Staff

Chili Peppers staff

Jason Dean

Voice of the Tri-City Chili Peppers

jason@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(804) 499-3104

Jason has always been an enthusiastic fan of all sports. Despite his love for baseball, he realized at an early age he was TERRIBLE at playing it, so he focused on soccer, surfing and snowboarding where he is slightly less terrible. Jason discovered his love for PA and entertaining solely by accident one day by agreeing to announce at a local little league game because no one else wanted to do it. He found out that it brought joy to the fans and players and from there it has been all about fun and creating great experiences for people. A passion had been born!

Jason in his free time has no free time. He has 2 sons that play high level travel baseball and school baseball in Dinwiddie, VA and 1 daughter that gets what ever she wants at all times. He and his wife, Kelly, stay on the move and embrace their controlled chaos.

Rob Perez

General Manager

rob@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(480) 487-7514

Rob joined the Chili Peppers in 2022 after working in entertainment talent management and higher education. During his time with the team, Rob has worked with operations, merchandise, staff recruitment and hiring, community appearances, ticketing, and sponsorships. As General Manager, Rob works with the talented staff on day to day tasks and oversees the organization’s professional and intern staff hiring.

First Season with Peppers: 2022
Hometown: La Porte, IN
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Ryne Sandberg & Andre Dawson
Walk-Up Song: Iron Man by Black Sabbath

Alex Purgason

Senior Sales Manager & Account Executive

alex@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(804) 368-5273

Alex officially joined the Chili Peppers in 2024 as a Senior Sales Manager and Account Executive. He previously worked as a Chili Pepper Sales Intern and in ticket sales for the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings. Alex now oversees group outings and membership plans, delivering top-notch experiences for clients and driving success for the Chili Peppers organization. He is an alumnus of the University of Mary Washington.

First Season with Peppers: 2023
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Peyton Manning
Walk-Up Song: When I’m Gone – 3 Doors Down

JJ Gwaltney

Director of Operations

jj@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(804) 212-6924

J.J. joined the Peppers in 2022 as a part time ABC Manager/ Bartender and was hired as the Director of Operations following the 24’ season. After earning his degree from Hampden-Sydney College, he built a diverse career spanning banking, auditing, and craft beer production before making it official with the Peppers.

First Season with Peppers: 2022
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Chipper Jones
Walk-Up Song: Snooze Freestyle – Fabolous

Matt Bowman

Director of Marketing & Content Creation

bowman@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(630) 415-9594

Matt Bowman started with the Chili Peppers prior to the start of the 2024 season, and soon after worked as a marketing lead during the inaugural season of Cosmic Baseball. Matt now serves as the Director of Marketing and Content Creation, and oversees the team’s marketing efforts and all content related to the Chili Peppers, and Cosmic Sports. He is an alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University.

First Season with the Peppers: 2024
Hometown: Vienna, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Devin Hester
Walk-Up Song: Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis

Christopher Robinson

Manager of Merchandise & F&B

christopher@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(804) 714-4670

Christopher joined the Peppers in 2023 and oversaw the food & beverage operation during the ‘23 and ‘24 seasons as a contractor for his company, Topher Designs. He is now a full-time member of the Peppers and is the manager of merchandise and F&B. Christopher brings 30 years of experience to the Peppers working for companies like the Jacksonville Jaguars, XL Sports World, Sofive Soccer Centers, and Olive Garden Restaurants. He will travel with the Cosmic Takeover Tour and oversee all merchandise operations.

First Season with the Peppers: 2023
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Michael Jordan
Walk-Up Song: The Emptiness Machine, Linkin Park

Cody Jones

Tech Wizard

cody@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(804) 722-2694

Cody joined the Peppers full time in 2025 as the Technology Specialist. Cody is a graduate of Fullsail University where he received a BS in film production and is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

First season with Peppers: 2025
Hometown: Colonial Heights VA
Favorite athlete growing up: Dale Earnhardt
Walk-up song: Wrong Ones by Post Malone & Tim McGraw

George Gaston

george@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(804) 896-2877

George started with the Chili Peppers during the 2024 season, the inaugural season of Cosmic Baseball, where he served as the Broadcast Director intern. He now serves as the Production Director, directing and producing home game broadcasts as well as field directing and producing entertainment for Cosmic Takeover Tour games. He is an alumni of Longwood University.

First Season with Peppers: 2024
Hometown: New Kent, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: David Wright & Wayne Rooney
Walk-Up Song: Yippie Ky Yay by Hippo Campus

Michael Parks

Director of Sales & Business Innovation

parks@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(804) 248-8413

Michael joined the Peppers in May 2024 in a part time capacity and was hired on as the Director of Sales and Business Innovation in September. He previously worked at Capital One Financial Corporation for 25 years, within Audit and Risk Management before venturing into the sports industry. He is a native of Virginia and alumnus of Virginia Tech University.

First Season with Peppers: 2024
Hometown: Midlothian, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Len Bias
Walk-Up Song: Walk by Pantera

Brent Ellenburg

Host Family Coordinator

brent@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(804) 896-2877

Chris Martin

Founder & Owner

Chris is an innovative entrepeneur in central Virginia who received his Economics degree in 2011 from Hampden-Sydney College. In 2013, he took over ownership of small, but growing baseball academy in Midlothian and has since turned RISE Baseball into one of the premier academies in central VIrgina. Chris and his staff have trained professional, collegiate and young atheletes of all ages.

In his free time, Chris loves spending time with his wife Heather and son Easton. Much of the great entertainment that the Chili Peppers offer is inspired by his love for a fun and family-friendly atmosphere and Chris knows it’s not just baseball, but great food, drinks and fan engagement that will make the Tri-Cities Chili Pepper fans for life.

Chili Peppers coaches

James Bierlein

Field Manager (Head Coach)

james@chilipeppersbaseball.com

(804) 516-6457

James Bierlein comes to Colonial Heights from Chesterfield, VA where he attended Matoaca High School. James started coaching the Chilipeppers in 2022. He grew up here with his brother Bryan and Kevin, and parents Jim and Eileen. He still lives in Chesterfield now with his wife Sarah and son Cooper. At Randolph Macon College, Bierlein was a Utility player where he pitched, played infield, and outfield. Bierlein was also part of 2 conference championships at R-MC in 2008 and 2011. After college, Bierlein pitched for 4 years in professional independent baseball and was a back-end bullpen reliever. In 2013, he was with the Schaumburg Boomers and won the Frontier League Championship; Bierlein finished his professional career with the Southern Illinois Miners in the Frontier League. Bierlein has been coaching since he stopped playing professionally at the end of 2014 and is the Director of Baseball Operations at RISE Baseball.

Dustin Felvus

Cosmic Peppers Head Coach

dustinfelvus@gmail.com

(804) 380-5114

Dustin Felvus is a highly accomplished baseball player, coach, and instructor with a passion for the sport. Over the past couple of years Dustin has coached Chilipepper split squad games along with being the Cosmic Peppers Coach during last year’s inaugural season for the Cosmic Peppers. He brings his coaching experience from last season during Cosmic games to the tour this season!

Born and raised in Chesterfield, Dustin’s love for baseball began at a young age. He attended Manchester High School, where his exceptional skills on the field quickly earned him recognition as an all-district player.

After high school, Dustin continued his baseball journey at Rappahannock Junior College, where he further enhanced his game and showcased his talent. During his time at Rappahannock, he was honored as an all-conference and all-tournament selection, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The pinnacle of his college career came in 2011 when Dustin and his team clinched a JUCO State Championship, marking an unforgettable achievement.

Over the past 16 years, Dustin has served as a dedicated high school coach, primarily at Manchester High School. His commitment, expertise, and ability to nurture young talent have earned him a reputation as an exceptional coach in the region. He also spent one year coaching at Cosby High School, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in any coaching environment.

Dustin’s leadership qualities and coaching acumen were further showcased during his tenure as the American Legion Post 137 head coach. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, winning back-to-back state championships. Additionally, they secured the position of state runner-up twice and reached the state final game in four out of five years. In just five seasons, Dustin led the team to an impressive 89-11 record, establishing himself as an elite coach in the American Legion league.

Beyond coaching, Dustin also has extensive experience as an instructor and head coach for various showcases. His dedication to developing young talent and nurturing their skills. Over the span of 16 years, he has provided invaluable guidance and mentorship to students, helping them achieve their dreams of playing college baseball.

The Tri-City Chili Peppers are the hottest new team in the Coastal Plain League, located in Colonial Heights, VA

901 Meridian Ave, Colonial Heights, VA 23834

804.499.3104

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