Several Hundred Fans Turn Out For Parade To Honor Fairfield American

The Town of Fairfield honored its Little League heroes Saturday with a parade from the downtown library to the Fairfield Museum and History Center, and several hundred residents lined the streets to greet the team.

The Fairfield American 12-year-old all-stars, who became the first team from the town to play in the Little League World Series in its 64-year history, returned home Thursday afternoon.

The squad that captured the hearts of many Fairfielders was feted in grand fashion on the town green, capping a spectacular summer of baseball for the youngsters.  The team received a key to the town from Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto, who was in Williamsport, Penn. for the first game.

While the team enjoyed enthusiastic support from its fans in Pennsylvania, others back home watched the LLWS games on ESPN. Fairfield American won its opening game, 3-1 over Auburn, Washington, before losing the next two.

The players and coaches reflected on the magnitude of the accomplishment. Fairfield American became just the second Connecticut squad to play in Williamsport since Trumbull National won it all in 1989. Shelton National went two years ago.

"It was a bit overwhelming at first, but we settled down and had a great time," pitcher-first baseman Jack Quinn said.  "To go to Williamsport and win a game and meet so many people from all over was definitely a great experience."

Teammate Nate Klein offered insight on his experience playing against the world's best players under the bright lights and national television coverage.

"It was insane," Klein said. "Being in Bristol, playing on ESPN, then moving on to Williamsport, it was just an amazing experience."

Klein, the second-smallest player in the entire LLWS at 4-9 and 73 pounds, got knocked down after a fastball nailed him in the back on Tuesday night. But he rose from the dirt and continued his at-bat, symbolizing the grit his team exhibited.

"A few different times, we were down, but we always got back up," Klein said.

Manager Chris Daley marveled at the experience that will long be remembered by many Fairfielders.

"I think it will be put into perspective in the passage of time," said Daley, who was not with the team Thursday because he was in Baltimore dropping off older son Ryan at college.

"They made history, and it was a truly phenomenal run. What these kids accomplished is something we will all remember forever."

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