Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Granville W. (Granny) Hamner

(1927-1993)

— Tidewater Baseball Shrine —

Granville W. (Granny) Hamner Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. Granville W. (Granny) Hamner Marker

Inscription. Born Richmond, Virginia, graduated Benedictine High as baseball, football and basketball standout.

Played with Philadelphia Phillies in 1944 shortly after 17th birthday, prior to finishing school in 1945. Older brother, Garvin, played with Phillies and Browns.

After military service and short minor league stay at Utica, returned to Phils to stay in 1947. Tied N.L. mark with 157 games at shortstop for pennant winning “Whiz Kids” and led all 1950 World Series hitters with .429.

Named first manager of new Tides in 1961. Hit .294 and was 5-4 pitching with outstanding knuckle ball.

As Binghamton manager in 1962, led Eastern League with 2.03 ERA and 10-4 record. Returned to majors that year as pitcher with Kansas City to complete a career spanning 17 major league seasons and over 1500 games.

Erected by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.

Location. 36° 50.581′ N, 76° 16.764′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Harbor Park. It is on Park Avenue 0.1 miles north of Water Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located on the main concourse of Harbor Park baseball stadium. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 Park Ave, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John A. (Buddy) Hassett (a few steps from this marker); Jonathan T. (Jon) Matlack (a few steps from this marker); Kenneth Adam (Ken) Guettler (a few steps from this marker); Allen J. (Two-Gun) Gettel (a few steps from this marker); Gerald (Jerry) Lynch (a few steps from this marker); William O. (Bill) Lewis (a few steps from this marker); Anthony (Tony) Lazzeri (a few steps from this marker); John Henry (Johnny) Neun (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Regarding Granville W. (Granny) Hamner. The Tidewater Baseball Shrine recognizes players and executives who have significantly contributed to the game of baseball in the Tidewater area of Virginia. The shrine is located at Harbor Park, which is home to the Norfolk Tides, a AAA minor league baseball team affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles. The Norfolk Tides annually induct new members into the shrine.

Also see . . .
1. Granny Hamner. (Submitted on July 22, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Harbor Park. (Submitted on July 22, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Granville W. (Granny) Hamner Marker

Granny Hamner image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Society for Baseball Research

3. Granny Hamner

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 22, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.