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

Vincent A. (Vinnie) Smith

(1915-1979)

— Tidewater Baseball Shrine —

Vincent A. (Vinnie) Smith Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. Vincent A. (Vinnie) Smith Marker

Inscription. Born in Richmond, signed as catcher in 1938, purchased by Pittsburgh in 1941. After 4 years in Navy, opened 1946 as Pirate regular, early season leg injury shelved him for two years. Player-Manager at Richmond 1948-49 and played 1951-53 at Sacramento, then turned to umpiring. National League arbiter 1957-66, working two All-Star games and 1964 World Series.

Called by Navy battery-mate Bob Feller, “best who ever caught me”. Catching when Stan Musial hit first Major League Homer and umpired his 3,000th hit. Behind plate in Haddix’ 12 inning Perfect Game. Umpired last games at Ebbets Field and Polo Grounds, and first game at Shea Stadium.

Erected by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1954.

Location. 36° 50.597′ N, 76° 16.716′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is on Park Avenue 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

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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,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Charles K. (Chuck) Stobbs (here, next to this marker); Eddie R. (The Brat) Stanky (here, next to this marker); Edward Mayo Smith (here, next to this marker); Carr E. Smith (here, next to this marker); David Wright (here, next to this marker); Wayne Gomes (here, next to this marker); William F. (Bill) Skiff, Sr. (here, next to this marker); Tony Guzzo (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Regarding Vincent A. (Vinnie) Smith. The

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Vincent A. (Vinnie) Smith Marker

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. Vinnie Smith. (Submitted on August 1, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Vinnie Smith. (Submitted on August 1, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Additional commentary.
1.
Checking retrosheet.org shows that Smith was umpire at the last MLB games of 1957 at Ebbets Field and Polo Grounds. However, this was not the last MLB game at the Polo Grounds—used by the NY Mets in 1962 and 1963. Smith NOT found as umpire at last 1963 MLB game at Polo Grounds. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted July 23, 2026, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.