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

David Paul (Paul) Decker

(1898-1982)

— Tidewater Baseball Shrine —

David Paul (Paul) Decker Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. David Paul (Paul) Decker Marker

Inscription. Born Altoona, PA., raised in Portsmouth. Attended William & Mary and Harvard. Professional career as infielder from 1920-25 included time in Portsmouth, Norfolk and Suffolk. Scouted for Red Sox, signed Chuck Stobbs and Allen Richter.

Coached first Norfolk American Legion Team in 1926, remaining active through 1946 with 5 State Championships.

Directed Madison Ward Community Center from 1925-46, became first Director of Norfolk Recreation Bureau (1946-1968), father of all community league sports. City Park was only facility when he assumed leadership. Thousands of youngsters had sports opportunities only through his selfless devotion and tireless efforts.

Erected by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.

Location. 36° 50.586′ N, 76° 16.782′ 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: Henry P. (Colonel) Dawson (here, next to this marker); John A. (Buddy) Hassett

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(a few steps from this marker); Dave Rosenfield (a few steps from this marker); Ron Johnson (within shouting distance of this marker); Steve Springer (within shouting distance of this marker); Metropolitan Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Granville W. (Granny) Hamner (within shouting distance of this marker); William (Mookie) Wilson (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Regarding David Paul (Paul) Decker. 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.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. David Paul (Paul) Decker Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.