Former Cincinnati Reds All-Star Brandon Phillips is moving from the playing field to the owner’s box. Dat Dude BP has joined the Lexington Legends ownership group. Phillips was a mainstay in the Reds lineup for over a decade.
Andy Shea, Lexington Legends President and CEO welcomed Phillips to the team yesterday, saying that, “Brandon loves baseball, winning, and this (Lexington) community with sincere passion.” Phillips played for the Legends last season during their Battle for the Bourbon Trail series.
Future Reds Hall of Famer Brandon Phillips is trying his hand at ownership.
Brandon Phillips last suited up in a Major League Baseball uniform back in 2018 for the Boston Red Sox. Phillips was with the Cincinnati Reds from 2006 until his trade to his hometown Atlanta Braves in 2016.
During his time in the Queen City, Phillips was beloved by the Cincinnati faithful and was highly regarded as one of the most fan-friendly players on the Reds teams that made three postseason appearances in four years.
However, it became apparent as Phillips entered the final season of his contract that the team was looking to go in a different direction. Cincinnati was looking to allocate playing time to Jose Peraza, and eventually the two sides parted ways when Phillips waived his no-trade clause and was dealt to the Braves.
In return, Cincinnati received two minor league pitchers. The Reds also paid $13M worth of Phillips salary for the 2017 season. The three-time All-Star bounced around the league the following two seasons, seeing time with the Los Angeles Angels and the Boston Red Sox.
The Lexington Legends will be entering their inaugural season in the Atlantic League, and have no affiliation with any major league ball club. Phillips’ brother P.J. is also the manager for the Legends this season. Here’s wishing nothing but the best to Brandon Phillips, a future Reds Hall of Famer and now, part-owner of the Lexington Legends. The Legends begin play on Friday, May 28th.