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

Erwin C. (Bob) Porterfield

(1924-1980)

— Tidewater Baseball Shrine —

Erwin C. (Bob) Porterfield Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. Erwin C. (Bob) Porterfield Marker

Inscription. Native Virginian from Newport. Signed by Col. H.P. Dawson for Yankee Organization at Radford, Va. in 1946, joining Norfolk at end of his first season.

Returned to Tars in 1947 to compile 17-9 mark with 2.37 ERA and league high 208 strikeouts for Manager Buddy Hassett.

15-6 record and league leading 2.17 ERA with 1947 Newark Bears for Skipper Bill Skiff earned him mid-season New York job and 5-3 mark.

Arm injuries limited his Yankee career and caused 1951 sale to Washington. Had 9-8 (1951) and 13-14 (1952) years before compiling phenomenal 22-10 record with lowly 1953 Senators, leading A.L. in Wins, Shutouts (9) and Complete Games (24) while aiding own cause with.255 Average, 3 HR’s and 16 RBI’s.

Named to American League All Star Team in 1954 and continued distinguished career with Red Sox, Pirates and Cubs through 1959.

Erected by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.

Location. 36° 50.594′ N, 76° 16.752′ 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

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. 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: Edwin Miley (Eddie) Sawyer (here, next to this marker); Hank Lee Foiles (here, next to this marker); Billy Swoope (here, next to this marker); Richard (Bullet) Alexander (here, next to this marker); Clarence M. (Ace) Parker (here, next to this marker); William Beck (Swish) Nicholson (here, next to this marker); John Henry (Johnny) Neun (here, next to this marker); James F. (Jimmy) Ewell (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Regarding Erwin C. (Bob) Porterfield. 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. From the Editor: Rooting from the Region - Who’s Bob Porterfield?. (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Bob Porterfield. (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Erwin C. (Bob) Porterfield Marker

Bob Porterfield image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Society for American Baseball Research, July 29, 2025

3. Bob Porterfield

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 6 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.