The little sluggers from Fairfield open up play in the Little League World Series Wednesday night, and a member of the last Connecticut team to win it all is offering some words of advice.

“One thing we always said to ourselves was, ‘why not us?’ Ken Martin says. "For Fairfield National, why not them?”

Martin delivered the go-ahead hit in the 1989 LLWS championship game that helped Trumbull defeat Taiwan 5-2.

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"There were 40,000 people, and the chants of ‘USA! USA!’ slowly started to build as we made our way onto the field," Martin says. "We were grateful for that support, and hopefully we can supply some of that support for the guys who are competing this year."

Thirty-six years after a group of smalltown kids from Connecticut shocked the world, Martin’s message for the boys of Fairfield National is to take it all in, and have fun.

“We’d love to have them bring back the title," Martin says. "Either way, I know everybody in the town of Fairfield, and the greater Fairfield County area is very proud."

The first pitch Wednesday night is slated for 7 p.m.