RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Metro’s Boden Dunlap (19) and Dante Madera have a good time after Madera scores Metro’s solely run of the recreation throughout a Little League World Series recreation at Lamade Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. Metro received 1-0.
A Fairfield, Connecticut workforce had performed earlier than at the Little League World Series. Three instances to be precise.
Just not the Fairfield National Little League–till now.
After watching Fairfield American League characterize Connecticut and the New England Region at the 2010, 2012 and 2017 Series, it is Fairfield National which now basks in the highlight. Fairfield National has come bursting out of the shadows and now stands as one in every of the world’s prime 20 Little League groups after capturing each its first state and regional championships.
Fairfield National made its Series debut Thursday when it performed Irmo, South Carolina at Lamade Stadium.
“The work that goes into this and preparing for something like this is incredible and for them to finally get this is so overwhelming. It brought so much emotion to everyone watching and it’s so awesome to see,” Fairfield National Little League president Diego De Lan mentioned. “Our sister Little League made it three times and our district coordinator said we are the last Fairfield County team from the district to make it to Williamsport, so that brought even more emotion.”
They are all constructive feelings today. Fairfield National has come out of the chilly and felt the heat of final victory at final. It entered the Series 16-1 this summer time, avenging its solely defeat with a dominant, 12-1 Metro Region championship victory in opposition to New York.
It’s not like Fairfield National struggled earlier than. It simply so usually bumped into great groups, particularly the one in its family. While Fairfield American was profitable 5 state championships final decade, it usually eradicated National alongside the approach.
Extended all-star runs appeared like they had been only for Fairfield American till this present group got here alongside and adjusted the whole lot. This breakthrough not solely means the world to these gamers and coaches, however those that have volunteered all through the league over the years. The drought is over and Fairfield National has flooded the summer time discipline with victories.
“These particular kids have been together for a while and they are finally getting a chance to showcase their stuff,” De Lan mentioned. “We needed to undergo a gauntlet of powerful groups in the state and in regionals. They’ve had a lot success over the years and it’s all come collectively they usually’ve proven the state, and actually the area now, what they’re all about.
“They wanted to put Fairfield National on the map and they did it. It’s nice to see them step out of the shadows and make names for themselves.”
Each particular person has come collectively to make this workforce one in every of the world’s largest winners. Fairfield National by no means misplaced a Connecticut all-star recreation in three years, going a tremendous 40-0, whereas profitable three straight state championships. This one meant the most since it was the league’s first however Fairfield simply stored going and now joins earlier District 2 powers like Fairfield American, 1989 world champion Trumbull and 2013 US finalist Westport as an all-time Connecticut Little League workforce.
Not that it was straightforward. All these wins and title banners the final two years, painted a big goal on Fairfield National’s collective again. Everyone was coming after it this season, however this workforce neither flinched, nor grew content material.
They simply stored working. Everyone needs to win each recreation they play, however as thrilling as championships in 11 and 10U had been, they weren’t the massive fish. They had been extra a method to finish, giving the workforce invaluable big-game expertise. Everything got here collectively this season and Fairfield reeled in that fish, writing a narrative which can develop fonder to all these related to the league as the years go by.
“The momentum has been building. Ever since they were able to play postseason stuff within Little League tournaments, they started playing well and they’ve worked hard at it,” De Lan mentioned. “They knew what they had been able to and taking part in effectively at this degree. This is what the objective is. The objective was to get right here they usually constructed momentum and have taken benefit of it.
“They’ve earned the right to be here.”
They definitely have. Iron sharpens iron, so Fairfield American has helped deliver out National’s finest the approach National did for it final decade. And whereas this can be a rivalry which regularly attracts massive crowds each American and National at the moment are one.
This is the neighborhood’s workforce and, whether or not one is affiliated with American or National, they’re all workforce Connecticut.
“They push each other but they support each other,” De Lan mentioned. “Fairfield American fans are in the crowds cheering us on and sending us messages of support. They have our backs. It’s a sign of respect. Now National and American are connected.”
In the grand scheme of issues what each leagues have achieved all through the twenty first century is outstanding. They have now made 4 Series appearances since 2010. It speaks volumes about the high quality of the baseball being performed and training supplied all through Fairfield.
Fairfield American has had its days in the solar and will once more. For now, although, National instructions heart stage. Who is aware of if there shall be an encore in the future. It actually doesn’t matter.
This is Fairfield National’s time. And it’s a time this workforce, nor its supporters will ever overlook.
“They’ll look back 10-15 years from now and remember the summer of ’25 and remember when they went to the Little League World Series and other communities will remember it. That’s what I want the kids to remember,” De Lan mentioned. “This league has been in existence sine the 50s, so pause, go searching, see what it’s occurring and scent the roses and admire what’s occurring.
“What they’re doing is bigger than baseball.”