26
Jun, 2026
Today, we celebrate and honor the life of Roy Gillespie on what would have been his 98th birthday.
Gillespie was instrumental to PONY Baseball and Softball, serving as Commissioner from 1964 to 1980 and President from 1980 to 1995.
He was born in Springfield, Illinois and attended Bradley University. Before working for PONY, Gillespie was a writer and editor for the Illinois State Register while volunteering with youth baseball organizations.
His daughter, Karen (Gillespie) Reese served as PONY's Director of Softball Operations from November 1990 until her retirement in December 2025.
Gillespie was an active member of the Washington, PA community. In addition to his work with PONY, he worked with the Washington County Community Foundation, the Washington Rotary Club, Try‐Again Homes, Neighborhood Drug Awareness Council, Elks Lodge 776, Washington American Legion Post 945, and the Knights of Columbus.
He was also awarded the United States Baseball Federation’s Dutch Fehring Award in 1984. The Washington Rotary Club has a community service award in his honor.
Gillespie passed away in 2002, but his legacy plays on in PONY players around the world.