Rich was the starting shortstop for Meramec Community College in 1981 and 1982. In 1981, Meramec won the state championship. Phillips earned a baseball scholarship to Kansas State University.

Rich has been an amateur baseball coach in the St. Louis area since 1984. He is currently Vice President of Player Development for the St. Louis Naturals, a baseball club established in 2011 to provide a premier environment for area high school baseball players. Phillips is also active in the Kirkwood Athletic Association.