Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
William Beck (Swish) Nicholson
(1914-1994)
| | Tidewater Baseball Shrine | |
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025
1. William Beck (Swish) Nicholson Marker
Owner Frank Lawrences friendship with Connie Mack brought him to Portsmouth in 1937. Fine year, .310, with 20 HRs and 92 RBI, brought promotion to Williamsport (38), led league with 22 HRs, with 96 RBI and .301 mark. Lead Southern Loop (39) with 23 Homers , and .334 average and was sold to Cubs for a then-huge $35,000.
Hit over 20 homers 5 straight years (40-44), tied Major League by leading N.L. in HR and RBI back-to-back with 29 and 128 in 43 and 33 and 122 in 44. Named to Major League All-Star team as he added runs scored (116) and total base titles (317).
In 10 Chicago years, hit 200 HRs, batted in 833 and named to All-Star team as he added runs scored (116) and Total Base Titles (317).
Renowned slugger set N.L. and tied M.L. Records with homers in 4 consecutive at bats, and 4 HRs in a doubleheader in 1944, tied World Series record with 7 RBI in 1945 Series.
After 1948 season, traded to Phillies for N.L. Batting champ Harry Walker, where he finished 16 year career in 1953.
Erected by Norfolk Tides.
Topics. This historical marker
this page online
Location. 36° 50.597′ N, 76° 16.755′ 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: Richard J. (Dick) Davis, Jr. (here, next to this marker); James F. (Jimmy) Ewell (here, next to this marker); Erwin C. (Bob) Porterfield (here, next to this marker); Clarence M. (Ace) Parker (here, next to this marker); Edwin Miley (Eddie) Sawyer (here, next to this marker); Thomas F. (Tommy) Holmes (a few steps from this marker); Robert Clinton (Bobby) Richardson (a few steps from this marker); Hank Lee Foiles (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.
Regarding William Beck (Swish) Nicholson. 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,
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. William Beck (Swish) Nicholson Marker
Also see . . .
1. William B. Nicholson. (Submitted on July 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Bill Nicholson. (Submitted on July 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Public Domain
3. Bill Nicholson
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
