Norbert D King ’51 – Class of 1984
Determination…
There are those who say that Norb King was the best pitcher ever to wear the Green and Gold. They remember a no-hit game, a baffling breaking pitch and a sneaky fastball.
There are those who say Norb King was the strongest long-ball hitter in Le Moyne history. They tell of a 600-foot shot stopped only by the bleachers at Griffin Field. The impression is that Springfield Gardens would be a dangerous place were he playing today.
There are none who question this man’s prodigious talent, determination and open heart.
Lesser men would have despaired over Major League potential lost because of a wound in the service of their country. Norb King tested his torn muscles to the limit every time he took the field for the Dolphins.
Men of small spirit might scoff at a career spent in the service of youth. Norb King has devoted his lifetime to the young people of Syracuse.
A solid student in his sociology major at Le Moyne, after graduation Norb spent a short time in banking, then found his vocation in serving others.
As a caseworker for the Onondaga County Welfare Department, Boys Group Supervisor for the Children’s Court, Boys Director at the Catholic Youth Organization and Executive Director of the Northside Catholic Youth Organization, he has brought to thousands the special sort of determination that led him to scorn despair.
Professional positions which require late hours have never impeded his loving relationship with his wife Marion and children, Mary, Margaret, Theresa, Judith, Joseph, and Norbert, Jr. He has been a proud example to his children, and today Mary works with him at the Northside C.Y.O.
A man generous with his time, Holy Family Parish has an athletic program because of his efforts, and he is an active member of its Holy Name Society. The Knights of Columbus and trhe Little League have found his service exemplary.
Always able to find time for his fellow man, Norb King also finds time for God. I hours stolen from sleep as a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society, this deeply religious man shows us all that strength can be found in humility, that no man can cite good works as a reason for forgetting his Creator.
The determination that made Norbert D. King Le Moyne College’s first baseball star has carried through his entire life of serving others, which is a source of great pride to his alma mater. He is without question due membership in the
Le Moyne College Athletic Hall of Fame
May, 5 1984
