[1] Later, he played for minor black ball clubs before joining the Homestead Grays of the Negro National League,[2] a powerhouse franchise that split its home games between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.[3] From 1941 through 1943, Tillman was a backup for incumbent Josh Gibson, widely known as "the Black Babe Ruth.

"[4] Additionally, Tillman had the task of filling in for Gibson whenever the latter played in the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League.

[5] After his playing days ended, Tillman joined the Chariot Singers, a gospel music group based in Washington, D.C. that performed at local churches.

[5] Tillman eventually achieved local and national honors recognizing his contributions to the Negro leagues and the game of baseball.

[1] Tillman received his due recognition in February 2008, when he was honored by the U.S. Department of State during Black History Month.