The Coastal Plain League announced today that Tri-City’s General Manager Rob Perez was voted the 2024 CPL Executive of the Year.

“I’m honored to receive the 2024 CPL Executive of the Year Award,” said Perez. “I went into this season working on ensuring we had fans in the stands to entertain and engage, and plenty of great stuff to make happen, including successfully implementing Cosmic Baseball. I knew the season was going to be challenging and rewarding if we were able to achieve our goals and aspirations, but never did it occur to me that the dedication and hard work of our staff and myself would bring me such an honor. I could not have done this without the Chili Peppers staff and interns. I share this award with them.”

Like many of his counterparts, Perez’ hard work started in the offseason. With Tri-City’s operation continuing to grow and a new concept behind the curtain for the summer, he knew the club needed some dynamite interns to go along with their full-time and game day staff. So Perez set out to increase the team’s recruiting efforts, attending five different university career and internship fairs and develop new relationships with multiple 4-year institutions across the Southeast. In all, the organization received over 1,200 applications, and after 275 interviews, hired 45 aspiring minds that represented 30 different universities from 17 states.

“We had a great group of interns this season,” commented Perez. “I search both nationally and internationally, looking for candidates that can help advance our organization and bring unique talents and experiences that make them stand out at the same time. Together, we’re able to develop an array of positions that allow us to expand on our organization’s vision.”

Under Perez’ leadership, the Chili Peppers continued their efforts in the community as well. Overall, they coordinated 25 different community appearances and hosted different fundraising group outing events with 26 separate organizations. They also developed new partnerships in the area, including the Family & Morale/Welfare/Recreation Programs of Fort Gregg-Adams and the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“This season we had the opportunity to work with the Alzheimer’s Association to raise money towards research, the Rotary Club for their “End Polio Now” campaign, Recover Hope to provide resources to victims of sex trafficking and abuse, Brightpoint Community College to provide funds and donated food to their student food pantry, the John Randolph Foundation to support scholarship funds, and a number of little leagues and military organizations,” Perez added. “The organizations were able to successfully raise over $4,000 through their partnership with the Chili Peppers.”

No doubt the highlight of the season was the launch of something new — Cosmic Baseball. A risky promotion never done before that involved playing baseball with highly reactive neon uniforms and equipment under black lights and a mostly dark stadium had been kicked around internally by owner Chris Martin and Perez and the trigger was pulled in 2024. Collectively, a lot of work went into turning a baseball stadium into something out of the movie Tron.

Making its debut in exhibition play on June 1 to a sold-out crowd, Cosmic Baseball quickly took the country by storm. In all, the Chili Peppers played six different Cosmic games, selling out each one to showcase this new version of baseball to nearly 14,000 fans. But it didn’t stop at the stadium, as the Chili Peppers and Cosmic Baseball was featured on every major news network, show, and podcast across the country. This popularity spurred new fans of the team and led to an increase in attendance, concessions and merchandise. Perez and his staff helped guide the team through these new waters, especially where just for in-stadium merchandise sales alone, Tri-City saw an uptick by 249%.

“In the off-season we knew we had something special being planned,” said Perez. “As we tested samples and showed others so we could get feedback, that special feeling grew because of the awe and shock in their faces as they saw the black light, merchandise, jerseys and bats that could potentially be used during Cosmic Baseball. After successfully putting on the first game in June, the cosmic concept caught on and interest and intrigue spread like wildfire.”

A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Perez understands the highs and lows that baseball can bring. But he always brings an optimistic attitude with him, a strong work ethic and a core passion for helping others pursue their dreams. It is that passion that has shined through him since joining the Chili Peppers early in 2022 and a big reason for his being recognized with this honor.

“The first time I met Rob in 2022, he was an intern for the Peppers and we knew he would be perfect for our organization,” remembers Chili Peppers co-owner Chris Martin. “His work ethic is unmatched and his selfless dedication when leading his staff is what the Peppers are all about. Not only is he a big reason for the Peppers CPL 2024 season success, but also a key reason Cosmic Baseball went International the way it did. Though this is a big milestone for Rob, I believe this is just the beginning. He will do so many great things in sports Management and I look forward to watching him thrive.”

About Coastal Plain League:
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s premier summer collegiate baseball league. The CPL is currently comprised of 15 franchises playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. To date, the CPL has had over 1,800 alumni drafted, and 194 alums make their Major League debut. Most notable alumni include Justin Verlander, Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Reynolds, Kevin Youkilis, Chris Taylor, Alec Bohm, Jake Cave, Chas McCormick and NFL Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @CPLBaseball.

About Capitol Broadcasting Company:
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, WRAL Digital and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality and Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; Greenville Yard Gnomes in Greenville, NC, the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.