Baseball History
As someone born in Southern California five-plus decades ago, I am a life-long Dodgers fan with an increasing appreciation for the historical and cultural contexts of the game. In 2021, I contributed a series of articles to TrueBlueLA, each focused on some aspect of the sociocultural importance of the sport on American life. These included articles on fandom, memorabilia collecting, and the former Dodger players.
Society for American Baseball Research (SABR)
I am a long-time member of SABR and regularly participate in local chapter meetings. In August 2023, I was part of the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the 1948 Cleveland Indians World Series championship, presenting a historical perspective of Dale Mitchell, an Indians outfielder inducted into the team's Hall of Fame that evening.
I published an article for SABR's annual publication, The National Pastime in 2020, on the role of George Scales in the development of Jim Gilliam during their time in the Negro Leagues.
Jim Gilliam Biography
I recently completed a book-length biography of former Dodgers player and coach Jim Gilliam. The manuscript, currently being edited, is anticipated to be published in spring 2024. The narrative explores Gilliam's career as a Black player, born in segregated Nashville, who dropped out of high school to join the Nashville Black Vols of the Negro Southern League. He later joined Jackie Robinson in the Brooklyn Dodgers lineup, eventually winning four World Series championships as a player. Gilliam joined the Dodgers as the first Black base coach in MLB history. He passed away at age 49 on the eve of the 1978 World Series.
Society for American Baseball Research (SABR)
I am a long-time member of SABR and regularly participate in local chapter meetings. In August 2023, I was part of the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the 1948 Cleveland Indians World Series championship, presenting a historical perspective of Dale Mitchell, an Indians outfielder inducted into the team's Hall of Fame that evening.
I published an article for SABR's annual publication, The National Pastime in 2020, on the role of George Scales in the development of Jim Gilliam during their time in the Negro Leagues.
Jim Gilliam Biography
I recently completed a book-length biography of former Dodgers player and coach Jim Gilliam. The manuscript, currently being edited, is anticipated to be published in spring 2024. The narrative explores Gilliam's career as a Black player, born in segregated Nashville, who dropped out of high school to join the Nashville Black Vols of the Negro Southern League. He later joined Jackie Robinson in the Brooklyn Dodgers lineup, eventually winning four World Series championships as a player. Gilliam joined the Dodgers as the first Black base coach in MLB history. He passed away at age 49 on the eve of the 1978 World Series.