homegrown

So way back in the late 80's/early 90's there used to be a sign on random telephone poles about town that stated "Southington Connecticut, the home of Rob Dibble!". Me and baseball card collecting friend though this was the coolest thing ever (we were 10 to 12 years old mind you), being big baseball fans that we were. Everyone knows Rob as the fireballer with the temper, Rob did pretty well during his stint with the Reds in the 90's. Since those days have come and gone, there have been two other Southington residents to make it to the big leagues. Chris Denorfia (billed from Bristol, the home of ESPN on the back, but his home is Southington), played for the Reds during the 2005 and 2006 seasons and the A's in 2008 and 2009. He is currently with the Padres in the Triple A affiliate Portland Beavers.


Carl Pavano has played for many teams in his tenure in the major leagues and right now is pitching for the Minnesota Twins. He even got himself a fancy little World Series ring with the 2003 Florida Marlins. I had a teacher in high school that mentioned that she had him as a student. All three of these men went to Southington High School at one point or another (along with myself), and while I've never met any of them personally, I still think its pretty cool.