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

Ron Johnson

Tidewater Baseball Shrine — 2021 Inductee

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. Ron Johnson Marker

Inscription. A product of Fresno State, he was drafted by the Royals in 1978. Johnson logged time in the Expos, White Sox and Tigers systems before hanging up his spikes with 22 big league games under his belt in 1985. He returned to the Kansas City organization as a Minor League coach the next year and took his first managerial post in 1992. Remaining with the Royals through 1999, Johnson ascended to the helm of their Triple-A club and took five of their teams to the playoffs. He joined the Red Sox in 2000, staying in the system for 12 seasons (Class A Sarasota, 2000-01; Double-A Trenton, 2002; Double-A Portland, 2003-04; Triple-A Pawtucket, 2005-09, Boston's first base coach, 2010-11) before taking the reins in Norfolk for the Tides from 2012-18.

His 409 victories with the Tides make him the winningest manager in franchise history. Over his career, he was 1,752-1,770. In 2015, he was International League Manager of the Year, and Baltimore twice presented him with the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award (2015, 2018).

A true players manager, Johnson formed strong bonds at every stop, and as a matter of policy, if one of Johnson's players was tossed, he would make sure he followed. He became a fan favorite in Norfolk, because any time he got ejected from a game, he threw his hat into the crowd before he went into the dugout.

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The atmosphere at the ballpark was always fun with RJ around, because he made a point to make genuine connections with players, fans and team staff.

Erected 2021 by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 2012.

Location. 36° 50.596′ N, 76° 16.77′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is on Park Avenue 0.1 miles north of Waters 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 Avenue, 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: Dave Rosenfield (here, next to this marker); Steve Springer (here, next to this marker); William (Mookie) Wilson (here, next to this marker); Metropolitan Memorial Park (here, next to this marker); Robert W. (Rapid Robert) Feller (a few steps from this marker); Dorrel Norman (Whitey) Herzog (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Dave Rosenfield (a few steps from this marker); Clyde Eward McCullough Marker (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Regarding Ron Johnson. The Tidewater Baseball Shrine recognizes players and executives who have

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Ron Johnson Marker

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. Ron Johnson. (Submitted on July 24, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Ron Johnson became the perfect AAA manager, passed in 2021. (Submitted on July 24, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
3. Harbor Park. (Submitted on July 24, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Norfolk Tides Manager Ron Johnson image. Click for full size.

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

3. Norfolk Tides Manager Ron Johnson

and Capt. Karl O. Thomas, commanding officer of
the Nimitz-class aircraft Carrier USS Abraham
Lincoln (CVN 72)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 24, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.