Baseball History
TrueBlueLA
In 2021, I added a role as a features writer for TrueBlueLA, a Dodgers-centric media site affiliated with SB Nation and Vox Media, to my free time. My earliest Dodger memory is of attending Batting Glove Day at Dodger Stadium on April 14, 1975 while living in Southern California, where I was born. That fandom has persisted throughout my life, despite moving away from California in 1976. Contributing to TrueBlue LA combined two passions: writing and the Dodgers. I really wish I still had that batting glove.
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.
TrueBlueLA Articles
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, November 23). As Gil Hodges and Maury Wills await a Hall call, let’s not forget Willie Davis and Jim Gilliam. TrueBlueLA.com. http://bit.ly/DavisGilliam
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, October 5). A Dodger blue fan behind Cardinal Red lines. TrueBlueLA.com. http://bit.ly/DodgerBlueArkansas
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, October 2). On the anniversary of the high five, an interview about Glenn Burke with Andrew Maraniss. TrueBlueLA.com. http://bit.ly/high5burke
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, September 1). Gil Hodges, Carl Erskine inducted into the New York Baseball Hall of Fame. TrueBlueLA.com. http://bit.ly/GilCarl
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, August 23). 23,000 pieces of Dodgers memorabilia, and counting. TrueBlueLA.com. bit.ly/Dodgerscollection
In 2021, I added a role as a features writer for TrueBlueLA, a Dodgers-centric media site affiliated with SB Nation and Vox Media, to my free time. My earliest Dodger memory is of attending Batting Glove Day at Dodger Stadium on April 14, 1975 while living in Southern California, where I was born. That fandom has persisted throughout my life, despite moving away from California in 1976. Contributing to TrueBlue LA combined two passions: writing and the Dodgers. I really wish I still had that batting glove.
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.
TrueBlueLA Articles
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, November 23). As Gil Hodges and Maury Wills await a Hall call, let’s not forget Willie Davis and Jim Gilliam. TrueBlueLA.com. http://bit.ly/DavisGilliam
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, October 5). A Dodger blue fan behind Cardinal Red lines. TrueBlueLA.com. http://bit.ly/DodgerBlueArkansas
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, October 2). On the anniversary of the high five, an interview about Glenn Burke with Andrew Maraniss. TrueBlueLA.com. http://bit.ly/high5burke
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, September 1). Gil Hodges, Carl Erskine inducted into the New York Baseball Hall of Fame. TrueBlueLA.com. http://bit.ly/GilCarl
Dittmore, S. W. (2021, August 23). 23,000 pieces of Dodgers memorabilia, and counting. TrueBlueLA.com. bit.ly/Dodgerscollection
TrueBlueLA.com, October 5, 2021
|
TrueBlueLa.com, August 23, 2021
|
SABR's The National Pastime, Summer 2020