Jim Gilliam ⭐ MLB Pioneer
Jim Gilliam began an illustrious pro baseball career in the Negro Leagues.
While not a Hall-of-Famer, Gilliam was a clutch performer who had a fine career, which included membership, as either a player or coach, on ten Dodger pennant winners (seven as a player), and four World Series championships.
Gilliam was also highly regarded throughout the major leagues for his many outstanding personal qualities, including integrity, temperament, and sportsmanship.
Junior Gilliam is the only Dodger non-HOF player to have his number retired. He died on October 8, at age 49, one day after the Dodgers clinched their tenth pennant while he was a member of the team. His uniform #19 was retired by the Dodgers two days later.