11 Facts About Richie Phillips

Richie Phillips held a similar position for National Basketball Association referees.

Richie Phillips, the son of a police officer, was born in August 1940 in Philadelphia.

Richie Phillips graduated from St Thomas More High School and received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Villanova University.

Richie Phillips represented the Transport Workers Union and handled legal matters for the top brass of the Carpenters Union.

Richie Phillips represented about 30 athletes, which he maintained did not present any conflict of interest with his duties relating to sports officials.

In 1996, Richie Phillips became the majority owner of Pilot Freight Services, based in Lima, Pennsylvania.

Richie Phillips was able to lead the company to the top of the industry, and by the time he stepped away from day-to-day management of the company, Pilot Freight Services was the largest privately held freight forwarder in the United States.

Richie Phillips served as general counsel and executive director of the Major League Umpires Association.

Richie Phillips recommended that Major League Baseball umpires resign en masse effective September 2,1999, seeking enhanced benefits for union umpires.

In 1964, Richie Phillips married Ellen Harrell; they had two sons and two daughters.

Richie Phillips died of cardiac arrest at his home in Cape May, New Jersey, at age 72 in May 2013.