About

Paul Walton graduated from Amesbury High School in 1967. He was an outstanding baseball and basketball player at AHS in a time where they played in the very tough Northeastern Conference. Amesbury was the smallest school in a league that featured teams such as Gloucester, Lynn Classical, Winthrop, Haverhill, Marblehead, Swampscott, Danvers and Lynn English.

His senior year Paul was named Captain of the basketball team and had a tremendous year.  He was named to the All-League team as he led the league in scoring with an average of 24.9 points per game and was named Most Valuable Player.  At graduation, his career scoring totaled 941 points, then a school record.  Today he still ranks in the top 10.  

Classmate Dan Bailey offered the following, “Paul was a lot of fun, not much winning unfortunately, but Paul distinguished himself as an outstanding shooter.  I believe that he was way ahead of his time when it comes to being a pure shooter, especially for a big man and it was enjoyable to watch him play the game the way he did and make the shots he made.  I would say if they had a three-point line back then he could’ve set all kinds of records.  I appreciate the fact I got to play with him and do a little rebounding, although not much when he shot the ball.  It was fun playing varsity ball with him and he is absolutely deserving of the honor he is receiving.”

As great as he was in his 3 years playing basketball, Paul was even better in baseball.  At 6’5 , he was imposing figure on the mound and had a great fastball.  Bob “Bino’ Earabino played against Paul while playing for Newburyport noting what a great picher he was and so tough to hit. “He always had great stuff”,said Bino.

Although Amesbury struggled in the tough Northeastern Conference, Paul continued to shine. Major League scouts started to take notice.

There were as many as 20 scouts at games checking out Paul.

His Junior year he threw 67 innings with an ERA just over 2.00 per game, and was named to the All-star team.  In his senior year, Paul was named Captain and had a win/loss record of 7-2. He was named League MVP, earned a spot on the All-League team, and was selected to the Boston Globe All Scholastic team as one of the best high school players in Massachusetts.  During that season, then New York Yankees manager Ralph Houk called AHS Athletic Director Charlie Spear to inquire when he was starting his next game.  He proceeded to send a special scout to watch Paul pitch.

Later that year, Paul was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds.  Paul opted to attend Rollins College but he eventually signed with the Kansas City Royals, a new expansion team in major league baseball.

After his playing days, Paul has always been there to help kids. Always one for doing it correctly with form while pitching, he has been the pitching coach for the AHS varsity baseball team for the past 10 years.  The 2024 team was very excited to learn of his induction selection.

6 varsity letters, League MVP in 2 sports, All-League in 2 sports and a  Boston Globe All Scholastic selection in baseball.  All in all it was a great high school career and it is very fitting that tonight we welcome Paul Walton to the Amesbury High School Athletic Hall of Fame.