Jim Gilliam

James William “Junior” Gilliam (October 17, 1928 - October 8, 1978) signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1951 and was sent to the Montreal Royals, Brooklyn’s farm affiliate, of the International League because African-Americans were still barred from playing in the Texas League. As he started out in the Negro Leagues with the Baltimore Elite Giants, Gilliam learned to switch-hit, was one half of Baltimore’s double play combo (with Pee Wee Butts) and played in three straight Negro League All-Star Games. Jim joined the successful 1953 Dodgers team, replacing Jackie Robinson at second base, collected 125 hits including a National League leading 17 triples, drove in 63 runs and batted .278 over 151 games earning the 1953 National League Rookie of the Year award. Gilliam played second and third base for his entire career in Brooklyn and Los Angeles (1953-1966). In 14 years, Jim collected over 100 hits and over 30 RBI in 12 seasons and batted over .280 four times. He played in seven World Series with the Dodgers capturing the 1955, 1959, 1963 and 1965 Major League titles. Gilliam was also named to the 1956 and 1959 MLB All-Star Games and retired with a .979 fielding percentage. Junior Gilliam retired after the 1966 season with 1,889 hits including 304 doubles, stole 203 bases, scored 1,163 runs and drove in 558 RBI while batting .265 over 14 seasons.