Blake Gillespie Named Baseball America Second Team All-American
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- Blake Gillespie Named Baseball America Second Team All-American
CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte 49ers pitcher Blake Gillespie added another accolade to his impressive 2025 season, earning Second Team All-America honors from baseball America on Friday, June 20. This recognition marks his third All-America honor this season.
Gillespie’s All-American Season
Gillespie’s selection by Baseball America follows earlier recognition as a Third Team All-American by Perfect Game and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association (NCBWA) earlier in June.He is the sixth player in Charlotte baseball history to receive multiple All-America awards in a single season. He joins Adam Mills (2007) as the only Charlotte pitchers to earn a Second or First Team All-America award.
Did you Know? The Charlotte 49ers baseball program has produced 13 All-americans in its history.
Dominant Performance in the American Athletic Conference
The 2025 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Pitcher of the Year and Newcomer Pitcher of the year, Gillespie showcased extraordinary talent on the mound throughout the season.His 2.42 ERA and 131 strikeouts over 100.1 innings pitched placed him among the top pitchers in the nation. His strikeout total tied for the third-most in AAC history and ranked third nationally heading into the NCAA Regionals.
in conference play, Gillespie’s dominance was even more pronounced, boasting a 1.39 ERA, 84 strikeouts, and a .176 opponent batting average. These numbers led the conference and marked the lowest ERA in AAC play in the last nine years.
Key Stats from Gillespie’s 2025 Season
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| ERA | 2.42 |
| Strikeouts | 131 |
| innings pitched | 100.1 |
| K/9 Rate | 11.75 |
| Opponent Batting Average | .193 |
Past Context and Program Impact
Gillespie’s 131 strikeouts rank fourth in a single season in Charlotte baseball history, with Adam Mills holding the record at 141 strikeouts in 2007. His 11.75 K/9 rate is the fifth-best in program history,and his .193 opponent batting average ranks fourth. He issued only 19 walks, resulting in a 1.70 K/BB ratio, the ninth-best in a single season for the program.
He is the fourth pitcher in program history to earn All-America honors and the first since Andrew Smith in 2011. Gillespie is also the first All-American for the Niners as Cam Fisher in 2023 and the fourth All-American in the last five years under head coach Robert Woodard.
Pro Tip: A pitcher’s K/BB ratio is a key indicator of their control and effectiveness on the mound.
No-Hitter and Tournament Performance
Gillespie, a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection, threw the second no-hitter in program history against James Madison on March 7, recording 11 strikeouts and one walk. He also had two games with 13 strikeouts, including a performance against Wichita State in the American Athletic Conference Championships, tying the conference record for strikeouts in a tournament game.
His performance against Wichita State propelled him from sixth to fourth place on Charlotte’s single-season strikeout list and made him the single-season strikeout leader for Canadians in American collegiate baseball.
What are your thoughts on Gillespie’s performance this season? How do you think he will perform in the future?
The Evolution of College Baseball All-Americans
The tradition of naming All-Americans in college baseball dates back to the early 20th century, with various organizations and publications recognizing the top players each year. These selections not only honor individual achievements but also contribute to the legacy and prestige of college baseball programs. The criteria for selection often include statistical performance, leadership qualities, and impact on team success.
The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) is a prominent organization that selects All-America teams, and their selections are widely respected within the college baseball community. Other organizations, such as Baseball america and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, also contribute to the All-America landscape, providing multiple avenues for recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Baseball Awards
What is an All-American in college baseball?
An All-American is a player recognized as one of the best performers in college baseball for a given season. These players are selected by various organizations and publications based on their performance and impact.
How are All-Americans selected?
All-Americans are selected based on a variety of factors, including statistical performance, leadership, and overall impact on their team.Different organizations may weigh these factors differently.
What is the importance of being named an All-American?
Being named an All-American is a important honor that recognizes a player’s exceptional talent and contribution to their team. It can also enhance their prospects for professional baseball.
what is the American Athletic Conference (AAC)?
The American Athletic Conference (AAC) is a collegiate athletic conference comprising several universities across the United States. It is indeed known for its competitive athletic programs, including baseball.
What is ERA in baseball?
ERA stands for Earned Run Average, a key statistic in baseball that measures the average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings pitched. A lower ERA generally indicates better pitching performance.
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