Jim Gilliam

Jim “Junior” Gilliam was a cornerstone of the post, Jackie Robinson Dodgers and a model of consistency, versatility, and quiet leadership. Debuting with Brooklyn in 1953 as Robinson’s heir apparent at second base, Gilliam won Rookie of the Year honors and went on to play 14 seasons with the Dodgers, helping them win four World Series titles and seven pennants. A two-time All-Star, he played second base, third base, and outfield, wherever the team needed him. He was known for his steady bat, sharp eye, and baseball intelligence.

Gilliam was deeply respected across the game as a player who carried forward the dignity and courage of Robinson’s legacy without seeking the spotlight. As a Black player in the 1950s and ’60s, he endured his share of discrimination but handled it with calm professionalism. Off the field, he was instrumental in helping new Black and Latino players adjust to life in the Majors, becoming an informal mentor and bridge builder within the clubhouse.

In 1975, Gilliam became the first Black coach in Dodgers history and remained with the organization until his untimely death in 1978. Just days later, the team retired his number, an honor reserved for the most iconic figures in franchise history. Jim Gilliam’s life was marked by humility, loyalty, and quiet progress, a tribute to the enduring power of grace in the face of change.