In July of 2006, the Stockton Ports were proud to announce the addition of Pat Filippone as the club's President and part owner. In his first full season with the Ports, Pat presided over one of the most successful seasons in team history. The Ports set a new record attendance mark, welcoming 218,497 fans to Banner Island Ballpark, and the Ports also hosted the 2007 California/Carolina League All-Star Game.
In 2008, the Ports set a single game attendance record of 6,285 fans at Banner Island Ballpark on July 3. Pat won the first championship of his career in 2008, as the Ports clinched their 11th franchise crown-a California League record. During the 2007 and 2008 season, the Ports were recognized in national media outlets such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN the Magazine and ESPN.com for various promotional and community activities.
In his first season, the Ports founded their charitable foundation, the Anchor Fund. The Anchor Fund supports many community projects, with a focus on youth centers and youth sports. The charitable fund reflects and reaffirms the Ports' commitment to strengthen the community through baseball and enable local businesses to make tax-deductible donations in their efforts to support youth projects in the area.
Under his leadership, Pat also established the Ports Alumni Club in 2008, working to include the Alumni in current Ports events and to share the history and tradition of Stockton professional baseball.
Since joining the Ports and 7th Inning Stretch, LLC, Pat has also overseen the purchase of the Delmarva Shorebirds (Class A, South Atlantic League, MLB Affiliate-Baltimore) in November 2006, and the Everett Aquasox (Class A Short, Northwest League, MLB Affiliate-Seattle) in December 2008.
Prior to joining the Ports, Pat had served as the C.E.O. of the Fresno Grizzlies since 2003. During his tenure in Fresno, Pat was responsible for completely revamping the organization. This led to the first operating profit in franchise history and the founding of a 501 c3 Charitable Foundation.
Before his time in Fresno, he served as the general manager of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League from 1998-2003. During his tenure with the Quakes, the team increased its profitability and visibility within the community. The Quakes increased their sell-out crowds 600 percent, and grew in sponsorship and ticket sales revenue.
Pat began his baseball career with the Prince William Cannons prior to the 1991 season as director of operations, and was appointed general manager in 1993. After the 1994 season, he was promoted to vice president and general manager and was placed on the Cannons' Board of Directors. During his tenure as general manager, the Cannons set attendance records three times, made significant upgrades and were recognized nationally within the industry with numerous awards for products and promotions.
He was recognized with the Carolina League Executive of the Year Award for the 1997 season, and the California League Executive of the Year Award for the 2003 and 2007 seasons.
A native of Reston, VA., Pat and his wife, Wendy, reside in Stockton with their daughter, Kelly.