Forestville All-Stars reach Little League World Series.
In 1976 the Forestville Little League All-Stars were on a roll meeting few serious challenges on their way to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Coached by Don Roman and Bob Watson, the best-of-the-best from the "village" circuit edged out a 5-4 victory over Art Hills of Meriden in early round play before taking the District 5 crown with wins over such teams as Bristol's McCabe-Waters and Southington West.
Then, following another close opening game, a 5-4 win over West Haven in the state tourney, Forestville went on to beat Guilford, Stamford and Vernon to capture the Connecticut crown.
Forestville then earned its berth at the Eastern Regional Tournament after taking the New England crown, drubbing Salem N.H. 13-2, and Auburn, Maine, 10-3.
"I really don't think it hit me how good we were until we got out of the New Englands." said Roman in an interview in 1991. "We had only two close games up to that point, and I guess I really hadn't appreciated the caliber of the team".
At the Eastern Regionals, Forestville won its opener, 8-3, beating Connellsville, Pa Forestville's Joey Jandreau poled his 12th homer in 12 post-season games at that point in time and Forestville was set to play Staten Island, N.Y. for the Regional title.
Trailing 1-0 after the first inning, Forestville tied things with the New York team on a second frame Dean Lord four-bagger.
Then, with the score still 1-1 and with two outs in the seventh frame, Forestville centerfielder Ricky Edwards homered to place Forestville in the World Series for the first time.
"Edwards was our No. 8 batter and he struck out twice previously on curves," said Watson in a 1991 interview. "the New York pitcher sent Ricky a fastball this time and bingo, it was all that was needed. "Forestville was in the World Series."
In Williamsport in their World Series opener, Forestville had first game jitters and took a 7-0 loss on costly errors and lack of offense.
"Everyone was devastated by the loss, but the thrill of being there carried us through the remaining games," said Forestville player Glenn Totten in 1991. "With the loss, the pressure ended and there was a more relaxed atmosphere."
The Forestville team was placed in the consolation bracket where it rebounded in eking out a 3-2 triumph over the British Columbia champions and 4-1 win over Kaiserlautern, Germany, representatives to gain a fifth-place World Series finish in the Series.
"It was great," said Watson, "All 12-year olds should have the opportunity. We went to the White House shortly afterwards and enjoyed visits at Baltimore and in Virginia."
In addition to Roman, Watson Lord Edwards, Totten and Jandreau, those also comprising the Forestville roster were these players: Keith Barkowski, Pete Benevenuto, Glenn Fortier, Kurt Gabrielson, Chris Nairne, Darryl Oakes, Tom Policki, Brian Rooney, Bob Sardilli, George Springer, Rick Varano and Rheinhart Walker.
(This article re-published with the permission of Bob Montgomery, Bristol Press writer and also a Director of the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame).