Norfolk Tides

Having a checkered history that has seen as many highs as there have been lows, the Norfolk Tides hold a special place in the hearts of their die hard fans. Now you have the chance to be a part of this cult following as they are coming to play for you one more time. In order to witness this incredible team live in action, get your Norfolk Tides tickets today and get ready to have the time of your life!
 
For the uninitiated, a little background of the illustrious team that plays in the minor league baseball in the Triple-A International League is in order. The Norfolk Tides are based out of Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. For the last five years they have had a partnership with the Baltimore Orioles as their farm team. But this is not where they started. Their story dates a long time back.
 
It all began in 1961 when the Norfolk Tides were called the Tidewater Tides as they played in the South Atlantic League. They were based in Lawrence Stadium in Portsmouth at the time. The story of how the franchise got its name is a part of Tides folklore now. The biggest newspaper of the South Hampton Roads, which was The Virginia-Pilot, ran a poll to decide a name for the team. However, even though the name ‘Mariners’ came out on top, yet the editor of the Pilot decided instead to go with Tidewater Tides instead.
 
The early years were testing for the Norfolk Tides as it had to spend the first year playing without any concrete partnership with a major league team. Things took a turn for the better next year however as they were able to affiliate with the St.Louis Cardinals. Even when the South Atlantic League left Virginia in 1963, the Tides were still able to keep their affiliation, however this time it was with the Carolina League.
 
The Norfolk Tides were to lose their name in 1969 when the Jacksonville Suns which was an affiliate of the Triple-A International League team the New York Mets, moved from Florida to Portsmouth. However both sides were able to reach out a compromise and the team took up the old name of the Tides while working under the leadership of the Met’s owners. The first year in the Triple-A was not a very good one as they ended with a pennant. However, simultaneously, efforts were underway to build the home of the team at Met Park.
 
The following years were some of the best in the Tides history as they went on to win the Governors' Cup, the International League championship multiples times, starting from 1972, 1975, 1982, 1983 to 1985. In 1987 they had the league's best regular-season record in 1987. But they could not translate that consistency to silverware and ended up losing in the playoffs. 1992 was literally a groundbreaking year for the team. The facility at Harbor Park was started that year and in 1993, the team moved into their new home.
 
The team underwent many minor and major changes during this time of transition. The franchise changed hands and was sold over to a conglomerate led by Tampa businessman Ken Young. Around this time, as the team settled into Harbor Park, it was considered natural to adopt the title of Norfolk in their name and to drop Tidewater. It was also in 1993 that the Tides unveiled their mascot, a blue furry creature called Rip Tide.
 
Now you have the chance to be a part of this glorious history in America’s favorite pastime. Buy Norfolk Tides tickets now and watch your favorite team live in action.