Tag Archives: Will Norton

Will Norton Miracle Field continues the legacy of kindness and inclusion

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JOPLIN, MO. — As we reflect on the events that occurred 10 years ago on May 22 in Joplin, so much has been done to make sure we never forget what happened that day.

One of those things was the creation of the Will Norton miracle field, home to the miracle league of Joplin. While it’s existence stemmed from an unthinkable tragedy, it’s since become a place of joy, unity and hope.

From afar, it may look like just a baseball field, but for members of the Joplin community, it’s so much more than that.

It’s namesake, Will Norton was one of the victims of the 2011 Joplin tornado. He was known for his kindness and his desire to make everyone he met feel welcomed and included. That’s exactly what the field reflects.

“Out here, everybody plays,” said Margie Black, whose serves on the board of directors. “Everyone gets it. There’s nothing but love on the field.”

Its a place specifically designed to accommodate those with disabilities and special needs. It’s where the miracle league of Joplin holds their baseball games. The league is for individuals with disabilities.

Black said she first got involved because of her son Scottie.

“It gave the kids a chance to play ball,” said Black. “Do something that probably typically weren’t going to get to experience. That team bonding on a field, playing ball, that social interaction, just the whole, everything that comes with playing a sport.”

That’s what drew the Shusters in. It was a chance for their daughter Kaylyn to be apart of something uniquely hers.

“Just something for her to look forward to that’s only hers,” said Angie Shuster. “I mean, other kids are doing all their sports events and other things and this is something that’s just…It’s her thing and allows her to be involved in something.”

It wasn’t just the inclusivity the Shusters loved, it was also the support and sense of community.

“This isn’t an easy life and if you don’t live it, it’s really kind of hard to explain and you don’t have to explain to anybody when you’re here because they get it,” said Mike Shuster.

While will may be gone, his spirit and everything he stood for in life lives on through the miracle league.

“To honor will in that way is I hope in some small way, brings comfort to his family,” said Black. “To know that so many people are experiencing such a joy-filled opportunity to just be like everybody else.”

Will Norton's impact and legacy ten years after the Joplin tornado

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JOPLIN, Mo. (KODE) – The families of 161 people still mourn the loss of loved ones.

One of those losses was Will Norton, who lost his life while driving home from his high school graduation with his father.

As his family still deals with his death, they’re comforted to know his legacy continues.

“As sad as we are, ten years later, you know, we’re sad every day, but, it does give us some peace and joy knowing that he’s left behind some goodness in this world,” says Mark Norton, Will Norton’s Dad.

One of the most visible parts of his legacy is the Will Norton Miracle field at the Joplin Athletic Complex. A baseball field where those with disabilities can play, named in Will’s honor.

“We go out there and volunteer. The kids that can go out there and play baseball that couldn’t have before and and like I say its just a beautiful for the city. We’re proud of the field and we love seeing the children out playing and having a good time and doing things. They look forward to Saturdays and I know with the last year its been tough with COVID, but this fall they’re going to start back up again and we’re anxious to come up and maybe do some volunteering. But yeah, that’s a, that’s a soft spot in our heart,” says Norton.

Then, there’s Will’s Place, which is a facility at Freeman Health System dedicated to helping children with behavioral health.

Will’s Wall, a Facebook page set up by former Kansas City Chief Kendal Gammon, who used to be a neighbor of the Norton’s.

“Our kids, we got to go to the pro games and one day he gave Will a game ball and then Will, later in life, he painted his room and put Kendal’s number 83 on the wall and had the game ball. After Will passed, Kendal hadn’t seen that and he came to the house and he walked up the stairs to the room and I think it brought Kendal to his knees. And he just said that after that, his speaking deal is who are you going to give your game ball to. Little things in life can change someone else’s life,” says Norton.

Will was accepted to attend Chapman University’s film school in California. Even though he was never able to attend, the school thought of Will as one of their students.

“When he passed, the put his name up on the wall for students and teachers that had passed. And he’s the only person that hadn’t attended there that they actually put his name on the wall for. Then they named a presidential scholarship after him, which is pretty much a full ride and that’s a fifty thousand dollar a year school,” says Norton.

A scholarship at Joplin High School was also named in his honor.

While all of this won’t bring Will back, these honors are a way for his family to remember how much he meant to those he came in contact with.

“I think Will impacted a lot of people and we’re proud of him. And, you know, these aren’t things to be celebrated. They are things to make the hurt less. And we miss him everyday,” says Norton.