Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Gilliam began playing on a local semi-pro team at age 14 and dropped out of high school in his senior year to pursue his baseball career. He joined the Negro National League\'s Baltimore Elite Giants, with whom he played from 1946 to 1950. He received his nickname, "Junior", during this time. He was voted an All-Star three straight years from 1948 to 1950. Veteran George Scales taught him to switch hit.\n', '

In 1951, he was signed as an amateur free agent by the Brooklyn Dodgers, who sent him to play for their Triple-A International League farm team, the Montreal Royals; he could not play for the Dodgers\' Double-A affiliate, the Fort Worth Cats, as blacks were still barred from the Texas League. He led the International League in runs in both 1951 and 1952.\n', '

Gilliam made his debut with the Dodgers in April 1953, with the formidable task of taking over second base from Jackie Robinson, who was shifted to the outfield and third base; he proved capable, batting .278 with a team-leading 125 runs for the National League champions. His 17 triples led the National League, and remain the most by a Dodger since 1920; he was second in the league (behind Stan Musial) with 100 walks, and third with 21 stolen bases. For his excellent season he earned National League Rookie of the Year honors, as well as The Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award.\n', '

Return to Jim Gilliam Autograph Profile