UPDATE: Fairfield National has made headlines with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Richmond, Texas in the Little League World Series, igniting memories of Connecticut’s past triumphs. This pivotal win marks only the second time in state history that a Connecticut team has achieved such a victory, the last being in 1965 against Texas.
As the game unfolded on Wednesday night, former Windsor Locks player Phil Devlin, now aged 72, was watching intently. A graphic on the screen read: “Connecticut Second 1-0 Win in State LLWS History. Last: 1965 vs. Texas.” Devlin, who played a crucial role in the 1965 championship, felt a rush of nostalgia. “I saw that and said, ‘Whoa, that was us,’” he recalled.
The current Fairfield pitcher, Luca Pellegrini, dominated the field, striking out 11 batters while allowing just one hit. His performance drew comparisons to Mike Roche, a catcher and pitcher on the 1965 championship team. Roche praised Pellegrini’s composure, stating, “He looked really solid… had some really good stuff.”
Fairfield’s triumph is especially significant as they gear up for their next challenge against Hawaii. Devlin reminisced about the tight match against Stamford that secured their state title in 1965, where Roche pitched valiantly and contributed a home run. “He pitched out of a couple of tight situations like that kid did last night,” Devlin said, highlighting the parallels between past and present.
The 1965 Little League World Series was a different era, with only eight teams competing and single-elimination rules. Now, the tournament features 20 teams and extensive coverage through ESPN. The Windsor Locks team, coached by the no-nonsense veteran Bob O’Connor, faced Waco, Texas, a team deemed the favorite. Devlin recounted a memorable moment when the team had haircuts just before the championship game, coincidentally meeting Hall of Fame pitcher Lefty Gomez at a local barber shop.
The emotional weight of the win resonates with the team members even decades later. Roche and Devlin remain close friends, sharing stories of their glory days and the lasting impact of their experience. “It’s an experience you never forget, even if it’s not vivid in your mind,” Roche reflected.
As Fairfield National continues its journey in the Little League World Series, the excitement from their victory not only brings hope for future games but also inspires a new generation of players while honoring the legacy of past champions. Fans eagerly anticipate their next matchup, hoping for a repeat of history.
