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New England Top Prospect: Tim Norton

08/19/2005 1:41 PM

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18 August 2005

THIS WEEK IN THE CAPE LEAGUE
2005

JOHN J. CLAFFEY AWARD
TOP NEW ENGLAND PROSPECT

Tim Norton

 

FALMOUTH, Mass. – After being signed as a temporary player, Tim Norton found his true niche as one of the most outstanding Cape League pitchers during the summer of 2005. 


Tim Norton, Falmouth Commodores
SportsPix 2005

     The first-year Falmouth Commodores’ right-handed power pitcher finished second in the league in strikeouts with 77, while compiling an outstanding 5-1 record and a 1.77 era in a team-leading 61 innings pitched. 

     For his efforts, Norton has been presented with the Cape League’s fifth John J. Claffey Award as the New England Top Prospect, named after the late dedicated Cape League administrator and advocate. In its fifth year, this award goes out to the top prospect of a New England College and/or one who lives in the New England.

     Previous Claffey Award winners include Ben Crockett (Harvard) of Wareham, Ryan Hanigan (Rollins) of Orleans, Chris Lambert (Boston College) of Chatham and Frank Curreri (UMass) of Yarmouth-Dennis.

     Claffey served as Cape League president from 1990-91 and was also general manager of the Wareham Gatemen from 1984-89. During his tenure, the Gatemen made the playoffs three times and won the league championship in ‘88.

     Norton’s quest to this summer’s success is truly a great story. The Franklin, Mass., native was a temporary player who signed at this year’s CCBL tryout in Wareham. Coming off a mediocre season pitching for the University of Connecticut Huskies, the flame-throwing right hander had to prove he was capable of being a competitive Cape Cod ball player. Well, not only did he prove himself at the tryout, but also continued to shine throughout the entire season. 

     After being named Coca-Cola Pitcher during week one, Norton immediately displayed he was not just an average pitcher. He turned everyone’s head and showed signs he could be one of the premiere pitchers on the Cape this summer. Acquiring the role as the Commodores ace, he earned a spot in the Western Division All-Star line-up. Coming on in the seventh inning, Norton demonstrated what he had been doing all year along - shutting down batters 1-2-3.

     The right-hander ended the Commodore seasons on a positive note as he helped shutout the Hyannis Mets and then defeated the Y-D Red Sox, 3-2. Against the Red Sox, he recorded seven strikeouts in seven solid innings and earned his fifth win of the season. The ace hurler helped the Commodores finish with a solid 22-21-1 record, just missing the west Division playoffs by a mere two points.

     Coming in as a temporary player, Norton made a name for himself in this premier college summer league filled with an abundance of talent. Through determination and poise, he proved to coaches, scouts, and fans what he can do on the rubber. It has been a long journey from “no-name” player to becoming one of the top Cape League prospects and perhaps one the most dominant pitcher in the Cape League. 

     This young Bay State right-hander can only grow stronger and wiser. This certainly will not be the last time you hear the name Tim Norton. 
Jason Itzkowitz, Cape League Intern, [email protected]


John Garner, Jr.
CCBL Director of
Public Relations & Broadcasting
(508) 790-0394 [email protected] 

Interns:  Stephanie Falco, Jason Itzkowitz, Jenna Kubesch, Michael Kydd, Nicholas Mucci, Colin Reed