Jim Gilliam: The Forgotten Dodger
For as long as I can recall, I have wanted to research and write a book, but when I began this project in 2019, I really had no idea where the narrative would go, with whom I would interact, or, for that matter, how I would accomplish this. Perhaps that is why this published book is both satisfying and amazing now that it is complete. This was an endeavor I could not have completed alone and I am forever grateful for the support of people, many of whom graciously gave of their time, expertise, and connections. That so many strangers would do this for me speaks to the universal regard with which people remember Jim Gilliam.
From former teammates and colleagues of Jim, to his family members, to the wonderful interlibrary loan folks with whom I worked, to the complete strangers who shared their memories of Jim, this finished product is the result of your collective generosity.
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.
Along the way, Gilliam and many other Black baseball players passed through several "gates" of integration. Jackie Robinson broke through the first gate, but a second gate - an unspoken quota - relegated Gilliam to two years in the Dodgers' minor league system before joining the roster. Gilliam helped walk through the third gate by becoming the first Black base coach. The fourth gate - a Black manager - was something never presented to Gilliam, though he was often mentioned as a candidate for it. Frank Robinson eventually became MLB's first Black manager when the Cleveland Indians hired him in 1975.
Links to purchase the book, published by August Publications, will be posted when they are available in January 2025. Official publication date is February 4, 2025. In the meantime, I am available for podcasts, interviews, and virtual book talks. Please reach out if that is of interest. Thank you!
A link to my discussion with the Northern New England/Clyde Sukeforth SABR Chapter is below:
A link to my discussion with the Baltimore/Babe Ruth SABR Chapter is below:
From former teammates and colleagues of Jim, to his family members, to the wonderful interlibrary loan folks with whom I worked, to the complete strangers who shared their memories of Jim, this finished product is the result of your collective generosity.
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.
Along the way, Gilliam and many other Black baseball players passed through several "gates" of integration. Jackie Robinson broke through the first gate, but a second gate - an unspoken quota - relegated Gilliam to two years in the Dodgers' minor league system before joining the roster. Gilliam helped walk through the third gate by becoming the first Black base coach. The fourth gate - a Black manager - was something never presented to Gilliam, though he was often mentioned as a candidate for it. Frank Robinson eventually became MLB's first Black manager when the Cleveland Indians hired him in 1975.
Links to purchase the book, published by August Publications, will be posted when they are available in January 2025. Official publication date is February 4, 2025. In the meantime, I am available for podcasts, interviews, and virtual book talks. Please reach out if that is of interest. Thank you!
A link to my discussion with the Northern New England/Clyde Sukeforth SABR Chapter is below:
- East Coast Cooperative Meeting with Steve Dittmore (September 18, 2024)
A link to my discussion with the Baltimore/Babe Ruth SABR Chapter is below: