Byfleet Hawks Baseball Club are a professional baseball team located in Byfleet, Goadby, Ianoia. They are the western-most team of the founding members and officially the tenth – and last – team accepted entry to the I-League.
Founded in 1896 by entrepreneur Crispin Busby, who was a prominent figure in the fishing industry, known for his frequent travels to Koana Islands. Inspired by the vibrant baseball culture he encountered during his business trips, Busby saw an opportunity to bring the excitement of the sport to Byfleet.
The club was the first baseball team in the city, and joined the Ianoia Baseball Circuit that same year. Despite never winning the IBC, they consistently displayed their potential by finishing in a commendable third place in each of the years from 1897 to 1899.
Their strong performances on the field, prompted an invite to join the I-League as the tenth and final team. From the outset, they achieved a commendable 4th place finish in the inaugural season, a feat they repeated in 1902, 1904 and 1907.
The Hawks derived their nickname from BK Humoor 1893, a renowned baseball team that Busby had ardently supported during their participation in the Humoor Baseball Ligan. The Hawks’ choice to pay homage to this team symbolized their aspiration to emulate their successes.
Stony Gait, with its capacity to accommodate up to 27,000 passionate spectators, is the home field of Byfleet Hawks. Nestled amidst the bustling streets of downtown Byfleet, the stadium’s prime location provides easy access for fans from all corners of the city.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Stony Gait lies in its left field area. A giant Australian gum tree overhangs the left field fence, creating a distinctive and picturesque feature. To maintain the tree’s natural beauty and preserve its role in the stadium’s ambiance, the left field fence stands at a mere 60 centimeters in height, to accommodate the sprawling branches of the tree. The occasional bounce off a wayward branch has led to memorable and unpredictable plays, leaving fans and players alike, with tales to tell.
The stadium’s name, “Stony Gait,” pays homage to a historical landmark that once stood in the area l of a celebrating the winding paths made of sturdy stones that crisscrossed the landscape, connecting distant corners of the region. These paths, known as the “Stony Gaits”, served as a vital link for traders, locals, and travelers alike.