Canadian college prospects: RHP Blake Gillespie posts strong season amidst draft-eligible year

College pitcher Blake Gillespie has been on a season-long campaign of dominance, and it has gained the attention of scouts. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte hurler has been a force for the 49ers rotation, and he’s put up impressive numbers this season. 

Gillespie is a right-handed pitcher who has strong Canadian ties despite being born in America, as he attended secondary school in Ontario and suited up for the Ontario Nationals before leaving for Clarmont, Georgia. The college prospect committed to Georgia, spending his freshman and sophomore years in the Southeastern Conference, where he struggled to find a rhythm with the Bulldogs his first two years. 

The Michigan product then moved over to Charlotte, where he competed in the American Athletic Conference. His first two seasons in Georgia were not ideal, as he pitched only 19 innings, stripping him of an opportunity to showcase and perform.

The turnaround translated to success for Gillespie 

Life is different for him now in Charlotte, with both sides benefiting from his increased mound time and performance. The right-hander sticks a .600 win-loss percentage with a 7-4 record, and a 2.42 ERA. He amassed 100 1/3 innings with three complete games, two shut-outs, and letting up only 27 earned runs off of 69 hits and 19 walks while striking out 131 batters. 

On March 7th, 2025, Gillespie started against James Madison University, where he made history against their lineup. Gillespie tossed nine complete innings and pitched a no-hitter against JMU, the second time in program history. 

Gillespie grinded for the entire way, allowing nothing but one walk, as he struck out 11 hitters. In just 113 pitches, the right-hander recorded history, both personally and institutionally. 

A no-hitter was not the only accomplishment that Gillespie earned. In 2025, he won the American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year Award. He also won the AAC Newcomer Pitcher of the Year, as well as a Unanimous First Team All-Conference selection.