Strong Work Ethic Has Paid Off For Fairfield American Star Nick Nardone

Whether it's in the classroom,  the school band,  or on the baseball and football fields, Fairfield American All-Star Nick Nardone operates in one gear -  and one gear only - all out, all the time.

"I'm very determined in whatever I do," said Nardone, who is a key component on the most successful Fairfield American 12-year-old team in town history. The club is battling in the New England Regionals in Bristol  with the hopes of landing a spot in the coveted Little League World Series.

"I've learned how important it is to have a strong work ethic, and how important it is to take pride in what I do each day, " added Nardone, one of just three 13-year-olds on the squad.

That unwavering work ethic has paid off for Nardone, Fairfield American's ace pitcher-shortstop who also has a lethal bat.

While he certainly has gotten help from a potent offense up and down the lineup, the well-spoken Nardone is the leader of team that is a 16-1 in the postseason.

This is the first Fairfield American team to ever play in the New England Regionals, and it is just one step away from Williamsport.

While the team suffered a 2-0 loss to Rhode Island in the regional opener on Friday, it bounced back in grand style Saturday, thanks to a come-from-behind 7-4 victory over Vermont.

An 0-2 start could have doomed the squad, but Nardone, who went 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored against Vermont,  never lost faith.

Trailing 3-0 in the second inning, Fairfield American turned around the game in the third, when it scored four runs on only one hit.

"We settled down, we waited for the pitches that we wanted, and it paid off for us," Nardone said. "Each one of us works together as a team. We play on different teams normally, so it's great to play with guys that are from different teams with so much at stake.

"This whole summer, I've got to play with a bunch of guys that have really become good friends of mine. We all pull together and everyone works hard. We just want to win games."

His tireless work ethic also carries over into the classroom, where he is straight-A student. Nardone cites math as his favorite subject. And when he's not busy buckling down academically, he plays trombone in the school band at Fairfield Woods.

Nardone also has played football since the fourth grade as a running back and linebacker.

Still, Fairfield American's magical run this summer has to rate as the highlight of his young life to date.

"I think the most important thing, whether it's sports or school, is just to stay determined," Nardone said. "You have to have pride in what you do, and you have to stay confident in what you are doing. After all the hard work is put in, a strong work ethic will pay off for you."