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

Billy Swoope

Tidewater Baseball Shrine — 2018 Inductee

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. Billy Swoope Marker

Inscription. Billy Swoope was a baseball standout at Norfolk Catholic High School, and was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a catcher in the 1976 draft. He played six years in the Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates systems before continuing his baseball career as the Head Coach at Virginia Wesleyan College where he was named the 1985 Division A NCAA Coach of the Year. He served as an Assistant Coach at VCU and a Head Coach at Virginia State University before moving on to serve as a scout in the Chicago Cubs Organization — a position that has resulted in over 15 players being selected in the Major League Draft.

Erected by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1985.

Location. 36° 50.592′ N, 76° 16.754′ 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: John Henry (Johnny) Neun (here, next to this marker); Clarence M. (Ace) Parker (here, next to this marker); Richard (Bullet) Alexander

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(here, next to this marker); Hank Lee Foiles (here, next to this marker); Erwin C. (Bob) Porterfield (here, next to this marker); Edwin Miley (Eddie) Sawyer (here, next to 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.

Regarding Billy Swoope. 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. Billy Swoope. (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Tides to induct four into Tidewater Shrine. (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Billy Swoope Marker

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 255 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.