Thank you, Nashville Elite Giants!

I returned late Saturday night from a quick driving trip to Nashville where I was pleased to be invited to table and sign copies of Jim Gilliam: The Forgotten Dodger during the Nashville Sounds' commemoration of the Negro Leagues. Before they were the Baltimore Elite Giants, they were the Nashville Elite Giants, and for a couple of days the Sounds assumed the Elite Giant identity.

Gilliam, who was born just a few blocks from the Sounds' stadium, played the 1945 season, at age 16, with the Nashville Black Vols of the Negro Southern League. He joined the Baltimore Elite Giants in 1946 and played through the 1950 season before the Dodgers purchased his contract.

Nashville has a wonderful, rich baseball history, particularly with the Negro Leagues. First Horizon Park, which has a mailing address of 19 Junior Gilliam Way, is a beautiful facility in downtown Nashville. It is full of food and entertainment options, including a bourbon list that featured Eagle Rare and Weller Special Reserve!

I had a wonderful time meeting two people I interviewed for my book, Skip Nipper and Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton! Harriet's father was Henry Kimbro and was a teammate of Gilliam with the Elite Giants. 

And, as an excellent bonus, I caught up with friend Andrew Maraniss and his son, Charlie, for breakfast on Saturday morning!

Thank you so much to Doug Scopel of the Sounds for having me on a beautiful Friday evening. 
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Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton

Skip Nipper and I talking about baseball

I found him!

First Horizon Park address

Skip Nipper, aka Mr. Sulphur Dell

Being interviewed on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning

I made the Sounds' IG story!

Beautiful park on a beautiful summer night

Andrew and Charlie Maraniss