Only one team from the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference is still standing in the state baseball playoffs. To the surprise of nearly everyone, it is New Canaan.
The 13th-seeded Rams (16-8) moved into the Class L semifinals Saturday with a crisp 4-0 victory over RHAM. They will play No. 16 Farmington (16-7) on Tuesday at Nolan Field in Ansonia.
According to the CIAC website, New Canaan has never won a state title in baseball. It lost in its only appearance in the state finals in 1972, dropping the Class L title game to Shelton, 4-2.
No question, Im surprised that were the only FCIAC team left, second year coach Mitch Hoffman said. The only reason Im not surprised is because the FCIAC teams had to play each other in the Class LL tournament. I think the FCIAC is arguably the strongest in the state. If you put them into different divisions, theres no question wed have more teams around. Hopefully we can represent the league in the championship round.
New Canaans season has been a roller coaster. Its longest winning streak was a five-game run toward the end of the regular season. The Rams lost in their final game to Brien McMahon and then were ousted in the first round of the FCIAC playoffs by eventual league champion Staples. After outslugging Wilby, 9-5, in its first tournament game, New Canaan has eliminated No. 4 Branford, 1-0, and RHAM. Senior pitcher Alex Farina tossed a three-hit shutout, needing just 68 pitches. Senior Peter Meadows gets the nod Tuesday.
Were very young, and if the young play young, and the old play young, well lose, Hoffman said. We played a picture perfect game the other day. We played solid defense, had timely hitting, good pitching. If were playing right, were good.
One of New Canaans benchmark wins came in an 8-7 victory over Staples on April 29. After falling behind early, the Rams rallied to top Wrecker ace Rob Gau. Were trying to teach these kids a little about winning, Hoffman said. In the past, baseball has not had a winning tradition. The more they can experience what its like to win, the better off well be. When you beat a team like Staples, thats a big win for the program.
Hoffman says the Rams are trying to make a name for themselves. That doesnt come overnight. It comes with consistent success and preparation. I think people in New Canaan look past baseball because of lacrosse,'' Hoffman said. "I dont think theres any reason to do that. Theres no reason they cant co-exist.
A victory Tuesday would go a long way toward establishing the identify Hoffman believes is critical. I always think I can win, he said when asked whether his team has arrived ahead of schedule. Its a question if the kids think they can win. You have to get them believe. If you feel you can win, those questionable innings or bad plays turn into success stories. In a couple of our losses, we learned from that. I think were where we should be.
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