Gameday Magazine

Hillcats President Named Executive of the Year

In October, it was announced that Lynch- burg Hillcats President Chris Jones was named the 2017 Calvin Falwell Executive of the Year for the Carolina League. “To be awarded the Calvin Falwell Executive of the Year Award and to be recognized by my peers for what we ac- complished in Lynchburg last season is a great honor” said Jones. “I wouldn’t be receiving this award without the tremen- dous work and support from countless groups of people, including our phe- nomenal front office staff, our loyal fans, Elmore Sports Group, and the Lynchburg community. In just his second year guiding the Hillcats, Lynchburg had a successful 2017 season that began long before the championship took place. Jones oversaw the rebranding of the Hillcats, as well as ballpark renovations to City Stadium that included a new playing surface, expanded netting for fan safety, a new VIP seating area behind home plate, an expanded and resurfaced parking lot and the Starr Hill Brewery Draft Room. The new features bumped overall fan attendance, growing over 10 percent from 2016. “2017 was a magical year for us, and it was very fitting that we capped off

the season with a championship,” said Jones. “We aimed incredibly high with our goals and objectives. I’m glad the fans embraced our rebranding and renova- tion efforts of the Hillcats and City Stadi- um. It’s remarkable to see how much we achieved in just one season and we can’t wait to build off of last year’s success to make 2018 an even better year!” Before joining the HIllcats, Jones served as the General manager for the Sugar Land Skeeters from 2013-2015. He worked for the Lake Elsinore Storm for 12 years, including eight as the General Manager. During his time with the Storm, Jones also won an Executive of the Year honor when he was named as the 2008 California League Executive of the Year. Under Jones’ leadership, the Storm were awarded the Bob Freitas Award in 2007, which recognizes long-term excellence in the operation of minor league franches. In 2011, Lake Elsinore earned the Larry MacPhail Award, which is presented annually by Minor League Baseball to recognize the top promotion effort in the minor leagues. Jones has also spent time in roles with the Dallas Cowboys, High Desert Maver- icks, and Staples Center.