Staff
Chili Peppers staff
Chris Martin
Founder & Owner
Chris is an innovative entrepreneur 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 Virginia. Chris and his staff have trained professional, collegiate and young athletes` 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.
Rob Perez
Vice-President Staffing & Operations
rob@chilipeppersbaseball.com
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 Vice-President Rob oversees the CPL collegiate experience, staff hiring, payroll, merchandise, cosmic tour travel logistics, and meeting with prospective cosmic tour host sites.
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
Cody Thompson
Interim General Manager
codythompson@chilipeppersbaseball.com
Cody Thompson joined the Tri-City Chili Peppers in 2026, bringing with him years of experience in professional baseball as a pitcher. A Virginia native, Cody played collegiate baseball at Randolph-Macon College before continuing his career on the mound and later coaching at Rise Baseball Academy, where he helped develop the next generation of players.
Proud of his Virginia roots, Cody is passionate about growing the game and building strong connections within the community. He is excited to be a part of the Chili Peppers organization and looks forward to meeting the incredible fans who make Shepherd Stadium such a special place each summer.
First Season with Peppers: 2026
Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Chipper Jones
Walk-Up Song: Song of Deliverance by Zach Williams
James Jackson
Director of Group Sales and Special Events & Interim Director of Marketing & Entertainment
jamesjackson@chilipeppersbaseball.com
James joined the Chili Peppers in 2026 after spending time with a non-profit in North Carolina. James has experience in marketing and ticket sales after spending two seasons as the Director of Media Relations and Sales for the University of North Carolina hockey program. James is familiar with baseball, having previously served as the Media Relations Coordinator for the High Point Rockers in the Atlantic League.
First Season with Peppers: 2026
Hometown: Dover, DE
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Tom Brady
Walk-Up Song: Blind by Korn
Chili Peppers coaches
James Bierlein
Field Manager (Head Coach)
james@chilipeppersbaseball.com
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.
