Chris Jones Says Goodbye To Lake Elsinore Storm

By Ryan Mersey, Director of Storm Media Relations

As Storm Vice President/General Manager Chris Jones embarks on his journey back home in Texas as the new General Manager with the Sugarland Skeeters, his impact on the Lake Elsinore Storm will continue to show not only in the organization but in the community.

“It was very memorable,” said Jones of his time. “This great community accepted not only the Storm but my family and I as well. The support the team has built over the years is fantastic. Making it more of a community team versus just the Lake Elsinore Storm, that is something I am very proud of.”

Jones joined the Storm organization in 2002 and has been General Manager since 2007. In 2008, the Houston native was elected California League Executive of the Year and, in 2010, took home the Heroes in Education Award for his efforts in assisting local schools in the Lake Elsinore community.

Under Jones’ guidance, the Storm also received national recognition as the recipients of the Larry MacPhail Award (2011) and the Bob Freitas Awards (2007) for their promotional achievements and community involvement.

“The community supported all of our crazy, zany things for the most part,” said Jones. “Making this place a fun, family environment. Our unique, funny promotions are some of my fondest memories here.”

Jones mentioned the Championship in 2011 and the All-Star game in 2009 as some of his favorite moments with the Storm. He also noted all of the theme nights and progressive promotions that were recognized nationally every year like Sheenco de Mayo and the Tom Cruise night. The Storm became community and industry leaders in promoting the green movement, school programs and a little league program that made the Storm recognized worldwide.

Chris’ contributions extend beyond the Storm organization. He is both the president of the Canyon Lake Little League and executive board member of the Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce for nine years where he was he was honored in 2012 with the Chairman’s Award.

“I just want to thank the community for supporting the Storm, me and my family,” Jones said. “We are going to miss it. I’m excited about going back home, being with family and the new challenges. I would also like to thank (Storm owners) the Jacobs and Simon families and Dave Oster for allowing us to be as crazy as we are sometimes.”