It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Boston Post Road Historic District in Darien, CT gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Darien, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I want to take a moment to recognize Nadine, the case manager at Always Best”
“We were setup with Always Best Care through my work benefit to help with caring”
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia,”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield”
“Excellent!”
“I want to take a moment to recognize Nadine, the case manager at Always Best Care. From the very beginning, she has shown such kindness, patience, and genuine care. Nadine goes above and beyond to make sure every detail is handled, and she always makes me feel supported and heard. She has a way of bringing comfort in stressful times and truly treats you like family. Her compassion and dedication shine through in everything she does, and I’m so grateful for her. Always Best Care is lucky to have someone as special as Nadine on their team.”
“We were setup with Always Best Care through my work benefit to help with caring for my 85 year old father in the hospital. Alan and Nadine were extremely responsive and flexible in our needs and a fluid situation where we were dependent on hearing updates from doctors from another state. They both checked in on us and ensure my father's needs were met, flexible in changing times and made a stressful process easier for us to manage. I plan on using this agency again when/if we need to.”
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will continue to reach out to them first any time I have care needs. Not only was my caregiver great, but the service and care I got from Alan was above and beyond. He is so responsive, invested and attentive - feel like I’m working with a friend/family. They really care about their care recipients and make you feel like a VIP. The caregiver we were assigned was not only sweet and warm, but she wouldn’t sit still and made sure she was always doing something helpful. Couldn’t be happier with the company or caregiver, and will work with them anytime the need arises.”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back Up Care" can be a little tricky to use and sometimes difficult to get the care properly confirmed. I reached out to Alan the day before my booking and he did a tremendous job at making sure that I had appropriate care for my 5 month old and that I wouldn't have to stress. Our actual caregiver, Chyna was great. She arrived on time, was knowledgable, respectful, and friendly. We had no worries leaving our 5 month old in her care. I'd book with Always Best Care again.”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back Up Care" can be a little tricky to use and sometimes difficult to get the care properly confirmed. I reached out to Alan the day before my booking and he did a tremendous job at making sure that I had appropriate care for my 5 month old and that I wouldn't have to stress. Our actual caregiver, Chyna was great. She arrived on time, was knowledgable, respectful, and friendly. We had no worries leaving our 5 month old in her care. I'd book with Always Best Care again.”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages changes and last minute needs as though our family member is his family. He is also there in person to make sure everything is going smoothly.”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide is amazing as well. Thank you ABC for providing exceptional service!!”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us with childcare and she went above and beyond caring for our son permitting us to focus at work!”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia, we burned through multiple agencies and aides. Only at the end did we find unmatched compassion and competence with Alan and his team of aides at Always Best Care. A lot of times the whole experience felt overwhelming, disjointed and end of life care system just plain broken. They were the one shining bright spot. Our family would recommend them in the highest order.”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care givers for my mom in her final months were gracious, considerate, compassionate and professional. I spoke with Alan many times telling him how thankful i was to have him and the outstanding service his company provided to my mother. My highest recommendation to Alan and his staff at Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on her feet again after hip surgery and to be her companion for three weeks during Covid quarantine as she moved from rehab center back to her senior living apartment. All services were provided with the highest level of kindness, compassion and dignity and we are truly grateful for the help.”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable assisted living place for my Mom. She presented an array of good choices, gave me some very good advice about things to look for when I checked them out, responded quickly and completely to every question I had, and did all of this in the hurry done urgent circumstances required. No hard sell, just good knowledgeable work.”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield County. If you know a loved one in need of care, please visit our website or call us anytime for a free no-obligation expert consultation.”
“Excellent!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Baker Park in Darien, CT with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Restaurant L'Ostal or visit Bates-Scofield House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Darien, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Darien, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Darien, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Whether you plan to carve a jack-o'-lantern or just add some festive flair to your stoop, there are plenty of places to pick up a pumpkin.DARIEN, CT — Heading out to a patch or field around Darien to pick the best or biggest pumpkin isn’t just about finding the perfect Halloween jack-o’-lantern.It’s one of those fall traditions that gets people outside, into the fields and together with family and friends — with a little fresh air, a little dirt and, ideally, a pumpkin worth hauling home.M...
DARIEN, CT — Heading out to a patch or field around Darien to pick the best or biggest pumpkin isn’t just about finding the perfect Halloween jack-o’-lantern.
It’s one of those fall traditions that gets people outside, into the fields and together with family and friends — with a little fresh air, a little dirt and, ideally, a pumpkin worth hauling home.
Many pumpkin patches and fields make a day of it, with hayrides, corn mazes, games for the kids and other seasonal activities. Picking your own pumpkin also supports the local farmers who planted, tended and harvested the crop.
Whether you plan to carve a jack-o’-lantern or just add some festive flair to your stoop, there are plenty of places to pick up a pumpkin in and around Darien. Here are a few of our favorites:
Keep in mind that carving and baking pumpkins aren’t the same. The former are grown in fields to be large, more vibrantly colored, and relatively hollow. The watery flesh doesn’t have the same flavor as baking pumpkins, which tend to be smaller, have thicker, harder-to-carve walls and sweeter flesh. For those, you’ll probably need to head to the grocery store.
Pumpkins for carving should appear sturdy and clean. Remember, this is the pumpkin that will be front and center on the porch for the Halloween season. Here are some tips for carving a perfect jack-o’-lantern from Warren Nash on YouTube, who shows a step-by-step process to make the perfect carve.
Pumpkin carving kits will go a long way in getting what you need. They typically include saws, a scooper, a drill and multiple patterns. If you're looking for the items individually around the house, here's what you could use:
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Here's a preview of the upcoming Darien Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.DARIEN, CT — The Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing Tuesday on Darien’s proposed 2026-2036 Plan of Conservation and Development, a document intended to guide the town’s planning for the next decade.The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Room 206 of Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road. The agenda lists an in-person meeting and does not provide a virtual participation option.Th...
DARIEN, CT — The Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing Tuesday on Darien’s proposed 2026-2036 Plan of Conservation and Development, a document intended to guide the town’s planning for the next decade.
The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Room 206 of Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road. The agenda lists an in-person meeting and does not provide a virtual participation option.
The hearing will give residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed plan as Darien proceeds with the adoption process required under state law. The agenda states that residents who cannot attend may submit written comments.
Following the hearing, the commission is scheduled to deliberate and may make decisions on four residential land-use applications whose public hearings have closed.
The commission may consider a proposal from the Missionary Society of Connecticut Inc. to divide property at 471 Mansfield Ave. into four single-family residential lots. According to the agenda, the subdivision was designed under the conservation subdivision provisions of the zoning regulations, using alternate lot-width and side-yard requirements that allow for increased open space. The public hearing closed Sept. 8.
The commission is also scheduled to consider flood-prevention and land-filling and regrading applications for a property on Stony Brook Road. The proposal calls for a new pool and patio behind the existing residence, along with property regrading and stormwater management. The hearing closed Sept. 22.
Another application concerns a property on Hollow Tree Ridge Road. The applicants propose demolishing the existing residence and constructing a new single-family home, with related regrading and stormwater improvements. The public hearing closed Sept. 8.
Residents are seeking approval for a new pool, spa and patio behind an existing residence on Middlesex Road. Their proposal also includes regrading and stormwater management. The hearing closed Sept. 22.
The commission may deliberate, but is not scheduled to make decisions, on any additional public hearings closed during the Oct. 6 meeting.
Commission members are also scheduled to elect a replacement secretary and consider approving minutes from the Sept. 22 meeting. The agenda includes reports from the commission chairman and planning director, as well as other business requiring a two-thirds vote to be added.
The commission’s upcoming meetings include a special meeting Oct. 14 and a regular meeting Oct. 27.
View the full agenda here.
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NAUGATUCK — When Darien needed a big hit in Sunday's Connecticut Little League Baseball championship game, Hugh Butler delivered.Actually, he delivered twice.The Darien catcher homered twice, drove in three runs and scored three more to lead Darien to a 7-4 victory over Waterford at Peter J. Foley Little League Field, sending the District 1 champions to the Little League Baseball Metro Regional."It's crazy. I'm so excited," Butler said after helping Darien advance.The Metro Regional begins Saturday...
NAUGATUCK — When Darien needed a big hit in Sunday's Connecticut Little League Baseball championship game, Hugh Butler delivered.
Actually, he delivered twice.
The Darien catcher homered twice, drove in three runs and scored three more to lead Darien to a 7-4 victory over Waterford at Peter J. Foley Little League Field, sending the District 1 champions to the Little League Baseball Metro Regional.
"It's crazy. I'm so excited," Butler said after helping Darien advance.
The Metro Regional begins Saturday at Breen Field in Bristol, where Darien will face the New Jersey state champion at 7 p.m.
Butler wasted little time making an impact. He crushed the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the first inning, driving it between the scoreboard and an advertising sign in right-center field to give Darien a 1-0 lead.
Darien added two more runs later in the inning to build a 3-0 advantage before extending the lead to 5-0 in the third. Butler singled and scored, along with Alex Abelson, on Luca Hidaka's two-run double.
Waterford clawed its way back into the game.
James Smith's two-run single and Kevin Shinevar's RBI double cut the deficit to 5-3 in the fourth inning. Wyatt Hogarty added a sacrifice fly in the fifth to make it a one-run game before Darien starter Charlie MacLane escaped further trouble with a groundout.
Butler answered immediately.
Leading off the bottom of the fifth, he launched a towering two-run home run over the left-field fence, restoring Darien's three-run cushion at 7-4.
Asked whether the two home runs were the biggest of his life, Butler smiled.
"Yeah."
Rex Paquette then retired Waterford in order in the sixth inning to seal the victory and set off the celebration.
"Everyone plays their part. Big hits by Hugh today, obviously," assistant coach Joseph Paccione said. "The pitching was awesome. Rex coming in and closing it down. This is a group of boys that plays hard, plays for each other and plays to win."
Paccione took over managerial duties after manager John Butler was ejected in the second inning.
The ejection stemmed from a disputed play at first base. Joey Paccione was initially ruled safe when Waterford first baseman Wyatt Hogarty came off the bag while attempting to field an errant throw, resulting in a collision between the two players. After Waterford appealed, the call was reversed.
John Butler argued the decision, and after the inning ended exchanged words with the Waterford dugout. An umpire stepped between the teams before Butler was ejected.
Under Little League Tournament Rule 4.07, Butler will be suspended for Darien's Metro Regional opener Saturday.
"(Waterford) was an excellent baseball team. A really good baseball team, really well coached," Joseph Paccione said. "Coming in here and doing what we did today is amazing."
"I'm really excited. I just can't believe it," MacLane said. "We've worked really hard, coming all the way through districts, sectionals and states. Now it's on to Metro. We're going to try to win that and go all the way to Williamsport."
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, hosts the Little League World Series, a destination fellow District 1 representative Fairfield National reached last summer.
BRISTOL — Darien intentionally walked Bayonne Central’s big-time power hitter Mason Rincon three times — and Owen Feliz made them pay.Rincon, the No. 2 batter, never got a chance to swing, as Darien put him on base in all three of his plate appearances. Feliz, who bats third, went 2-for-3, doubled twice and drove in five runs for the New Jersey state champions, who overcame a four-run deficit to down the Connecticut representative 8-6 in the Little League Baseball Metro Region championship game Friday night at Leon J...
BRISTOL — Darien intentionally walked Bayonne Central’s big-time power hitter Mason Rincon three times — and Owen Feliz made them pay.
Rincon, the No. 2 batter, never got a chance to swing, as Darien put him on base in all three of his plate appearances. Feliz, who bats third, went 2-for-3, doubled twice and drove in five runs for the New Jersey state champions, who overcame a four-run deficit to down the Connecticut representative 8-6 in the Little League Baseball Metro Region championship game Friday night at Leon J. Breen Field.
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Bayonne will make its first appearance in the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Darien came up one win short after a 12-4 summer that included District 1, Section 1 and Connecticut state championships.
“We threw a ball 10 inches into the lefty batter’s box in the first game, and he took it off the 225 sign,” Darien manager Joe Paccione said of Rincon, “so our plan for today was make the rest of the team beat us, and they did. They did their job, but yeah, we weren’t going to let him have that moment where he puts the rest of that team on his back like that. We were going to make the rest of the team beat us.”
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Bayonne, which trailed 6-2 after two and a half innings, scored two runs in the third to get to within 6-4. In the fifth, it erupted for four runs.
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Leandro Anaya led off with a walk, then Gabe Garcia Jr. singled. Rincon was intentionally walked for the third time, then Feliz hit a double to deep left-center field to tie the game, 6-6. Jett Bridges’ single to center field scored Rincon to give Bayonne a 7-6 lead, and Chase Klimkowski’s bloop to right field plated Feliz for an 8-6 advantage.
Rincon didn’t get a chance to hit, but he retired all 12 batters he faced in relief of Klimkowski, including eight strikeouts. Rincon set Darien down 1-2-3 in the final inning, fielding a comebacker and throwing to first for the last out to set off the celebration.
“Being up in this game early, being that close, six outs away from Williamsport, these kids left it all out on the field. They played a great game,” Paccione said. “That Bayonne team’s a great team. They have a lot of real good hitters, a great collection of kids from around that area.
“They’re really good players. They came to play at the end of that game.”
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Darien jumped all over Klimkowski, who pitched Bayonne to a win in the first meeting last Sunday, as the first four batters reached base.
Luca Hidaka walked to open the game, then Hugh Butler tripled the other way to right field to score Hidaka. Chase Sutter walked, then Alex Abelson ripped a single to score Butler for a 2-0 lead. After a groundout, Jack Houlihan’s single scored Sutter for a 3-0 advantage. After a lineout to shortstop, Roscoe Hurty’s single scored Abelson for a 4-0 lead.
Bayonne’s first three batters reached against Sutter in the bottom of the first. Gabe Garcia Jr. singled, then Rincon was intentionally walked. Owen Feliz immediately made Darien pay with a two-run double that cut the deficit to 4-2, but Sutter struck out the side to limit the damage.
In the top of the third, Butler singled to right field to lead off, then Sutter launched a two-run home run over the left-center field fence for a 6-2 Darien lead. Bayonne took advantage of three walks, including another intentional to Rincon, and scored twice in the bottom half of the inning to get within 6-4.
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Sutter reached his pitch limit with a one-out walk in the fourth, and Hurty walked the first batter he faced in relief. Hurty more than made up for it with back-to-back strikeouts to end the threat.
Darien was still ahead after four innings, but Bayonne had a big inning left, and Darien’s dream of a first World Series appearance since 1958 ended one win shy.
“I told them before the game, 'Guys, getting to this point, at this point, on this field, this game, on ESPN, Todd Frazier calling the game. To have that experience, you’re already winners,'" Paccione said. "This is an amazing experience. Every little kid that picks up a baseball at 5 years old in T-ball wants this moment here, and these kids got to experience it.”
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