Sometimes, it takes a tragedy for people to come together in ways no one thought possible.
Todd Norman, town native and owner of Norman Landscaping, was beginning another season as an assistant coach on Marblehead’s varsity softball team when he suddenly died in his home on April 8.
He was 61 years old.
“I received texts and calls from past players asking what they can do because coach Norman meant so much to them,” head coach Johnny Gold said. “He meant everything to us. We’ve lost a great coach, great father, great husband, and a great friend.”
Missing a beloved voice in the dugout, Marblehead played a game the day he died. Gold made sure his players made the decision whether to play or not.
“We gave them the option and I told them I’ll stand behind you whether you want to play or not,” Gold said. “Our captain, Ruby (Calienes), called me and said, ‘We’re playing.’
Marblehead went on to beat Reading 9-3 that day, before defeating Saugus 6-1 the following day – all for Norman.
“Now, we’re playing the rest of the year for coach Norman,” Gold said.
Norman’s impact went beyond just Marblehead. Saugus’ softball team presented a signed ball to Marblehead before the two teams faced each other that week.
“We wanted to do something,” Saugus coach Steve Almquist said. “I’ve known Todd since I came into this league. Johnny and Todd are such great people and I was so sad yesterday when Johnny told me he passed away… As a team, we wanted to give something to the family, just to let them know that Todd wasn’t just respected in Marblehead and that we appreciated our interactions with him.”
Gold and his players couldn’t have appreciated the gesture any more.
“They’re such a class act over there,” he said. “They gave us a signed ball to present to Todd’s family. That stems from their coach.”
Playing for Norman didn’t stop that week. Marblehead wrapped up the regular season with an 18-4 record and finished as a top-10 team in Division 2 (as of press time and before the state tournament).
“He meant everything to this team. He and I coached for 18 years here, but he meant way more than just a coach,” Gold said.
Norman graduated from Marblehead High in 1980 and remained in town throughout his entire life.
He was a familiar – and
beloved – face.
“He owned a landscaping business, so he made sure our fields were always right. He fixed any equipment issues we ever had,” Gold said. “If anyone ever needed anything in town, he got it done.”
