The Brown family celebrated a monumental moment on Thursday as Newton High School senior Caden Brown officially committed to play baseball at Southern University. Surrounded by an auditorium filled with supporters, Caden penned his letter of intent, following in the footsteps of his brother Justin, who previously played at Berea College. This achievement is not only a testament to Caden's talent but also a proud continuation of the family's athletic lineage.

Achieving Dreams and Honoring Family Traditions

Embracing the Opportunity

For Caden Brown, this signing day was both surreal and deeply meaningful. He expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to play college baseball, a privilege he recognizes as rare and precious. "It’s special because it continues our family legacy," Caden shared. "My parents can proudly say they had two children who played college baseball—a feat that many dream of but few achieve. It’s a God-given blessing, and I’m honored to carry forward what my brother started."Caden has been working towards this moment since he first picked up a bat. The journey has been long, filled with countless practices and games, but the reward is well worth it. "This is something you dream about from the moment you start playing ball," he reflected. "To finally make it official and commit to the next level after high school is incredibly fulfilling. Life isn’t guaranteed, so you have to seize every opportunity."

Choosing the Right Path

The decision to sign with Southern University was not made lightly. Caden had multiple offers, but Southern stood out for its personal connection and welcoming environment. "Southern felt like home from the moment I visited," Caden explained. "The coaching staff took the time to have genuine conversations with me, not just about baseball but about life. That personal touch made all the difference."Knowing several current players and incoming recruits also eased Caden’s transition. "There’s already a strong bond forming within the 2025 class," he noted. "I know three or four kids who are ready to go, and that sense of camaraderie is invaluable. It’s comforting to know that I’ll be joining a team where I already have friends and a support system."

A Stellar Performance Record

Despite having one more season ahead at Newton, Caden has already demonstrated remarkable skills on the field. Last year, he led the team with a .359 batting average and hit two home runs. His versatility as both an outfielder and right-handed pitcher makes him a valuable asset to any team. "I plan to contribute in both roles when I join Southern next year," Caden said confidently.

Memorable Moments and Team Bonding

Looking back on his time at Newton, Caden cherishes the moments that tested the team’s resilience. "My favorite memories are from those long, slow days when we pushed each other to the limit," he recalled. "Those are the times when we truly bonded as a unit. We talked, laughed, and learned to rely on each other. There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie that forms when everyone is striving toward a common goal."These experiences have shaped Caden into the player and person he is today. "Those days taught me the importance of teamwork and perseverance," he added. "They remind me that success isn’t just about individual achievements but about lifting each other up along the way."