Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
John Henry (Johnny) Neun
(1990-1990)
| | Tidewater Baseball Shrine | |
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025
1. John Henry (Johnny) Neun Marker
Switch-hitting first baseman began his pro career in Martinsburg, WV (1920-21). In 1922-23 hit .329 and .320 at Birmingham. .353 mark with 136 Runs and 100 RBIs at St. Paul (1924) earned spot with Detroit Tigers (1925-28). Finished M.L. career with Boston Braves in 1931, compiling lifetime .289 Average.
In 1927, was only 7th player in history to complete an unassisted triple play, a feat not repeated for the next 41 years.
Joined Yankees and after 3 great years at Newark, named Playing Manager at Akron in 35, hitting .323. Managed Norfolk Tars to pennant in 36 (hit .316) and after 2nd place in 37, promoted to Newark (1938-41) winning 2 pennants. Won another flag at Kansas City, before joining N.Y. as a coach in 1944. Replaced Bill Dickey as Manager in September46, and managed Cincinnati Reds with some success in 1947-48.
Rejoined Yanks as Scouting Supervisor and in farm system for 20 years. Joined fledgling K.C. Royals in 69 and California Angels in 71, then followed G.M. Harry Dalton to Milwaukee in 1975, were he served until shortly before death ended a 70-year love affair with baseball.
Erected by Norfolk Tides.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.
Location.
this page online
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: Clarence M. (Ace) Parker (here, next to this marker); Billy Swoope (here, next to this marker); Hank Lee Foiles (here, next to this marker); Richard (Bullet) Alexander (here, next to this marker); Erwin C. (Bob) Porterfield (here, next to this marker); Edwin Miley (Eddie) Sawyer (a few steps from this marker); William Beck (Swish) Nicholson (a few steps from this marker); James F. (Jimmy) Ewell (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.
More about this marker. 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. Johnny Neun. (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Harbor Park. (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. John Henry (Johnny) Neun Marker
Public Domain
3. John Henry (Johnny) Neun
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
