Chestertown in Kent County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

William Beck Nicholson

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2012

1. William Beck Nicholson Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

“Swish”
Philadelphia A.L., 1936
Chicago N.L., 1939–1948
Philadelphia N.L., 1948–1953 Born Chestertown, Kent County, Eastern Shore of Maryland, 1914. Graduate of Washington College 1936. Feared and respected outfielder with fine arm who played the national game of baseball with great determination. Led National League in home runs, RBI 1943, 1944, runner-up for MVP 1944. 235 career home runs, had 8 career grand slams, tied a major league record for four home runs in a doubleheader and four home runs in four consecutive times at bat. The accolade “Swish” began at storied Ebbetts Field, Brooklyn and spread to every ball park. Legend has it that only Bill Nicholson and Babe Ruth have ever been walked intentionally with the bases loaded. Country boy who worked hard to become a major leaguer and star, ever helpful to rookies. Retired here in 1953.

Erected 1992 by the Committee for Bill Nicholson Testimonial, Chestertown, Maryland.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 39° 12.631′ N, 76° 3.92′ W. Marker is in Chestertown, Maryland, in Kent County. Marker is on Cross Street, on the right. Marker is at the Visitor’s Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chestertown MD 21690, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. American Victory (here, next to this marker); War Along the Chesapeake (a few steps from this marker); Chestertown, First Population Center of the United States (within shouting distance of this marker); Chestertown Vol. Fire Co., Inc. (within shouting distance of this marker); George Vickers (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Chestertown Vol. Fire Co., Inc. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); History Tour of the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. (about 300 feet away); Tercentenary Celebration (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chestertown.

Also see . . . Bill Nicholson Statistics. (Submitted on October 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Additional keywords. Major League Baseball

Photographed By Adam Margolis, January 10, 2022

2. William Beck Nicholson Marker

Photographed By Adam Margolis, January 10, 2022

3. William Beck Nicholson Marker

William Beck Nicholson (1914–1996) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Pfingsten, October 18, 2007

4. William Beck Nicholson (1914–1996)

1992 Bronze by Kenneth F. Herlihy is five feet tall on a one foot base is also titled “Bronze Baseball Player” and “Bill ‘Swish’ Nicholson.”

William Beck "Swish" Nicholson image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2012

5. William Beck "Swish" Nicholson

Statue by Ken Herlihy

Presentation Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Pfingsten, October 18, 2007

6. Presentation Marker

This statue of a Baseball Great is placed here as a tribute to the man, as an inspiration to the nation's youth an as a reminder that sport is important to the American Dream. Funds for the statue were provided through the generous donations of Alletta Laird Downs, the Henry Silliman family, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Hopper and by many of Bill Nicholson's friends and fans. Their thoughtfulness is hereby recognized and applauded.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,148 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 12, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on January 11, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4. submitted on October 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5. submitted on January 12, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on October 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.