Conor Gillaspie, a left-handed third baseman, began his professional baseball journey when he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Born on July 18, 1987, in Omaha, Nebraska, Gillaspie honed his skills at Wichita State University, where he played college baseball and gained attention for his batting prowess and defensive capabilities.
Gillaspie's major league debut came shortly after being drafted, as he was called up by the Giants in September 2008. Although his initial stint in the majors was brief, it marked the beginning of his career in the big leagues. Over the next few years, he spent time bouncing between the Giants and their minor league affiliates, working to establish himself as a regular in the lineup.
In 2012, Gillaspie was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he found more consistent playing time. During his tenure with the White Sox, he became known for his solid hitting and reliable defense at third base. The 2013 season was particularly productive for Gillaspie, as he played in 134 games and posted a .245 batting average with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs. His performance helped solidify his role as a regular starter for the team.
Gillaspie's time with the White Sox continued until 2015, when he was designated for assignment and subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Angels. His stint with the Angels was short-lived, and he returned to the Giants in 2016 after signing a minor league contract. This reunion with San Francisco proved to be a memorable chapter in his career.
One of the highlights of Gillaspie's career came during the 2016 postseason. In the National League Wild Card Game against the New York Mets, he hit a dramatic three-run homer in the ninth inning off Mets closer Jeurys Familia, propelling the Giants to a 3-0 victory. This clutch performance earned him a place in the hearts of Giants fans and underscored his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Gillaspie continued to play for the Giants in 2017, though his playing time was limited due to injuries and competition for the third base position. After the 2017 season, he became a free agent and did not return to Major League Baseball.
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