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

William O. (Bill) Lewis

(1911-1980)

— Tidewater Baseball Shrine —

William O. (Bill) Lewis Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. William O. (Bill) Lewis Marker

Inscription. Born in Ford, Virginia and raised in Dinwidie County as fourth generation lumberman.

Came to Tidewater in 1946 to enter automobile business and quickly became powerful force in Portsmouth political, civic and sports endeavors. Was one “Miracle 13” that assisted Frank D. Lawrence in saving area professional baseball in 1950’s.

Came forward in 1963 to help organize group that provided local ownership for Tides and prolonged life of popular Norfolk Neptunes football team.

Staunch supporter of all Tidewater sports, armature and professional. Is first inductee to Tidewater Baseball Shrine never engaged in baseball on every day basis, but without whom local professional baseball might not have endured.

Erected by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.

Location. 36° 50.581′ N, 76° 16.75′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Harbor Park. It is on Park Avenue 0.1 miles 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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: Allen J. (Two-Gun) Gettel (here, next to this marker); Gerald (Jerry) Lynch (here, next to this marker); Anthony (Tony) Lazzeri (here, next to this marker); Kenneth Adam (Ken) Guettler (here, next to this marker); Jonathan T. (Jon) Matlack (a few steps from this marker); Harry Postove (a few steps from this marker); Allen G. Richter (a few steps from this marker); Richard (Bullet) Alexander (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Regarding William O. (Bill) Lewis. 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 . . . Harbor Park. (Submitted on July 23, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. William O. (Bill) Lewis Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 23, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.