Q&A with new COO Chris Phillips
The following is a transcription of a Q&A with the Aces new chief operating officer Chris Phillips, conducted by Aces communications manager Kevin Bass. KB: First off, can you introduce yourself? Give us your name where you're from and what brought you here? CP: My name is Chris Phillips. I'm
The following is a transcription of a Q&A with the Aces new chief operating officer Chris Phillips, conducted by Aces communications manager Kevin Bass.
KB: First off, can you introduce yourself? Give us your name where you're from and what brought you here?
CP: My name is Chris Phillips. I'm the new chief operating officer for the Reno Aces. This will be my 21st year in minor league baseball, most recently coming from Colorado Springs running the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox and Single-A Rocky Mountain Vibes team.
KB: So what got you into baseball? Were you a player, or just a fan growing up? Let's just talk about talking about your origins in baseball.
CP: Originally grew up on the east coast, in New Jersey. My father was super influential in getting me involved in the game. Played little league, obviously all growing up, play through high school, had the kind of notoriety of having Tommy John as my little league coach after he had just retired from the Yankees. We lived in Cresskill, kind of a quiet suburb town in New Jersey, and his son, Tommy Jr. and I were the same age and wound up on the same little league team and got the opportunity to learn from one of the greats.
KB: What was he like as a coach?
CP: He’s great. I mean, we still keep in touch. He's been my hot stove keynote speaker a number of times for a number of different teams. I think he's got 298 wins over the course of his career, but couldn't be a nicer guy.
KB: Did you realize when you were when you were playing for him..
CP: I had no idea. My dad, you know, and all the other little league fathers were over the moon about having a guy of that caliber, helping to coach the Little League team. But you know, I don't think at that point, we realized the significance of it.
KB: That's awesome. So, shifting gears a little bit, what about Reno and the Aces was appealing and what brought you out here?
CP: You know, again, I’ve had a long career in Minor League Baseball was in the Pacific Coast League for 10 years with the Sky Sox, and got to know the league really well. Obviously, things have changed a little bit, but I got to know a lot of the personnel around the league, including Eric and some of the leadership here, and always had a great amount of respect for the organization. I had come out to Reno only once in 2013 when the Aces hosted the PCL All Star game. And I remember being on an excursion with all the executives out to Tahoe, and an amazing time and didn't really get to experience much of the city on that trip. But after reconnecting with Eric and seeing this opportunity out here, and then coming out for more of a formal visit as part of the interview process, and really getting to get a feel for the city and some of the different neighborhoods. And just the amount of growth that seems to be happening here was really exciting, and intriguing. And as we continue to invest into the ballpark and invest in the real estate around the area, I think there's a ton of upside and opportunity to really take this to the next level.
KB: So what have been some of your first impressions and first takeaways from living out here in Northern Nevada?
CP: It's great. I mean, it's very similar to Colorado Springs, you know, it's a similar sized city, same kind of high desert climate, weather, you know, sunshine all the time, obviously, you have Tahoe here, which is incredible. And that was kind of the deal sealer after coming out for the interview process. But staff has been amazing to work with and really get to know and get a feel for who our partners are, and what some of the history behind the team is. And it's been exciting. Everyone's been very welcoming, and just ready to get the season rolling. I think we're at 82 days from opening day right now. Well, hopefully a return to a bit of normalcy. You know, I think everybody was excited to get back to baseball and 2021 although there were still some challenges and differences as the season was starting and being at limited capacities. And, you know, I think as we're planning for a new year, I just had a call with the D-backs, they're a great partner affiliate for us to be able to work with. Coming into this and an organization that's already very well run and very well respected. And just seeing opportunities to kind of take things to that next level and really grow the fan experience side of the games, making sure that people are coming in here and walking away with real memories that they can take home with their families, and just elevating that for everybody is something that I'm really focused on.
Lawlar Named Pacific Coast League Player of the Month for April
RENO, Nev. – Following a scorching hot month at the plate, Reno Aces infielder Jordan Lawlar was named Pacific Coast Player of the Month for the month of April by Minor League Baseball on Monday. Lawlar, the top prospect in the Diamondbacks organization, hit .408/.487/.749 and led the PCL in
Reno Aces Announce Promotional Schedule for May
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces announced the club's May promotional schedule today for all 12 home games during the 2025 season's second full month. Individual Game tickets are currently on sale via RenoAces.com, or by texting "TIXX" to 21003. Special Events Dog Day presented by Sit Means Sit, NBC
Aces Drop Series Opener in Blowout Loss to Aviators
Reno Aces (18-16) 0, Las Vegas Aviators (24-10) 15 W: J. Estes (2-0) L: C. Kelly (0-1) First pitch: 11:05 a.m. PST | Attendance: 5,509 | Time: 2:49 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs Las Vegas, 5/7/25 at 6:05 p.m. PST
Reno Returns to Greater Nevada Field for Silver State Showdown vs. Las Vegas
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (18–15) return to Greater Nevada Field this week to host a crucial six-game series against their Silver State rivals, the Las Vegas Aviators (23–10), the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Riding the momentum of eight wins in their last 10 games, the Aces
Aces Power Past River Cats, Take Four of Six in Sacramento
Sacramento, Calif. – The Reno Aces (18–15) defeated the Sacramento River Cats (16–17), the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, in a six-game series this past week at Sutter Health Park. The BLC-Nine took home four wins from Sacramento and have moved into third place in the Pacific Coast
Aces Drop Series Finale in Walk-Off Fashion to River Cats
Reno Aces (18-15) 2, Sacramento River Cats (16-17) 3 W: M. Diaz (1-1) L: K. Backhus (1-1) First pitch: 1:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 5,621 | Time: 2:11 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs Las Vegas, 5/6/25 at 11:05 a.m. PST
Reno's Bullpen Holds Down the River Cats Offense in 5-1 Victory
Reno Aces (18-14) 5, Sacramento River Cats (15-17) 1 W: C. Gomez (1-0) L: C. Seymour (1-3) First pitch: 6:38 p.m. PST | Attendance: 11,611 | Time: 2:24 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 5/4/25 at 1:05 p.m. PST (RNO)
Aces Fall 3-2 to River Cats, Drop Seven-Game Winning Streak
Reno Aces (17-14) 2, Sacramento River Cats (15-16) 3 W: T. McDonald (2-1) L: Y. Diaz (0-2) S: K. Teng (1) First pitch: 6:49 p.m. PST | Attendance: 5,454 | Time: 2:17 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 5/3/25 at
Amendt Shuts the Door on Sacramento in Extras, Reno Extends Winning Streak to Seven Games
Reno Aces (17-13) 3, Sacramento River Cats (14-16) 2 W: C. Montes De Oca (1-0) L: A. Jimenez (1-2) S: K. Amendt (1) First pitch: 6:47 p.m. PST | Attendance: 2,799 | Time: 2:23 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento,
Aces Extend Winning Streak to Six Games, Pummel River Cats 16-6
Reno Aces (16-13) 16, Sacramento River Cats (14-15) 6 W: J. Brigham (4-1) L: J. Garza (1-2) First pitch: 6:48 p.m. PST | Attendance: 2,783 | Time: 3:05 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 5/1/25 at 6:45 p.m. PST (RNO)
Mancini’s Grand Slam, Mena’s Dominance Fuel 7-3 Victory in Series Opener vs. Sacramento
Reno Aces (15-13) 7, Sacramento River Cats (14-14) 3 W: C. Mena (2-3) L: M. Black (0-2) First pitch: 12:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 3,568 | Time: 2:45 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 4/30/25 at 6:45 p.m. PST (RNO)
Aces Take Four-Game Winning Streak into Road Trip at Sacramento
RENO, Nev. – Following a two-week homestand, the Reno Aces (14-13) will hit the road and travel to Sacramento to take on the River Cats (14-13), the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The six-game series kicks off on Tuesday, April 29, with first pitch scheduled for 12:05 p.m.
Aces Win Four Straight to Seal Series Victory Over Albuquerque
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (14-13) took down the Albuquerque Isotopes (11-16), the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, winning four of six games this past week at Greater Nevada Field. The Isotopes opened the series with back-to-back wins, but the Aces stormed back with four straight victories to
Henry Shines, Aces Put Away Isotopes 8-2 in Series Finale
Reno Aces (14-13) 8, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-16) 2 W: T. Rashi (2-1) L: R. Rolison (2-1) First pitch: 1:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,196 | Time: 2:38 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 4/9/25 at 12:05 p.m. PST (RNO) TBD
Alexander Goes Yard Twice, Aces Cruise Past Isotopes 11-1
Reno Aces (13-13) 11, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-14) 1 W: J. Mantiply (1-0) L: J. O’Loughlin (1-2) First pitch: 4:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,040 | Time: 2:29 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/27/25 at 1:05 p.m. PST (ABQ) LHP
Vukovich’s Two-Homer, Six-RBI Night Powers Reno to 17-11 Win vs. Albuquerque
Reno Aces (12-13) 17, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-14) 11 W: B. Corcoran (2-3) L: A. Quezada (0-1) First pitch: 6:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 5,146 | Time: 3:03 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/26/25 at 4:05 p.m. PST (ABQ) RHP
Mancini’s Late-Inning Knock Lifts Silver Sox Over Isotopes in 8-7 Win
Reno Silver Sox (11-13) 8, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-13) 7 W: S. McGough (1-0) L: J. Yan (1-3) First pitch: 11:06 a.m. PST | Attendance: 4,414 | Time: 3:13 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/25/25 at 6:05 p.m. PST (ABQ)
Reno Outclassed by Albuquerque in 18-3 Loss
Reno Aces (10-13) 3, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-12) 18 W: T. Gordon (1-1) L: C. Mena (1-3) First pitch: 6:08 p.m. PST | Attendance: 2,467 | Time: 2:54 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/24/25 at 11:05 a.m. PST (ABQ) LHP
Reno Drops Series Opener in 6-4 Loss to Albuquerque
Reno Aces (10-12) 4, Albuquerque Isotopes (10-12) 6 W: D. Darnell (2-0) L: T. Henry (0-4) S: D. Castillo (1) First pitch: 6:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 2,302 | Time: 2:51 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/23/25 at 6:05
Aces Welcome Isotopes for Six-Game Set at Greater Nevada Field
RNO, Nev. – After dropping four of six to the Round Rock Express, the Reno Aces (10–11) will now host the Albuquerque Isotopes—the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies—for the second half of a 12-game homestand at Greater Nevada Field. The six-game series is set to begin on Tuesday, April
Aces Drop Six-Game Homestand to Round Rock Despite Monster Week from Lawlar
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (10-11) dropped their six-game homestand to the Round Rock Express (11-10), the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, this week at Greater Nevada Field. The Express took four out of six matchups from the Aces. Reno opened the series with a bang in Tuesday’s
Reno Drops Series Finale vs. Round Rock in Extra-Inning Battle
Reno Aces (10-11) 8, Round Rock Express (11-10) 9 W: M. Plassmeyer (1-0) L: T. Rashi (1-1) First pitch: 1:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,004 | Time: 3:35 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/22/25 at 6:05 p.m. PST (ABQ)
Third-Inning Eruption Propels Aces Past Express in 11-3 Win
Reno Aces (10-9) 11, Round Rock Express (9-10) 3 W: J. Brigham (3-1) L: G. Garabito (0-2) First pitch: 6:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4.314 | Time: 3:01 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Round Rock, 4/19/25 at 4:05 p.m. (PST)
Greater Nevada Field Set to Host Three Vitalant Blood Drives This Season
RENO, Nev. – Throughout the 2025 season, the Reno Aces and Vitalant will host three blood drives at Greater Nevada Field beginning on Tuesday, April 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be two additional days of blood drives at the ballpark on August 19-20 before the Aces’
Reno Aces Announce Jersey Set for 2025 Season
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces have announced their jersey lineup for the 2025 season featuring a new off-white (sail) uniform set to serve as the team’s primary home jersey. The new navy and red jerseys are available for purchase in the team store now while the sail jerseys are