Gerald Burns was a key contributor to minor sports in the former Town of Newcastle. His involvement in minor basketball and baseball helped to set the foundation for future generations to come.
In his youth, Gerald was an excellent basketball player. He captained the 1953 Harkins team, who were the last Miramichi team to capture a NB High School Championship. He was also voted to the tournament all star team.
Gerald was a key member of the Newcastle Recreation Council for a number of years. He umpired in the Miramichi Intermediate Baseball League from 1954-61. In 1961, he was instrumental in organizing the first Little League Baseball Association at McCoomb’s Field in Newcastle along with Pat Chambers, Bunny Wood, and Reverend Roy McLean. He coached Little League from 1961-75. He also served as foreman for the grant to construct Cardinal Baseball Field in 1990. Gerald coached basketball at Harkins and Croft Elementary from 1960-76 and was A NB Canadian Legion Track official from 1956-60.
Gerald Burns’ effort and determination in developing minor sport in the Miramichi make him a worthy candidate for induction to the Miramichi Sports Wall of Fame.