Jim Gilliam

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Gilliam's journey began in Nashville, Tennessee, where he dropped out of Pearl High School at age 16 to play for the Nashville Black Vols. In the Negro leagues, manager George "Tubby" Scales transformed him from a weak right-handed hitter into a formidable switch-hitter. Signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers for $4,000 in 1951, he spent two seasons with the Montreal Royals before debuting in April 1953. His arrival was momentous, as he took over second base from Jackie Robinson, who personally taught him the position. In his rookie year, Gilliam led all NL players in games played at second base and set a record by becoming the first rookie to draw 100 walks. As the team moved to Los Angeles before the 1958 season, Gilliam adapted seamlessly, shifting to third base while maintaining his elite on-base skills.

In Their Own Story

The transition from Brooklyn to Los Angeles tested every member of the Dodgers roster in 1958, but Jim Gilliam thrived. In 1959, now the team's full-time third baseman, he led the National League with 96 walks and helped the Dodgers defeat the Chicago White Sox in the World Series. His value extended beyond his own performance; when Maury Wills took over as leadoff hitter in 1960, Gilliam moved to the second spot. In 1962, Wills set a record with 104 stolen bases, crediting Gilliam's self-sacrifice and patience as the "double leadoff man" for making it possible. Even after retiring from active play in 1962, Gilliam remained essential to the organization, becoming one of the first African American coaches while still an active player in 1964. He served as a full-time coach at first base until his sudden death on October 8, 1978, during the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note Gilliam's unique versatility: he played second base for most of the 1950s before becoming the Dodgers' full-time third baseman in 1959. His batting approach was defined by plate discipline, leading the league in walks in 1959 and finishing with over 2,000 career hits. He led the NL in triples in 1953, a feat that remains the most by a Dodger since 1920. On July 21, 1956, he tied John Montgomery Ward's 1892 major league record with 12 assists in a single game by a second baseman. While he was an All-Star multiple times, including as a third baseman in 1959 where he hit a home run off Billy O'Dell, his legacy is equally defined by his leadership; he was the first black coach to manage while active and mentored future stars like Dusty Baker.

Did You Know?

• Gilliam was the first rookie in National League history to draw 100 walks.
• He led the league in triples in 1953 and walks in 1959.
• On July 21, 1956, he tied a major league record with 12 assists in a single game as a second baseman.
• In 1964, he became one of the first African American coaches while still an active player.
• He scored over 100 runs in each of his first four major league seasons.