Here is a fantastic vintage press photo taken by International News, dated March 1, 1954, that I ran across on eBay. It features several Dodger greats getting some needed practice before the season starts. After having an impressive rookie campaign the season prior, Junior Gilliam looks to be showing a couple of pitchers how to slide. After all, all reports I've read indicate that Gilliam had a high Baseball-IQ, and just naturally seemed to understand every part of the game. Below is what is written on the caption attached to the reverse:
SLIDE, JUNIOR, SLIDE--Vero Beach, Florida.