Perfect Summer Weather for Fairfield American's Little League World Series Opener in Williamsport

The Fairfield American Little League all-stars play their first game of the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, this afternoon at 3 o'clock, and the weather will be much better than the rainstorm which soaked the players and the thousands of fans at last night's eighth annual Grand Slam Parade. Despite the downpour, it certainly didn't dampen the spirits of the local little leaguers, who won the New England Regional championship last Saturday in Bristol.

As a lifelong resident of Fairfield, I am proud of the players and coaches who are representing our town. The Fairfield American Little League all-stars are building quite a tradition. This is the same organization which advanced to the Little League World Series two years ago and played in the New England Regional tournament last year. Fairfield American Little League teams have won the Connecticut state championship each of the last three years!

The locals will face the West champion Petaluma, California, all stars this afternoon at 3 o'clock. The West champions won a nailbiter against Hawaii last Saturday night to advance to the series. The weather will be just about perfect for this time of the year at Lamade Stadium. It will be mostly sunny and warm with a temperature of 83 degrees, 39% relative humidity, and a light West breeze at about six miles an hour. The probability of precipitation is zero. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Naturally, the entire town is bursting with pride and rooting for this great group of 12-year-old all stars. Several restaurants have had "viewing parties" over the last two weeks, and I'm sure it will happen during the World Series. No doubt, many of the townsfolk will be traveing to Williamsport over the next several days to watch the boys play against the best Little League teams in the country.

So, how did the players get this far? First, they were selected as league all-stars by their coaches in June. Then, they won the district championship at Blackham School in Bridgeport in July by defeating teams from Westport, Bridgeport, Easton, and, eventually, their cross-town rivals from Fairfield National Little League to advance to the state tournament. Finally, the all-stars defeated Avon to win the state championship.

While most baseball fans in these parts are following the likes of Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, and David Wright, Fairfield baseball fans will be watching Kevin Oricoli, Matty Clarkin, Will Lucas, Henry Prestegaard, Ryan Meury, Michael Ghiorzi, Matt Kubel, and the rest of the Fairfield American Little League all stars.

Photos: Courtesy Connecticut Post

Paul