Position: catcher Bats: right Throws: right

Louis Gillis was born an only child in Birmingham, Alabama in1924. He was encouraged to play football as a youngster, so he spent most of his free time gaining yardage and scoring touchdowns. In 1939 by age fifteen Louis began to spend some time playing baseball with his cousin and uncle, his natural abilities would shine through, and his interest in the game grew stronger. He was drawn to the sport and when his uncle suggested that he try on a different hat, his instincts led him away from the goal posts and behind the plate.

In 1943 at the tender age of eighteen and just after graduating from Parker High School, the U.S. Marine Corp would draft Gillis. He found himself a gun captain positioned behind a 90 mm anti-aircraft gun somewhere in the South Pacific. When he returned to his base he took advantage of the opportunity to play baseball against some U.S. Navy teams.

In 1946, after completing his military obligation, Gillis returned home to Alabama. His baseball career began that same year. The Atlanta Black Crackers picked him up, and he would catch for them for two seasons. Then it was north to Michigan to play for a House of David Team in 1948 and 1949. In 1950 he would return home again, this time to find himself behind the plate for the Birmingham Black Barons where he played through the 1952 season.

Mr. Gillis has many fond memories of his baseball career, too many to mention. He does however have one story that he would like to share. It gives him a lump, though not in his throat, as he recalls a game in Chicago - his girlfriend was in the stands watching Louis play, and he was feeling very proud. The batter hit a foul tip pop-up behind the plate, Gillis was on his feet dashing to make the catch which just happened to be up against the bleachers where his girl was sitting. This was his chance to impress her, he thought... The pressure was mounting... the pressure was too much... In all the excitement the ball missed his glove, however, he did catch it - right on the forehead.

Another fond memory for Gillis was calling the signals from behind the plate for the late Series 1 Living Legend, James "Fireball" Bolden. He enjoyed it so much he said, "Catching for James Bolden was like eating ice cream."

Louis Gillis is married; he and his wife have four children. He remains active on the local baseball diamond where he loves umpiring little league games.