thursday at 7 p.m., the Community Theatre will air a free showing of Trumbull's victory as a way to get fans ready for Fairfield American's appearance in the LLWS.

While admission is free, contributions are encouraged and will be directed to the Fairfield and Trumbull Little League Challenger Division that enables boys and girls with physical and mental challenges to enjoy baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in the sport worldwide.

The Community Film Institute, along with Old Post Tavern and Colony Grill in Fairfield Center, are hosting this event. Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

"We want to use the event to recognize the hard work that the Fairfield American team has put in so far, but to have this special event serve as a rally of sorts to get the community fired up about the upcoming games, starting this Friday," Redgate said.

Fairfield American faces Auburn, Washington on Friday at 1 p.m. in its LLWS opener, a game that will be televised on ESPN.

If Fairfield American wins, it will play again in the double-elimination tournament on Sunday at 8 p.m.. If Fairfield American loses, it drops into the losers' bracket and will be back in action on Saturday at 8 p.m. Either way, the team is guaranteed to play at least two games in Williamsport.

Redgate said that Thursday is an opportunity for families to watch the 1989 Trumbull game with their children for the first time.

"As this special (Fairfield) team moved closer to the dream of playing in the Little League World Series, I couldn't  stop thinking about the year 1989 and the Trumbull Little League team," Redgate added. "Having lived here in Fairfield at that time and knowing some of the boys playing that year...I was so excited for them and watched every game while they were in Williamsport.

"The Trumbull team worked very hard, played well together as a team and performed magnificently, eventually winning the World Series. I find it funny that Fairfield now has a little bit of that Trumbull luck on its side, too."

Trumbull National ended Taiwan's three-year championship reign and became the first American team to win the LLWS since Marietta, Georgia in 1983.

In 1989, only eight teams participated in the LLWS -- four from the U.S and four from outside the country. The field was doubled in 2001 to include eight U.S. and eight international teams.