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

Michael L. (Mike) Vail

(1951 -)

— Tidewater Baseball Shrine — 1985 Inductee —

Michael L. (Mike) Vail Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. Michael L. (Mike) Vail Marker

Inscription. San Francisco native, graduated Archbishop Mitty High (1970). Was MVP for 3 years and named to All-State (California) as Senior.

First drafted by Dodgers, but attended De Anza J.C. and signed with Cardinals in 1971. Led California League (‘73) with 31 doubles, then split 1974, hitting .357 at Modesto and .314 at Arkansas (Texas).

Traded to Mets, led I.L. hitters with.342 and 9 triples for ‘75 Champion Tides earning MVP honors and August promotion to N.Y., batted .302 and tied N.L. Rookie Record with 23 game hitting streak.

Singled off J.R. Richard in first Major League at bat, and homered off John Candelaria in first AB at Shea Stadium.

Though 1976 off-season ankle injury hampered him, he had 10 year Major League career featuring .317 Average in 1978-80 stint with Cubs, and lifetime.280 mark. Also played with Cleveland, Cincinnati, S.F., Montreal and Dodgers.

First Tide player selected for Shrine induction and was still only Tide to achieve I.L. Batting Crown or MVP honors at time of his selection in 1985.

Erected by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Entertainment • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1975.

Location. 36° 50.597′ N, 76° 16.71′ 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,

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: Raymond Petrie (Ray) White

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Michael L. (Mike) Vail Marker

(here, next to this marker); Eric G. Tipton (1915-2002) (here, next to this marker); Lewis Robert (Hack) Wilson (here, next to this marker); Harold Joseph (Pie) Traynor (here, next to this marker); John Zontini (here, next to this marker); Claude J. (Bubber) Staylor (here, next to this marker); William J. (Moose) Skowron (here, next to this marker); Eddie R. (The Brat) Stanky (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Regarding Michael L. (Mike) Vail. 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. Remembering Mets History (1975) Mike Vail Ties Rookie Hitting Streak Record At 23 Games. (Submitted on August 2, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Harbor Park. (Submitted on August 2, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.