 Born in Brooklyn, New York, Norris graduated from Seaford High School, and was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 31st round of the 1967 MLB Draft.Rather than turn professional, he opted to attend the University of Maryland, where he became a three-time All-ACC outfielder.In 1969 and 1970, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Orleans Cardinals of the Cape Cod Baseball League, and was named league MVP in 1969 with a league-leading .415 batting average.