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

Henry P. (Colonel) Dawson

(1889-1982)

— Tidewater Baseball Shrine —

Henry P. (Colonel) Dawson Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025

1. Henry P. (Colonel) Dawson Marker

Inscription. Born in Halifax, N.C. excelled at Wake Forest College as baseball outfielder and football quarterback.

President and Co-Owner of Portsmouth Club (1919-21) and subsequently filled same role at Newport News (1922), Richmond (1923-27) and Raleigh (1928-31).

Hired by Yankees in 1932, he took reins of Norfolk Tars in 1934 when New York assumed franchise ownership. Led successful operation until sold to local owners, then scouted for Yanks until retirement to Richmond in 1955.

Was instrumental in starting career of Hall of Famer Pie Traynor in Portsmouth. Signed future Major Leaguers Lew Burdette, Bobby Richardson, Allen Gettel, Aaron Robinson, Bob Porterfield and Jim Coates.

Erected by Norfolk Tides.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. 36° 50.586′ N, 76° 16.781′ 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: David Paul (Paul) Decker (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); Granville W. (Granny) Hamner (within shouting distance of this marker); Metropolitan Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Steve Springer (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 Henry P. (Colonel) Dawson. 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. Henry Percival Dawson (22 October 1889 - 17 January 1982) Biography- Library of Virginia. (Submitted on August 4, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Norfolk Tars. (Submitted on August 4, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Henry P. (Colonel) Dawson 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 74 times since then and 10 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.