Representing the event's Metro Region, Connecticut has dominated at the 2025 Little League World Series and is the only undefeated U.S. team left.
With a 7-3 win over Las Vegas, the National squad from Fairfield Little League advanced to the U.S. Championship Game on Saturday night. It is now looking to become the first team from Connecticut to reach the title game since 1989.
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Fairfield National’s roster features strong arms and talented hitters. The team also boasts one of the event’s coolest sibling dynamics, as a set of twins has helped Connecticut breeze through the U.S. side of the bracket.
Here’s a look at the players and coaches from Fairfield, Connecticut.
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Connecticut roster at 2025 Little League World Series
The Fairfield National roster has 12 players, ranging in height from 4-foot-10 to 5-foot-11. The team also has plenty of versatility, with seven players capable of playing multiple positions.
The team includes twin brothers SJ and Jimmy Taxiltaridis, who form a key battery for a squad that has pitched as well as any in Williamsport. They revealed before a game against Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Monday that they eat three Dunkin' donuts each before games for good luck, something many New Englanders can relate to.
| No. | Name | Pos. | Bats | Throws | Height |
| 3 | Logan Gryga | OF | R | R | 4'10" |
| 4 | Ben Herbst | RF/3B/P | L | R | 5'4" |
| 5 | Charlie McCullough | 2B/P | R | R | 5'2" |
| 6 | Luca Pelligrini | SS/P | R | R | 5'3" |
| 7 | Dante Madera | CF | R | R | 5'1" |
| 8 | Joe Sorrentino | LF | R | R | 5'1" |
| 12 | Brian Palazzolo | P/2B/3B | R | R | 5'2" |
| 14 | SJ Taxiltaridis | 3B/SS/P | R | R | 5'10" |
| 15 | Tommy D'Amura | 1B/P | R | R | 5'8" |
| 16 | Colin Curley | OF | R | R | 5'4" |
| 17 | Jimmy Taxiltaridis | C | R | R | 5'9" |
| 19 | Boden Dunlap | P/OF | L | R | 5'11" |
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Connecticut Little League World Series coaches
As is customary with Little League teams, each coach for Connecticut has a son on the squad. The fact that Fairfield National is a family affair has made its run to the U.S. Championship game even more special for the coaching staff.
“When all your hard work pays off and you can get to a childhood dream with these guys, it’s a special thing,” coach Brian Palazzolo said after his team's opening round win against Texas.
| Role | Coach |
| Manager | Brian Palazzolo |
| Coach | Dave Gryga |
| Coach | Tom Curley |
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How Connecticut reached the Little League World Series
Fairfield National won its district tournament and state tournament to advance to the Metro regional in Bristol, Connecticut.
In Bristol, Fairfield beat Jackson Holbrook Little League of New Jersey in its opening game but then lost to St. James-Smithtown Little League of New York. It staved off elimination be beating New Jersey again before routing New York 12-1 in the regional final to advance to Williamsport.
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History of Connecticut teams in the Little League World Series
Fairfield National is trying to become the first team from Connecticut to win the Little League World Series since Trumbull, Connecticut in 1989. That squad was led by eventual NHL All-Star and current New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury.
Three other teams from Connecticut have won the Little League World Series. Here’s a look at all the champions from the Constitution State:
- Trumbull LL, 1989
- Windsor Locks LL, 1965
- Nowalk LL, 1952
- Stamford LL, 1951
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