1952 Parkhurst #68, Jim Gilliam ⭐ MLB Pioneer
When I got back into the hobby, I was passionate (still am) about collecting what I call "MLB Pioneers", those are baseball players who played in the Negro League and also made it to The Show.
I learned so much about baseball and baseball card history through this part of my collection that it is mind boggling.
Jim "Junior" Gilliam is one of the players I learned about and became preoccupied with.
Through my passion for Jim Gilliam, I developed a love of oddball and minor league cards.
This card fits the bill on 3 card things I love - Jim Gilliam, oddball, and minor league cards. Check out the cool back of this card (sorry for the poor photo quality).
Jim Gilliam is a Dodger legend and his #19 is retired by the Dodgers, the only player with his number retired by the Dodgers who is not in the MLB Hall of Fame.
played in the Negro Leagues for the Baltimore Elite (pronounced E-Light) Giants from 1946 to 1950. During his time with Baltimore he was a three-time Negro League All-Star and a key infielder before signing with the Dodgers in 1951.

Another Brooklyn Dodgers Teammate Tuesday.

1953 Topps #258, Jim Gilliam. ❤#19❤
Jim Gilliam is the only Dodger whose jersey number is retired and is not in the MLB HOF.
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.

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.

Happy Wednesday!🌞
Have a great day!👊