Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
John Zontini
(1914-1981)
| | Tidewater Baseball Shrine | |
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 18, 2025
1. John Zontini Marker
Born in Canyon City, Colorado, was Ripleys "Believe It Or Not feature as Seth, W. Va. High School Football star, gaining 2,135 yards in only 79 carries, scoring 48 points in a game, and 268 in a 7 game season.
1935 graduate of Marshall University as baseball, football and track star. Signed Detroit Tigers bonus contract at Charleston, stealing 52 bases in 53 attempts as a rookie.
Speedster reached high mark with 78 steals and .342 average at Alexandria, LA., in 1937.
Optioned to Portsmouth Cubs in 1939, became lifelong Tidewater resident. Declared free agent with 90 other Tiger players by Commissioner Kennesaw Landis, but stayed with Cubs through 1947, except for 1944 season with Toronto (International League).
During off-seasons, played Dixie Professional League for Norfolk Shamrocks and Richmond Rebels.
Speed and determination made him constant star and crowd favorite, leading Cubs to 1st Piedmont League Pennant ever. Biggest thrill was unusual 5 HR splurge in 1945 playoff wins over Norfolk and Richmond. Finished career as Player-Manager for Frank Lawrence at Franklin, Va.
Was inducted
this page online
Erected by Norfolk Tides.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 36° 50.596′ N, 76° 16.707′ 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,
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. John Zontini Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Harold Joseph (Pie) Traynor (here, next to this marker); Lewis Robert (Hack) Wilson (here, next to this marker); Raymond Petrie (Ray) White (here, next to this marker); Michael L. (Mike) Vail (here, next to this marker); Eric G. Tipton (1915-2002) (here, next to this marker); Claude J. (Bubber) Staylor (here, next to this marker); William J. (Moose) Skowron (a few steps from this marker); Eddie R. (The Brat) Stanky (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.
Regarding John Zontini. 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 . . . John Zontini. (Submitted on August 3, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on July 21, 2026, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
