University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Patrick Gillen to Wear No. 6 Jersey for 2026 Season to Honor the Legacy of Jeff Fox
02.11.2026 | Baseball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - For the past several years, it has been a tradition within the UNC Asheville Baseball program to pass along the No. 6 jersey in honor of late alum Jeff Fox.
This year, the honor is being passed to senior infielder Patrick Gillen. Gillen is a business major from Jensen Beach, Fla. who found his home in Asheville after transferring from Division III Calvin University.
The No. 6 jersey was worn by Jeff Fox, a former standout Bulldog baseball player who served as a Secret Service member and was charged with protecting American Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush during an eight-year stint at the White House. Fox passed away on March 16, 2021, from the COVID-19 disease. Each year, the program awards the No. 6 to the student-athlete who best exemplifies Jeff's core values - loyalty, determination and dedication. The team's hitting facility beyond the right field wall is also named in his honor.
"Pat Gillen has been awarded the No. 6 jersey this year, the highest honor in our program," said interim head coach Alex Raburn. "His work ethic, commitment and leadership have made a lasting impact on this team, and he represents our program the right way."
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Gillen appeared in 45 games making 43 starts in his first season in Asheville. He slashed .308/.364/.474 with 48 hits including eight doubles and six home runs. He also scored 25 runs and drove in 38 while also drawing 14 walks. During his time in Asheville, Gillen has spent time at both first base and third base.
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"Being able to wear No. 6 this year is an incredible honor," said Gillen. "I'm very grateful to my coaches and teammates for trusting me to represent what this number means in our program. I'm excited for the season and thankful to be part of such a special group."
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The 2026 season opens this Friday (Feb. 13) against St. Bonaventure. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. from Greenwood Field, with live stats available at www.uncabulldogs.com.
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Gillen will be officially recognized as the recipient of the No. 6 jersey prior to first pitch on Friday.
A reminder that admission to all UNC Asheville Baseball games at Greenwood Field is free courtesy of Ingles!
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This year, the honor is being passed to senior infielder Patrick Gillen. Gillen is a business major from Jensen Beach, Fla. who found his home in Asheville after transferring from Division III Calvin University.
The No. 6 jersey was worn by Jeff Fox, a former standout Bulldog baseball player who served as a Secret Service member and was charged with protecting American Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush during an eight-year stint at the White House. Fox passed away on March 16, 2021, from the COVID-19 disease. Each year, the program awards the No. 6 to the student-athlete who best exemplifies Jeff's core values - loyalty, determination and dedication. The team's hitting facility beyond the right field wall is also named in his honor.
"Pat Gillen has been awarded the No. 6 jersey this year, the highest honor in our program," said interim head coach Alex Raburn. "His work ethic, commitment and leadership have made a lasting impact on this team, and he represents our program the right way."
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Gillen appeared in 45 games making 43 starts in his first season in Asheville. He slashed .308/.364/.474 with 48 hits including eight doubles and six home runs. He also scored 25 runs and drove in 38 while also drawing 14 walks. During his time in Asheville, Gillen has spent time at both first base and third base.
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"Being able to wear No. 6 this year is an incredible honor," said Gillen. "I'm very grateful to my coaches and teammates for trusting me to represent what this number means in our program. I'm excited for the season and thankful to be part of such a special group."
Â
The 2026 season opens this Friday (Feb. 13) against St. Bonaventure. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. from Greenwood Field, with live stats available at www.uncabulldogs.com.
Â
Gillen will be officially recognized as the recipient of the No. 6 jersey prior to first pitch on Friday.
A reminder that admission to all UNC Asheville Baseball games at Greenwood Field is free courtesy of Ingles!
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Players Mentioned
INF
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