Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Richard J. (Dick) Davis, Jr.
(1921-1999)
| | Tidewater Baseball Shrine | |
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025
1. Richard J. (Dick) Davis, Jr. Marker
In 1963 was catalyst in saving baseball for Tidewater with the formation of Tidewater Professional Sports after S.A.L. franchise was vacated, serving as President from 1964 through the date of Induction.
In 1969, most instrumental in attaining Triple A status for club in International League, with mutually beneficial joint venture with the New York Mets.
Honored as Sportsman of the Year after forging plan that kept Norfolk Neptunes football alive from 1968 thru 1971. Was involved in the conversation of the A.B.A. Virginia Squires Basketball Team to local ownership, and revived hockey after Detroit Red Wings abandoned area.
Truly a man for all seasons, turned to politics in 1974, leading Portsmouth to All-American City status as its Mayor. Named Chairman of State Democratic Party, and elected Virginias Lieutenant Governor in 1981. After his term, served as Director of State Department of World Trade.
Married, father of son Richard III, and daughters Jamie and Ashley. He has served his City, the Tidewater area and the Commonwealth with his leadership
this page online
Erected by Norfolk Tides.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.
Location. 36° 50.598′ N, 76° 16.756′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. 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 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: James F. (Jimmy) Ewell (here, next to this marker); William Beck (Swish) Nicholson (here, next to this marker); Robert Clinton (Bobby) Richardson (here, next to this marker); Thomas F. (Tommy) Holmes (here, next to this marker); Clarence M. (Ace) Parker (a few steps from this marker); Robert W. (Rapid Robert) Feller (a few steps from this marker); Erwin C. (Bob) Porterfield (a few steps from this marker); Edwin Miley (Eddie) Sawyer (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.
Regarding Richard J. (Dick) Davis, Jr.. The Tidewater Baseball Shrine recognizes players and executives who have significantly contributed to the game of baseball in the Tidewater area of
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. Richard J. (Dick) Davis, Jr. Marker
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 . . . Richard Joseph Davis Jr. (1921-1999) - Memorial. (Submitted on July 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
