Relief pitcher Caleb Norton entered as a relative unknown freshman, in 2013, and ultimately graduated in 2017 as one of the more decorated hurlers in program history.

Norton dropped down to throw sidearm prior to his sophomore year, taking over the closer role and occupying that responsibility his final three seasons. By the time it was said and done, Norton had become Otterbein’s all-time leader in saves (22) and appearances (79).

Standing just 5’5”, Norton earned a nickname of “The Giant” midway through his career as not just a fun play on his lack of height, but also for the giant heart, motivation and work ethic he routinely displayed.

He evolved into one of the nation’s top closers as a senior, setting a new NCAA Division III single-season record with 34 relief appearances. He ranked top-10 nationally with nine saves, an Otterbein single-season best, and strung together a 1.88 E.R.A, 2-0 record and .207 opponent batting average.

Norton, who exited second all-time in program history with a 2.79 career E.R.A., was part of the 2016 OAC regular-season championship team and also the 2017 OAC Tournament championship group, where he secured the final out at Mount Union.

Norton was even better in the classroom, maintaining a perfect 4.00 GPA from start to finish and eventually earning first team CoSIDA Academic All-America honors after his final campaign. He was one of just two pitchers to make the first team.