Game over for Newton baseball association after 73 years
After more than seven decades on the diamond, the Newton Canadian Baseball Association (NCBA) has officially dissolved, ending a 73-year legacy in Surrey’s Newton community.
President Valen Kayaks confirmed that members voted to dissolve the organization during the association’s annual general meeting on Oct. 15, citing low registration numbers and lack of local participation.
“The majority of people at our AGM voted to dissolve rather than continue a partnership with Cloverdale,” Kayaks said. “We needed kids to come play, and they haven’t. I volunteer because I care about sports and kids being active instead of being on their devices all day.”
The decision comes despite a surge of national baseball enthusiasm, with the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners drawing major attention during the American League Championship Series.
In December 2024, Newton and Cloverdale’s minor baseball associations had entered a partnership with plans to merge. By the 2025 season, most Newton players wore Cloverdale-branded jerseys, signaling the beginning of integration.
“I was in favour of finalizing the full merge next season,” Kayaks noted. “We had some hiccups last season, but it was something we were working on.”
However, despite outreach efforts, declining youth interest and demographic challenges made it difficult for Newton to field enough players.
The NCBA’s catchment area stretched from 86 Avenue to Colebrook Road, and between 120 Street and 152 Street. With its closure, the territory will remain open until BC Minor Baseball reassigns it to nearby organizations such as Delta, White Rock, Cloverdale, or Surrey Canadians.
“It’s been 73 years — it’s history,” Kayaks reflected. “What’s the future? We don’t know.”
While the Newton name disappears from the field, young players from the area can continue to register with neighbouring teams next spring, ensuring that the love of baseball still lives on in Surrey.
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