Rays executive Brett Phillips returns to Tropicana Field
The former outfielder now works in brand engagement, a role created specifically for him following the team's run to the World Series.
By Tariq Carter ·
Phillips has finished his first season as the Tampa Bay Rays' brand engagement executive. The 32-year-old former outfielder returned to the franchise this year, trading his uniform for a polo shirt while the team chased its first World Series appearance since 2020.
The role has no fixed job description. It mostly involves being the player fans remember from the 2020 postseason. That year, Phillips hit a single in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The ball was mishandled by center fielder Chris Taylor, allowing Kevin Kiermaier to score and tying the game. Randy Arozarena then scored after stumbling near third base. The Rays won 8-7 to level the series at two games apiece.
Phillips sprinted across the outfield with his arms spread wide after the play. He later required an IV. The Rays eventually lost that series in six games, but the moment became a defining memory for the franchise.
Phillips grew up in Seminole, Florida, as a Rays fan. The Houston Astros selected him in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. He debuted with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017, played for the Kansas City Royals, and joined Tampa Bay in a 2020 trade. The Rays traded him to the Baltimore Orioles in 2022. He attempted a career as a pitcher before retiring from professional play.
During a change in team ownership, Phillips kept in contact with the new management group. He proposed ways to help the club. That led to a one-hour meeting with CEO Ken Babby at the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando. Babby designed a position tailored to Phillips' strengths and history with the organization.
Phillips began the job in February. On game days, he works the Draft Room Lounge, visits private suites, and walks the concourses. He greets children on the field and interacts with sponsors. In December, he represented the club at the MLB draft lottery. The Rays secured the second overall pick in that draw.
In May, Phillips removed his shirt to join the Tarps Off crowd in left field during a victory over the Los Angeles Angels. He has a young daughter at home. He wanted to remain connected to the sport without the physical demands of a full season. Phillips told MLB.com in February that he constantly thinks about the Rays' fans.
Babby gave Phillips one standing instruction. Every time the team wins, Phillips must perform the airplane arm motion. He had ample opportunity to practice that celebration during the 2026 season.
Source: Tampa Bay Newspapers
