2023 Game Day Magazine

LEARN ABOUT OUR STADIUM

VIEW OUR HOME SCHEDULE

MEET THE TEAM

SEE HOW WE'RE CONNECTING WITH YOU

T A B L E O F T A B L E O F

PLAN YOUR SUMMER NIGHTS

BEST FOOD IN THE CPL

GET TO KNOW OUR PLAYERS C O N T E N T S C O N T E N T S

MEET OUR founder MEET OUR founder

Dear Chili Peppers fans, as the Owner and Founder of the Tri-City Chili Peppers, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for all of your support. When we first joined the Coastal Plains League, there was no question that the Tri-Cities region would be our Home. And with the incredible support from the City of Colonial Heights and the fans from all over we entertained nearly 30,000 fans in 2022.

We are more than just a baseball team, we are a family. And as a family, we are committed to putting on the best show possible for our community. We take pride in being a part of this great region and we are committed to giving back in every way possible.

Thank you for your continued support and we can't wait to see you all at the ballgame.

Sincerely,

Chris Martin Owner and Founder, Tri-City Chili Peppers

Chris Martin Chris Martin

Front Office Front Office

dj jon

Sound of the Chili Peppers

Blaze

ward-Winning Smile of the Chili Peppers

James Bierlein

Head Coach

Bierlein has been coaching since he stopped playing professionally at the end of 2014. He has coached at the youth level, as well as trained high school, college and professional players, helping them to improve their game and achieve their dreams in the game of baseball.

Voice of the Chili Peppers

Host Family Coordinator

Brent Ellenburg

Director of Operations & Account Executive for Group Outings

Rob Perez

Jason Dean

MEET OUR MASCOTs MEET OUR MASCOTs

Blaze HOLLY

Red Hot Chili Pepper & Tri-City Chili Peppers Mascot

Green Chili Pepper & Tri-City Chili Peppers Mascot

Birthday: April 17th, 2020

Hometown: Colonial Heights, VA

Origin: East-Central Mexico

Scientific Kingdom: Plantae

Best Known For: Bringing the heat, flavor, adding spice in any dish, & the occasional RBI.

Scoville Heat Units (SHU): Hot Rate

Between 15 - 16,000,000

Birthday: December 25th, 2021

Hometown: Colonial Heights, VA

Origin: East-Central Mexico

Scientific Kingdom: Plantae

Best Known For: Adding that extra kick, deep flavor, and creating the highest quality food in the CPL.

Scoville Heat Units (SHU): Hot Rate

Between 2,500 - 8,000

First Baseline First Baseline

shepherd stadium shepherd stadium

In the early 1930s, what is now known as Shepherd Stadium was once an empty diamond field where the local farm boys played pick-up games and named it “The Ballpark”. Baseball was the main attraction for this park, but it also hosted events such as carnivals and circuses. In 1948 shortly after World War II, renovations were done to create a proper destination for teams to play. The facility's name was dedicated after the former Mayor, Fred R. Shepherd in 1951. Before the most recent renovation from 20132018, Shepherd Stadium was home to many teams including the Chesterfield Baseball League, Colonial Heights-Petersburg Generals, Richmond Colts, and the Colonial Heights, Colonial’s High School Baseball team. In 2001, part of John Grisham’s film “Mickey” was filmed at Shepherd Stadium on Memorial Day Weekend. Shepard Stadium is now the home for the Tri-Cities Tourneys and Tri-City Chili Peppers since 2020.

general information general information

FIRST BASELINE FIRST BASELINE

BREEZEWAY BREEZEWAY

THIRD BASELINE THIRD BASELINE

Chili Pepper's Roster - Page

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NAME #36 BLAZE THE PEPPER #44

ALEX MARKUS #45

ETHAN HAMILL #46

BLAZE THE PEPPER #47

BLAZE THE PEPPER #48

BLAZE THE PEPPER #49

BLAZE THE PEPPER

YEAR

VIRGINIA TECH

SOPHOMORE FRESHMAN FRESHMAN FRESHMAN FRESHMAN

Hosting a Chili Pepper Player always has a lasting impact on both the player and the host family. Throughout the summer, the bond that is made between host families and players will continue long after the season is over. Often, families celebrate the baseball successes of their “adopted sons” throughout their careers. In 2019 alone, 92 CPL host families were able to celebrate the drafting of their players into the First-Year Player MLB Draft!

Aside from a lifetime of memories, Chili Pepper host families will receive great perks including tickets, access to private events, and on-field recognition during our Fan Appreciation Night. For the past two seasons, our host families have had the privilege of experiencing a truly life-changing bond with their "adopted" players. This unique connection has brought immeasurable joy and enrichment to the lives of our host families and players alike.

If you’re interested in making the commitment to host one or more players during this season or beyond, contact Brent Ellenburg.

COASTAL PLAIN LEAGUE COASTAL PLAIN LEAGUE

The original Coastal Plain League competed from 1937 to 1941, and then, like most of baseball’s other minor leagues, suspended operations due to World War II. It would later return in 1946 and continue to operate through 1952. During that time, the original CPL was a Class D league that featured teams in Ayden, Edenton, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Greenville, Kinston, New Bern, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Snow Hill, Tarboro, Williamston, and Wilson. Many big names have come through the ballparks that were and still are in the Coastal Plain League, including Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Cal Ripken, Sr.

The new and revived Coastal Plain League is a collegiate summer league, featuring topnotched college players from across the nation. The CPL returned in 1997 to fill a void in summer baseball. While there were many summer leagues in operation at the time, there wasn’t really one located in the Southeastern United States.

Having just completed its 26th season in 2022, the CPL currently features 13 teams across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Many of the CPL teams play in former minor league stadiums and cities, as well as in newly constructed stadiums that meet Class A standards. Teams in the CPL play in front of large crowds of passionate fans throughout the summer months – as league attendance has averaged above 500,000 fans over the last six seasons!

The Coastal Plain League has seen nearly 1,750 alumni drafted by Major League teams. Some of our most notable alumni include former AL MVP, Cy Young winner and 2017 World Series champion Justin Verlander, Ryan Zimmerman (Mr. National), Mark Reynolds, Kevin Youkilis, Alec Bohm, Nicky Lopez, Jake Cave and NFL Super Bowl XLVIII champion quarterback Russell Wilson.

The Coastal Plain League, and FloSports, a leader in sports streaming and original content, are teaming up for a global broadcast partnership that will make FloBaseball the new exclusive home for CPLBaseball.tv. Starting with the 2023 season, FloBaseball is proud to continue as the presenting sponsor of the CPL, streaming over 400 games annually to fans around the world, bringing them closer to the action than ever before.

Fans will have access to watch every CPL regular-season, exhibition, and playoff game on FloBaseball. FloSports will also provide fans with original content, interviews and analysis all season long.

Fans everywhere are raving about FloBaseball, the ultimate destination for baseball lovers around the globe. With its unparalleled coverage of the CPL and other toptier baseball events, FloBaseball is the go-to source for fans seeking a thrilling, immersive viewing experience.

To access live and on-demand coverage of the CPL fans can visit FloBaseball.tv to become a $29.99 monthly (cancel anytime) or $149.99 annual PRO subscriber. FloBaseball subscribers also receive complete access to the entire network of FloSports verticals ranging from motorsports, cycling, wrestling, football, baseball, softball, grappling and more. Watch the live events across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

MESSAGE FROM the MAYOR MESSAGE FROM the MAYOR

Greg Kochuba Greg Kochuba

Mayor, City of Colonial Heights

The City continues to renovate our beloved Shepard Stadium, which is rich in our community's history and tradition. We are excited that the Stadium is home to such a high-caliber baseball team and that surrounding localities can gather here to enjoy and support, with pride, our hometown team…the Tri-City Chili Peppers!

This season the Chili Peppers are focusing on working with businesses, organizations, churches, youth groups, and teams to coordinate a group outing to a Chili Peppers game. Taking in an experience at Shepherd Stadium is an excellent way for a business to host a staff appreciation event, use it as a networking experience to invite potential business partners, or connect with their customers and clients differently. For churches and organizations, it's an excellent way for members to develop and renew relationships and connect with the community.

Shepherd Stadium has a long history of baseball tradition, dating back to the 1930s. We hope you relax and enjoy the warm hometown atmosphere, the endless food, and the ice-cold drinks while cheering on the Chili Peppers!

Greg Kochuba Mayor, City of Colonial Heights

community partnerships community partnerships

Who are we:

Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. is a full-service plumbing and HVAC company dedicated to handling your home and commercial service needs. From furnace and AC maintenance to whole-home repiping and water heater installation, we focus on providing tailored solutions to meet your unique needs.

Why us:

Don’t waste time and energy working with two different sets of contractors when building a new property. We provide complete plumbing, heating, and cooling services for new constructions so you get one convenient point of contact for all of our project needs.

Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc.

114 Charlotte Ave Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Phone: (804) 352-2885

www.colonialplumbing.com

Community Partnerships Community Partnerships

Who are we: Incredible HVAC is comprised of HVAC and Heating services tailored to the needs of our customers. Incredible HVAC offer a wide range of services to choose from . Whether AC repair and installation or heating repair and installation we focus on getting you incredible service at an incredible price

Why us: Incredible HVAC has contractors with 20 years of expertise in the industry. We work tirelessly 24 hours a day 7 days a week to provide our customer top notch service at the drop of a hat. We offer free estimates so don't wait call today.

Incredible HVAC 352 Boulevard Suite F Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Phone: (804) 575-3403

Mobile Phone:(804)805-2181

www.incrediblehvac.com

community partnerships community partnerships

Who are we:

The Dunlop house is a senior community built on enriching the lives of everyone around us. We specialize in memory care and pride ourselves on the relationships our staff builds with our residents. In our community you will find lots of activities like exercise classes, educational programs, art classes and so much more.

Why us:

The Dunlop House has deep ties with Colonial Heights and the community around them. The staff truly love building connections with the residents and treat them like family.When you are at the Dunlop House you really are in great hands.

Dunlop House

235 Dunlop Farms Blvd, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Phone: (804) 520-0050

www.dunlophouse.com

community partnerships community partnerships

Who are we: Keyrenter Property Management provides leasing and full service property management. We pride ourselves on our top tier knowledge of the industry. KeyRenter is a hands off process that will turn your house into a revenue source. Positive ROI is the name of the game and KeyRenter is here to make sure you get there.

Why us: KeyRenters makes leasing and property simple. Our property management team takes all the work out of owning rental properties. Our team is full of experts who can provide expert advice and are prepared for whatever scenario is thrown at them.

KeyRenter Property Management

6714 Patterson Ave, Suite 101, Richmond,VA,23236

Phone: (804) 299-5100

keyrenterrichmond.com

player spotlights player spotlights

#1 Tahraun Hammond

Hometown: Tappahannock, VA

University: Virginia State

Favorite Hobbies: Fishing & Hunting

Interesting Fact: "I am a barber."

Favorite Pre-Game/Post-Game Meal: Wawa Panini

College Major: Health Science

#18 Zack Potts

Hometown: Oilville, VA

University: Lynchburg

Intersting Fact: "I did my own tattoos."

Short Stop RHP

Potential NIL deals you'd be interested in? "Clothing companies and businesses geared towards helping athletes

Biggest Fear: Cute girls

#30 Avery Neaves

Hometown: Reston, VA

University: Lynchburg

Secret Talent: "My golf drive goes farther to the right than it does straight."

Nickname: Ollie

Game Day Song: Dior

#26 Cole Bramhall

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

University: Lenior-Rhyne

OutField/1st base RHP

Favorite Free Time Activity: Golfing

Walk-Up Song: Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)

Advice for HS Baseball Players: "College baseball is the most fun you’ll have playing baseball. Try to enjoy every second of it."

player spotlights player spotlights

#22 Marcus Van Alstine

Hometown:Mechanicsville,VA

University: VMI

Favorite Hobbies: Golfing

rHP

Interesting Fact: I graduated high school with a college degree

Favorite Pre-Game/Post-Game Meal: Chick Fil a College Major: International Studies

#38 Caleb Grizzard

Hometown: Chesterfield, VA

University: Roanoake

Go To Gameday Song "Walk by Kodak Black"

Pre Game Ritual "Drink Monster and listen to my music"

Biggest Fear: Heights

#7 Danny Estrada

Hometown: West Lawn, PA

University: Frostburg State

Interesting fact: I Can Juggle

What is your walkup song: Self Care by Mac Miller

Secret Talent : Math

#25 Wyatt Stanley

Hometown: Beaverdam, VA

University: Randolph Macon

LHP OF Pitcher

Favorite Free Time Activity: Hunting or Fishing

Interesting Fact: I use a lefty flashilight

Advice for HS Baseball Players: "Conistently work hard"

N I G H T

AVAILABLE IN 5 & 10 GAME PLAN

AVAILABLE IN 5 & 10 GAME PLAN

JULY JULY "bnb is back"

-Beach lovers everywhere

GUESS THE PEPPE

WHAT IS THE NAME

EN WERE THE ILI PEPPERS OFFICALLY TABLISHED?

WHAT TYPE PEPPER IS HO

WHAT ANIMAL IS SHARING THE ROFILE PICTURE OF OUR PA ON THE FRONT OFFICE PAGE?

HAT SPECIAL APPAREL OUR PLAYER WEAR ON EACH N' BASEBALL?

FOLLOW ALONG IN THE STANDS FOLLOW ALONG IN THE STANDS

CHILI! CHILI! PEPPERS! PEPPERS!

PBR! PBR! PBR! PBR! PBR! PBR! SWEET! SWEET! FROG! FROG!

FOLLOW ALONG ON OUR SOCIALS FOLLOW ALONG ON OUR SOCIALS

gochilipeppers

GoChiliPeppers

gochilipeppers

tricitychilipeppers

72 SOUTHGATE SQUARE, COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA

When the Chili Peppers heat things up, we are here to cool things down

BLAZE'S KITCHEN BLAZE'S KITCHEN