Public figures in political commentary often draw interest regarding their personal lives. For political analyst and former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, interest frequently turns to her life away from the camera. At the center of her family life is her husband, Sean Gilmartin, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who built a professional athletic career before transitioning into private life and supporting his wife’s broadcast career.
Understanding Sean Gilmartin involves looking at his background as a high-level collegiate athlete, his journey through professional sports, his family dynamics, and his shared values with his high-profile spouse.
Who Is Sean Gilmartin?
Sean Patrick Gilmartin was born on May 8, 1990, in Thousand Oaks, California. Raised in a sports-oriented environment, he demonstrated exceptional athletic ability early on, particularly in baseball. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, the left-handed pitcher quickly drew attention from college recruiters and professional scouts for his pitching velocity, control, and mound presence.
Quick Profile Details
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Sean Patrick Gilmartin |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Thousand Oaks, California |
| Profession | Former Professional Baseball Pitcher (MLB) |
| College | Florida State University |
| MLB Draft | 2011 (1st Round, 28th overall pick by Atlanta Braves) |
| Spouse | Kayleigh McEnany (Married November 18, 2017) |
| Children | 3 (Blake Avery, Nash, and third child) |
Collegiate Success and MLB Career
Before entering professional sports, Gilmartin attended Florida State University (FSU), where he played collegiate baseball for the Florida State Seminoles. During his time at FSU, he established himself as one of the premier college pitchers in the country, earning All-American honors and setting strong records in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
His performance at Florida State paved the way for the 2011 MLB Draft, where the Atlanta Braves selected him in the first round as the 28th overall pick.
Professional Baseball History
Gilmartin spent several years developing in the minor leagues before making his Major League debut. Over his professional career, he pitched for several prominent organizations:
- Atlanta Braves (2011–2013): Drafted in the first round, spending his initial professional seasons within the organization’s farm system.
- Minnesota Twins (2013–2014): Acquired via trade, continuing his minor league development.
- New York Mets (2015–2017): Selected in the Rule 5 draft, Gilmartin made his MLB debut with the Mets in April 2015. He served primarily as a relief pitcher and contributed to the team’s run to the 2015 World Series.
- Baltimore Orioles (2018–2019): Signed to bolster bullpen depth, pitching in both Major League and Triple-A games.
- Tampa Bay Rays (2020): Appeared for his home-state team during the shortened 2020 MLB season.
After his stint with Tampa Bay, Gilmartin stepped back from full-time professional baseball, shifting his primary focus toward family and private business pursuits.
Relationship with Kayleigh McEnany
Sean Gilmartin and Kayleigh McEnany first met in 2015 through mutual acquaintances. At the time, Gilmartin was actively pitching in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets, while McEnany was building her reputation as a political commentator and media contributor.
Marriage and Wedding Details
After dating for two years, the couple married on November 18, 2017. Their wedding took place in Florida, attended by close family, friends, and colleagues from both the athletic and political sectors.
Throughout McEnany’s tenure in high-profile media roles and her time as White House Press Secretary in 2020, Gilmartin maintained a supportive role while remaining relatively private regarding public political commentary. While interviewed during his playing career, he noted that he preferred to focus on his athletic duties on the field while standing firmly behind his wife’s public career choices.
Family Life and Children
Family plays a central role in the lives of both Gilmartin and McEnany. They frequently credit their faith and shared values as the foundational elements of their marriage.
The couple has three children:
- Blake Avery Gilmartin: Born in November 2019, their first child arrived just months before McEnany assumed her post in the White House briefing room.
- Nash Gilmartin: Born in December 2022, expanding their family during McEnany’s transition to full-time television broadcasting.
- Third Child: The couple announced the expectation of their third child, expanding their household further.
The family maintains strong ties to Florida, where both have spent significant portions of their personal and professional lives.
Life After Professional Baseball
Since transitioning away from professional athletics, Gilmartin leads a lower-profile lifestyle compared to his wife’s daily presence on national news networks. Outside of family responsibilities, he enjoys outdoor activities including fishing and hunting.
While McEnany remains a prominent figure in political media and television broadcasting, Gilmartin focuses on family management, business investments, and supporting their growing household.
