His Bat Is His Calling Card

By George Gilliam

This is George Gilliams informative account of how he combined discipline, physical fitness training, tennis principles (which were fine-tuned while he was in the air force and working at E. R. Squibb & Sons), as well as techniques learned from reading different baseball books to help teach his son Isiah how to play baseball. He also read books and magazines about great players, like his cousin James William Junior Gilliam.

Learning about past and present Major League players, especially the Negro league players, helped to serve as an example to help motivate Isiah to study players, especially switch hitters that had similar characteristics and played similar positions as Isiah. The game of baseball mirrors our society, and working hard every day is one of the main keys to success. The journey Isiah has traveled revolves around several important key points that help to make the game of baseball more than just a game.

First, His Bat Is His Calling Card shares with the reader how the game of baseball has helped Isiah to build bridges with other nations. Learn the value of cultural diversity, the importance of staying in shape, being a proactive citizen, staying focused in school, having short- and long-term plans to achieve success, taking into consideration the decline of African American baseball players in professional baseball. These taught Isiah the importance of understanding the past and present history of Major League Baseball as it pertains to African Americans; this was one of main goals as he ascended from playing T-ball and started playing for the NY Yankees organization.

I felt compelled to share his journey with parents and kids who also have dreams of someday playing baseball in high school, college, or the Major Leagues.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524562755

George Gilliam

The time George Gilliam spent in the US Air Force greatly added in his life because it taught him the importance of interdependence, which he shared with his two sons at an early age. He wanted both of his sons, Omar and Isiah, to know that he tried to replace in them a part of what was missed in his life when his dad died when he was just twelve years old. Joining the military helped him develop into a proactive citizen and learn the importance of the motto Service before self. Travelling around the world in the military helped him to understand the importance of serving others as well as belonging to something that was larger and more critical than just himself. He also learned in the air force his process supplier input became someone elses process customer output in the army and that both their processes, when combined, provided quality service and support to help protect the American people and our allies. He learned this concept is also true in the game of baseball. For instance, the pitcher and the catcher are both at different times each others customer and supplier and each of their processes inputs and outputs help to benefit the whole team. As air force flight medic, Mr. Gilliam served in different hot spots around the world. He is a Vietnam -Era Veteran, served in Korea, supported Operation Just Cause, and participated in Operation Desert Storm. He was injured while on active duty. Mr. Gilliam is a member of the Foreign Legion, Former member of the Atlanta Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, and served as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. After his military career, he served as a student government president of Georgia Perimeter College Clarkston, Georgia campus, and was awarded member of the National Deans List, All-American Academic Team, and member of Phi Theta Kappa. While in college, he published a rewrite of a sonnet written by William Shakespeare. He also served as an intern for former governor of Georgia Sonny Perdue and as an intern for Georgia State representative Dr. Bob Holmes, who served as the director of a think tank called the Southern Center for the Study of Public Policy, and W. E. B. Dubois Institute.

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Copyright © 2017 by George Gilliam. 735359

ISBN:   Softcover   978-1-5245-6276-2

            Hardcover  978-1-5245-6277-9

            EBook        978-1-5245-6275-5

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016919455

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 07/02/2018

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CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgment

Testimonials

Motivational Speech

Humanitarian Message

I. Forward—A Letter to Dr. King

II. I Am

III. Dad’s Message

IV. Yankee Town

V. Switch-Hitter

VI. Eight Years Old—the Breakthrough in Panama—Omar Moreno

VII. A Parent’s Purpose

VIII. Genius Power

IX. Expectations

X. A Mom’s Message

XI. Living and Existing

XII. Art of My Eye

XIII. The Statistics of My Bat

XIV. My Coaches

XV. Focus

XVI. Getting Drafted

XVII. Preference

XVIII. Young People, Get Ready

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the loving memory of my parents, Edward Eddie Gilliam, and Mary Helen Gilliam.

Acknowledgment

On behalf of Isiah and our family, I want to thank a very gifted sportswriter from ESPN named Mr. Eric Longenhagen who wrote a story entitled His Bat Is His Calling Card. His words were inspirational and are where the idea for my book title came from. Mr. Longenhagen frequently writes about upcoming baseball players, and I am very thankful he wrote about my son Isiah Gilliam. Isiah attempted to emulate and honor Mr. Longenhagen phase during the 2014 Perfect Game All-American Classic, Home Run Derby—which was held at Petco Park, San Diego, home of the MLB San Diego Padres—when Isiah hit a baseball with a wood bat on or about 465-plus feet over the left-field Metal Works Building that traveled completely out of the stadium. His bat was his calling card when the crowd in the stands stood on their feet and yelled with delight as the baseball sailed up high and over the top of the Metal Works Building.

Testimonials

Isiah is one of those guys that when he comes up to bat you don’t want to miss it. He’s got strong, lightning quick hands from both sides of the plate. While playing with him at Chipola College, I saw him hit a ball a couple years ago and it still hasn’t landed. I knew the first time I saw him play he was special.

-Reese Cooley,

former Perfect Game All American, and Chipola College  Alumni.

If I had to describe Isiah Gilliam’s swing I would say: His swing is consistently smooth and repeatable as I’ve ever seen. He has great hands, and balance throughout his swing. He takes flat bat path, and unmatched power. His God given power allows him to focus solely on putting a good swing on the baseball and letting the rest take care of itself. Isiah’s skill set and big league swing will undoubtedly propel him to the Majors in the near future.

-Chase Waters

former member of Georgia Stars Baseball Program, and former member of University of West Georgia Baseball Team

Isiah Gilliam came to Chipola as a High School senior in age but an college upperclassman in athletic ability. Isiah had unparalleled power from both sides of the plate. He continued to grow mentally and physically while at Chipola and will be remembered as one of my all time best. As much as I can speak on behalf of Isiah’s baseball ability I can speak on behalf of resounding character and class as a person. Isiah always had a smile on his face and was willing to interact with everyone on his team and beyond the locker room. Being a college coach for 20 years it is very rare to have a young man who has parents who have taught character and class and raised a young man like his parents have. It was a true blessing to get to spend time with Isiah as well as his mom and dad!

-Coach Jeff Johnson

Athletic Director/Head Baseball Coach of Chipola State College

Isiah Gilliam, a childhood friend of mine is an absolute phenom. Isiah is one of my best friends, and I can talk to him about anything, for instance, baseball, girls, and even just joke around. I’m very proud of my bro, and I pray he continues to put smiles on people’s faces.

-Miles Fore

Missouri Baptist University Baseball Team

Isiah has been blessed by God with several gifts and skills in life. He has displayed at an early age that he was an outstanding Baseball, as well as, Basketball and Football player. I remember and was present when Isiah was born on July 26, 1996 during the same time that the world’s greatest athletes ascended into the city of Atlanta, Georgia to compete in the Olympic Games. Isiah was born at Crawford Long Hospital which was just several blocks away from the 1996 World Olympic Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

I had the privilege of holding my younger brother in my arms several hours after he was born. I believe there is connection between Isiah exceptional athletic gift and talent , and him being born when world records were being made and broken in the City of Atlanta, Georgia. His love and respect for Humanity is another special gift that Isiah possesses, and is currently being demonstrated by his daily work within his Community, helping homeless, teaching Youth Game of Baseball, and finacial sponsorship to his former college, Chipola Baseball Alumni Association, and financial support to fight Childhood illnesses like Cancer.

I am very proud and love my brother. I pray that God will always keep his hand on Isiah each and everyday. I look forward to seeing him play in the near future with my favorite baseball team the NY Yankees.

-Omar Augustine Gilliam

The Cellular Connection Trusted Adviser

When Omar and Isiah were growing up, I taught both of them the importance of serving Humanity and understanding the meaning of the four types of love which are, Agape, the highest form of love of God for mankind and of mankind for God, Eros, which is love defined as desire, Philia, which is love between good friends, and Storage, which is between family members like love of parents towards off spring. Omar and Isiah were taught that we are all children of God. Both my children’s ability to help serve Humanity, and Omar and Isiah’s love and respect for each of their communities has been displayed when they provided both financial and hands on support for our nations youth, senior citizens, the homeless, as well as, medical care and treatment for young children with serious illnesses. I am very proud and blessed to have two son›s that truly understand the meaning of the words, Service Before Self, and The Greatest Honor is the Honor to Serve.

-George Gilliam

Father of Omar and Isiah

Motivational Speech

Playing the game of baseball has helped me develop the courage to fight for a better life, as well as help me to understand the importance of having a good work ethic. I have learned that my life accomplishments can serve as an example for others. I want to use my God-given gifts to help uplift others as well as myself. I do not want to become sidetracked by trying to please all those that I encounter. This could derail my quest to be the very best that I can be in my life.

—Spoken by Isiah Gilliam

Make the time that is necessary to work on accomplishing your goals and objectives. Getting started is one of the keys and, at times, has sidetracked a great deal of people. We all have dreams. But to make dreams become reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effect (Jesse Owens).

I believe that a person must concern himself or herself with absorbing the energy that radiates from utilizing and implementing the interdependence concept, which will help everyone become better team players and help each person develop their inner powers or strength. One must also pursue personal ends and ambitions—for example, moral and rational self-interest. It is extremely important that one must learn to love and respect thyself so their inner love can radiate out and spread to others who might someday also be in position to help improve the lives of others. Each person must work hard to become independent and train hard to help develop their skills. And do not be afraid to ask for help to correct his or her challenges, thus becoming a well-rounded, versatile player who will be in a better position to serve the needs of the whole team.

—Spoken by Isiah Gilliam

Isiah told me before going to 2016 MLB Spring Training in Tampa, Florida, with the New York Yankees that in the near future, he wants to give back to his community and help other young kids who want to learn the game of baseball. It is our family’s quest to establish the Isiah Gilliam Baseball/Softball, Youth Development, and Mentoring Academy. We will promote the importance of becoming a proactive citizen and provide academic and athletic support, servitude, brotherhood, and sisterhood. Help our youth find their God-given gifts as well as learn the importance of growing up to be responsible adults in service to humanity.

The mission, goal, and objective of our academy will be to engage young men and women in academic and athletic competition. Our focus will be in baseball/softball training, but we will not exclude other sports-related activities like basketball. In addition, we will teach our youth with state-of-the-art technology to include computers, science, math, music, and vocational skills, which will be taught in workshops and seminars. This training will revolve around the cultural, spiritual, and social development of our youth that will, hopefully, result in them growing up to be productive citizens.

—Spoken by George Gilliam

Core values that revolve around the motivational story are listed below:

Title: The Man to Be!

Someday the world will need a man! I stand beside his cot at night,

And wonder if I’m teaching him, as best I can, to know the right.

I am the Father of a boy—his life is mine to make or mar—

And he no better can become than what my daily teachings are.

Perhaps your boy and mine may not ascend the lofty heights of fame:

The orders for their births are hid. We know not why to earth they came.

Yet in some little bed tonight, the great man of tomorrow sleeps.

And only He who sent him here, the secret of his purpose keeps.

—Edgar Guest

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Isiah during visit to MLB Hall Fame Museum located in Cooperstown, New York is shown in top photo standing next to MLB Hall Fame Player, Hank Aaron Exhibit, and in bottom photo he is standing next to MLB Slugger, Barry Bonds Exhibit.

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After attending Banquet in metro- Atlanta to Honor Noble Peace Prize Recipient, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Nomalizo Leah Tutu, Isiah and his Dad escort both distinguished guests to their car.

Humanitarian Message

All human beings deserve respect and dignity. Dr. Martin Luther King once said, To deny men or women the ability to provide for their family or themselves is a fate that is worse than death. Thus, Dr. King, as a man of God, explained how respect, self-empowerment, and dignity are extremely important needs of all human beings on our planet. Humanitarians truly understand the need to help humanity and our society as a whole, fighting against discrimination based on features such as color of skin, religion, ancestry, place of birth, customs, or cultures—these features revolve around the doctrine that a person’s duty is to promote human welfare.

Over the years, a plethora of individuals have emulated the promotion of human welfare. For example, take these MLB Hall of Fame players: Jackie Robinson, who stood up for those who did not have voice; he fought his whole life against racial discrimination. Roberto Clemente, who lost his life in a plane crash trying to deliver water, food, medical equipment, and supplies to those in need, especially children and the elderly. The owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey, who signed Jackie Robinson and fought against inequality in major league baseball. And he believed that other baseball owners were unjust and were intentionally discriminating against African Americans from being able to play major league baseball. All these men devoted their lives to serving mankind and doing the Father’s business.

One of Isiah’s missions is to emulate icons like MLB Hall of Fame player Roberto Clemente, who was also a US military veteran and a humanitarian. Mr. Clemente devoted his life to serving God, his family, his country, and people in need all around the world. The Isiah Gilliam Baseball/Softball, Youth Development, and Mentoring Academy will teach everyone about great human beings like Mr. Clemente.

We are calling on all men and women to help us serve our society. One of our goals will be to brainstorm with religious, community, business, and political leaders. We will share ideas about ways we can improve our society as well as how we can be positive role models for our young men and women. The National Center for Statistics has reported that the involvement of fathers in their children’s schools is important for children’s achievement and behavior.

In addition, the development of many children, especially young men living at home, has fallen squarely on the shoulders of many moms. The results from the National Center for Statistics showed that fathers can be a positive force in their children’s education and lives.

Our focus will revolve around developing proactive, spiritual citizens who have pride and self-esteem and are involved in community service, respect for our Creator, and others. We will also help to ensure that our youth can obtain quality education and understand the importance of having their own mission, vision, and core value statements that can be used to help guide our youth on their journey in life as they begin their metamorphosis and develop into well-rounded adults. Our young men and women will learn with our help that the smallest step can start the longest voyage.

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From left to right: DeKalb County Official, Former NFL