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Ellis R. Norton

Ellis R. Norton

¯ Ellis R. Norton was born Jan. 31, 1925, in Jamestown. He graduated from Bemus Point High School in 1942 and did post-graduate work in 1943. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Syracuse University in 1952 and 1953, respectively.

¯ Norton served as a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943-45 earning the rank of second lieutenant.

¯ “Elly” was an acclaimed five-sport athlete at Bemus Point High School earning multiple letters in baseball, basketball, football, volleyball and golf. He was the captain and best athlete on the “Pointer” team that won several league titles and all-star honors for himself.

¯ Stuart C. Maguire, sports editor of the Jamestown Post-Journal, called Norton the “Red Grange” of six-man football in Chautauqua County. “He has everything the game requires, being a fine ball-carrier, passer, receiver and kicker. In the six-man game, a back must be expert in catching as well as receiving passes. They haven’t found one yet who can throw and catch the ball on the same play, but Norton comes close to that proficiency. Yea, he’s that good,” Maguire wrote.

¯ “Elly” once pitched consecutive no-hit baseball games in the same week for Bemus Point, striking out 20 and 14 batters, respectively. The lanky fire-baller had another game in which he whiffed 18.

¯ Following his military duty, he returned to the area to pitch and play outfield for the powerful Jamestown Steel Partition Bombers semi-pro team. The Bombers won the New York State semi-pro championship and competed in the national tournament in Wichita, Kansas.

¯ Norton’s play in Wichita earned him a professional contract with the New York Yankees. He pitched for Newark, Ohio, in the Class D Ohio-Indiana League in 1948. The next year, he threw for Amsterdam, New York, in the Canadian-American League and Easton, Maryland, in the Eastern Shore League. A shoulder injury ended his pro career, but he resumed play with the Steel Partition Bombers back home.

¯ Norton became a physical education teacher, first, and later a counselor for the Jamestown Public Schools. He coached baseball and golf at Jamestown High School as well as junior high school sports. He also found time to coach Little League baseball.

¯ “Elly” was a well-known and respected sports official. He officiated football for 42 years, basketball for 38 and track and field for 12. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southwestern NY Football Officials Association and was honored by Section VI at Rich Stadium in 1996.

¯ Norton currently resides in Fluvanna, outside of Jamestown.

Ticket locations for the 39th annual banquet include Jamestown Cycle Shop, 10 Harrison St., Jamestown; Matt’s News, 93 E. 3rd St., Dunkirk; and the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, 15 W. 3rd St., Jamestown. Tickets can also be ordered by contacting banquet chairman Chip Johnson at 485-6991. The price per ticket is $50. Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame members receive a $5 discount. Besides Johnson, the other inductees are George Bataitis, Bob Bender, Chris (Carlson) Jenkins, Bob Goold, Justin Johnson, Elly Norton, Mark Orlando and Mike Tramuta. The Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, 433 E. Terrace Ave., Lakewood, will again host the banquet. Hospitality begins at 5 p.m., with dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m.

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