2018:
Followed up his impressive 2017 season with another year full of power numbers...appeared and started all 44 games for the Oaks, and hit an identical .290 on the year...added 10 more home runs and 34 runs batted in, both leading the Menlo lineup...finished with an OPS of .970...his 25 home runs are third most in program history.
2017:
In his first season at Menlo, started all 54 games on the schedule...a force in the middle of the order, hit .290 with 15 home runs and 49 runs batted in, finishing near the top of the conference in both categories...added 13 doubles and a top mark with 5 triples...scored 54 times and drew 40 walks...showing his speed on the bases, added nine stolen bases...earned All-GSAC honors.
Previous Experience:
Attended Scotts Valley High School where he was a three-year letterwinner for head coach Rick Erlin. Batted .442 with 12 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 25 RBI and 27 stolen bases as a senior, and was named all-league.Named Defensive Player of the Year after his senior season and was also selected Hitter of the Year. Named league most valuable player and hitter of the year as a junior after batting .400 with 12 doubles, six triples, three home runs, 25 RBI and 15 stolen bases as a junior. As a sophomore, Gillette hit .400 with 10 doubles, six triples, one home run, 24 RBI and 10 stolen bases and was named all-league and hitter of the year. Selected in the 23rd round of the 2014 MLB First-Year Player Draft by St. Louis but did not sign. Attended Oregon State for the past two seasons. In 2015, Gillette played in 34 games, starting 23, and batted .283 with two doubles, three triples, two home runs and 11 RBI. In 2016, Gillette played in 17 games, making 10 starts. Batted .087 with one double and three RBI.
Thoughts from Coach:
"Joe will be able to step right in and make huge contributions to our program. He will have a chance to hit a ton and is one of those guys that can play pretty much any position on the field. His versatility and potential with the bat is exciting to say the least. More than anything, I'm very excited to add him as a person. He's a true professional in how he conducts himself both on and off the field."
