Tony Ensor, the President and General Manager of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, announced today that he will be departing his role following the conclusion of the 2018 baseball season. Ensor will become the President and General Manager of Elmore Sports’ new Double-A franchise in Amarillo, which will begin play in the Texas League in 2019.
“I make this announcement with mixed emotions,” said Ensor. “My family and I have been very blessed to live and work in this incredible community for the past 14 seasons and have built many amazing relationships along the way. We will take with us great memories and many lasting friendships. This is also a tremendous opportunity that we are very excited to begin as I take another step forward in my professional baseball career.”
Assistant General Manager Chris Phillips has been named as the organization’s new General Manager and will take over day-to-day operations and serve as the club’s General Manager following the 2018 season when the franchise transitions from Triple-A baseball to the Rookie-Advanced level. Phillips has been with the Sky Sox for seven seasons and has served as the organization’s Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Sales since December 2011.
A native of Cresskill, New Jersey, Phillips graduated from Penn State University and started his career in the hotel industry. In 2003, he transitioned into the world of Minor League Baseball, starting his path with the Altoona Curve as a Ticket Account Executive, and quickly moving up the ranks to Assistant Director of Ticket Sales shortly after. In 2005, he took on the role of Director of Ticket Sales for the Greenberg Sports Group, overseeing the ticket sales department for both the Curve and the State College Spikes. He was promoted to Assistant General Manager of the Spikes, overseeing ticket sales, sponsorships sales, and business development for the team before joining the Sky Sox. The 2018 season marks his 17th year in professional baseball.
“I’m honored and grateful for this opportunity,” said Phillips. “I consider it a privilege to work for the Elmore Sports Group and I’d like to thank them for their support and belief in me as we get ready to usher in a new era of professional baseball in Colorado Springs. I’d also like to acknowledge my family, friends, and colleagues who have encouraged me along the way – and a big shout out to Tony Ensor who has been a fantastic mentor and who has become a great friend over the years. We’ve got a terrific staff in place and we are passionate about continuing to bring the very best in affordable family entertainment to everyone in the Pikes Peak region. We’re thrilled to call Colorado Springs our home, and now that our future here is set for the next 45 + years, get ready for some serious fun out at the ballpark with some exciting plans in the works.”
