Tyler Phillips never will forget the dates of May 19, 2012, and May 24, 2019.
Just over seven years ago Phillips helped Red Bank High School earn its first spot in the TSSAA state baseball tournament.
Last Friday the 24-year-old was overcome with joy to accept the head-coach duties for the diamond Lions. Phillips takes over for Jason Henderson, who stepped away after three seasons with the program.
"This is surreal because I started playing Red Bank Dixie Youth baseball when I was 4," Phillips said. "I've known since I was a freshman I wanted to be a baseball coach here. I wouldn't ever want to be anywhere else. This is a dream to be the head of the program."
Phillips helped Covenant College win a conference championship as a freshman (2014) and has been an assistant coach at Red Bank and Hixson.
He said he plans to take his new responsibilities one day at a time. The approach is similar to how an unforgettable run began for the power-hitting catcher whose high baseball IQ and leadership helped create Lions history.
Not even a losing streak of 14 games headed into the 2012 postseason could stop Red Bank. The Lions won their third straight district tournament title and went on to win the region semifinal, region final and sectional game by one run each.
"That run my junior year really taught me a lot," Phillips said. "Yes, we did have a couple of miracle moments and fate on our side, but it made me realize you have to buy in, go through the grind and take things one day at a time. Baseball is a game of life."
And sports at Red Bank has been a major part of the life of the Phillips family.
His father, Chris, was part of the 1989 baseball regional championship team, while his mother, Heather, played for Red Bank's softball team. His sister, Bailee, is a standout pitcher and hitter for the Lady Lions, who won a district championship this year.
"My family is deeply rooted in Red Bank," Phillips said. "If you cut one of us open, we are probably going to bleed blue. We love this town.
"This wouldn't be possible, either, without my soon-to-be wife, Kailey. She has been the backbone to this whole thing. I owe a lot to so many people, including her."
Another Red Bank alumnus, veteran area football coach Ted Gatewood, will be Phillips' assistant coach.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.