Sounds rename street to honor Junior Gilliam

Mayor Karl Dean and the Nashville Sounds will unveil a name change for First Tennessee Park's address on Tuesday, from 401 Jackson Street to 19 Junior Gilliam Way.

Gilliam, who died in 1978, was was one of Nashville's greatest major league players. His uniform number 19 was retired by the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to Game 1 of the 1978 World Series.

Gilliam attended old Pearl High and began his career playing in the Negro Leagues for the Nashville Black Vols in 1945. Many of the Black Vols' games were played at Sulphur Dell ballpark, which was located near the site of the new First Tennessee Park.

After signing a free-agent deal with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1951, Gilliam made his major league debut in 1953. He took over for Jackie Robinson, who had moved to third base and the outfield. Gilliam led the league in triples (17) and was named the National League Rookie of the Year.

It was the beginning of what turned out to be a remarkable 14-year career with the Dodgers in Brooklyn and Los Angeles.

During the unveiling, which will take place at 6:30 p.m., a special video message from longtime Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully will be played. Joining the mayor will be Sounds owner Frank Ward and Metro Council member Erica Gilmore.

After the unveiling the Sounds will play the second game of a five-game series against Iowa (7:05 p.m.).

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 and on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.