Although they only live here for part of each year, CHAD AND TIFFANY BILLINGSLEY consider Berks County their home. When not in the ballpark, Chad–an Ohio native and pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers–and his Berks-born bride take refuge in the natural serenity of South Heidelberg Township with their two beloved dogs. While they prefer quiet relaxation to the limelight, the Billingsleys are helping to raise awareness and funds for a cause dear to their hearts, animals. As part of the Animal Rescue League’s 60th anniversary Diamond Jubilee celebration next month, the pair donated $1,000 to the Cumru Township shelter for each Dodger win in the 2012 season, and another $100 for each batter Chad struck out. Chad and Tiffany will be on hand to celebrate with supporters at the Jubilee Gala, to be held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Wyomissing, on Nov. 9.
How did you choose Berks County as an off-season residence?
TIFFANY: We met in Florida in 2004 and remained down there for a few years. Chad wanted to have seasons and cold weather again so we decided to look at towns up north. Visiting my family in 2007, we fell in love with this area and the idea of being around family again. We live in Berks from October to February every year, but it is our permanent residence, so after Chad’s baseball career is over, we will live here full time.
Do you travel together during baseball season? And what are your favorite places you’ve been?
TIFFANY: We don’t get a chance to travel together often. I stay in Los Angeles with our dogs most of the time, but I do make it to the closer cities like San Diego and Phoenix. Usually, once a year I am able to go on a full road trip while Chad’s parents watch our dogs. They love our puppies as much as we do so Riley and Roxy always have a ton of fun with them. New York City is my favorite place; I would live there in a heartbeat!
CHAD: I like San Diego; we stay on the water and it has a great downtown that’s really clean and has good restaurants.
Do you have family in Berks? CHAD: Tiffany’s large family is from Berks County and my parents just moved into the area as well.
Chad, do you have favorite things about living here? Do you ever get to go to local sporting events?
CHAD: I love how quiet and slow-paced life is here. I know people from Berks can find things to complain about, but, after being in huge cities for 8 months out of the year, Berks is the perfect place to come home to. I have been to one Reading Royals game, but other than that I am not home during a good sports time of year. I am an Eagles season ticket holder though, and enjoy going to Philly for the games. Since I’m home during the fall and winter, watching football is how I relax. Plus, I try to get a few rounds of golf in before it gets too cold.
How did you both get involved in charity work with the Animal Rescue League?
TIFFANY: We have always had a huge affection for animals and look for ways to help wherever we are. This past November we heard how the ARL had a food shortage and rushed to give any assistance we could. After touring the facility, we just knew that this place was doing something special for animals, and we would love to see it continue to grow and help many more.
Can you tell us about your own much loved pooches?
CHAD: We have two dogs that are as much like our babies as any real children would be.
TIFFANY: They travel with us everywhere and, of course, they come first. Riley is an 8-year-old Papillon and Roxy is a 7-year-old Pomeranian.
Do you have a favorite cute or funny story about Riley and Roxy, or favorite activities to do with them?
TIFFANY: Well, we are a little biased, so of course everything they do is cute! They don’t really play with toys, balls, or other dogs; they just want to be around people. We always joke that Riley is a real boy.
What would be a perfect day off spent together?
CHAD: Our perfect off day would just be sleeping in, hanging out at home with the puppies, and grilling some dinner.
TIFFANY: Chad travels constantly, so any time we can just relax at home is awesome–although it’s pretty hard for him to pass up a round of golf.
To purchase tickets to the ARL Diamond Jubilee Gala visit BERKSARL.ORG
