When Joe Fontana addressed his nephew’s team at the postseason banquet, even he was at a loss for words. The former athletic director had been the coach for both of Southington’s previous undefeated baseball teams. If anybody knew what it takes to win a title, it was the former baseball and football legend. So what did he say to a team that raged for 16 innings just to come away with a one-run loss in the championship game? “This is the greatest baseball team that I’ve ever seen at Southington High School,” he said to the crowd gathered at the Aqua Turf. Then he trudged back to his seat. People talk about great programs by listing postseason accomplishments like World Series rings or Super Bowl trophies. They talk about state titles or dynastic eras, but when it comes to Southington baseball you have to talk about the one that got away. Almost four decades have passed since that 1976 team scrambled just short of perfection. The program has won twice since then and Southington teams have rallied for eight berths in championship games. John Fontana won twice, but ranks that 1976 team as the most talented team that he’s ever [...]
When Joe Fontana addressed his nephew’s team at the postseason banquet, even he was at a loss for words. The former athletic director had been the coach for both of Southington’s previous undefeated baseball teams. If anybody knew what it takes to win a title, it was the former baseball and football legend. So what did he say to a team that raged for 16 innings just to come away with a one-run loss in the championship game? “This is the greatest baseball team that I’ve ever seen at Southington High School,” he said to the crowd gathered at the Aqua Turf. Then he trudged back to his seat. People talk about great programs by listing postseason accomplishments like World Series rings or Super Bowl trophies. They talk about state titles or dynastic eras, but when it comes to Southington baseball you have to talk about the one that got away. Almost four decades have passed since that 1976 team scrambled just short of perfection. The program has won twice since then and Southington teams have rallied for eight berths in championship games. John Fontana won twice, but ranks that 1976 team as the most talented team that he’s ever [...]