Evan Longoria
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| Evan Longoria | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Evan Longoria |
| Caption | Longoria in 2018 |
| Position | Third baseman |
| Bats | Right |
| Throws | Right |
| Birth date | 7 October 1985 |
| Birth place | Downey, California |
| Debutleague | MLB |
| Debutdate | September 21 |
| Debutyear | 2008 |
| Debutteam | Tampa Bay Rays |
| Statleague | MLB |
| Teams | * Tampa Bay Rays (2008–2017) * San Francisco Giants (2017–2022) * Arizona Diamondbacks (2022) |
| Awards | * 3× Gold Glove Award (2009–2011) * AL Rookie of the Year (2008) * 3× All-Star Game (2009, 2010, 2012) * Silver Slugger Award (2009) |
Evan Longoria is an American former professional baseball third baseman known for his tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks. A product of California State University, Fullerton and Santa Ana College, he emerged as one of the premier defensive and power-hitting third basemen of the late 2000s and 2010s, earning multiple Gold Glove Awards, an AL Rookie of the Year honor, and selections to several Major League Baseball All-Star Games. Longoria’s career intersects with figures and institutions across Major League Baseball, including significant games against teams such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers, and involvement in trades, arbitration, and contract negotiations emblematic of modern MLB operations.
Early life and amateur career
Born in Downey, California, Longoria attended Mater Dei High School before transferring to El Modena High School and later playing college baseball at Santa Ana College and California State University, Fullerton. At Cal State Fullerton, he played under coach George Horton alongside teammates who entered Major League Baseball and competed in NCAA Division I Baseball Championship play, linking him to programs with histories touching College World Series competition and scouts from organizations such as the Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres. During summer seasons he participated in collegiate summer leagues that attract attention from Major League Baseball scouts and front offices, which culminated in his selection in the 2006 Major League Baseball draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Professional career
Longoria rose through the minor league ranks with affiliates including the Hudson Valley Renegades, Charlotte Stone Crabs, Montgomery Biscuits, and Durham Bulls before debuting with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008. He captured the AL Rookie of the Year award after a breakout rookie campaign, joining contemporaries such as Clayton Kershaw, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Ryan Zimmerman in the class of prominent late-2000s players. Longoria signed a long-term extension with the Rays that reflected trends in Major League Baseball free agency and arbitration decisions involving players like Joe Mauer and Adrian Gonzalez. In 2017 he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in a transaction involving prospects and complementary veterans, later signing additional contracts and finishing his career with a brief stint at the Arizona Diamondbacks; these moves placed him in lineups facing competitors such as the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Houston Astros across interleague and divisional play.
Playing style and achievements
Regarded for a combination of power, plate discipline, and elite defensive range at third base, Longoria’s profile drew comparisons to established stars such as Chipper Jones, Alex Rodriguez, and Scott Rolen. He won multiple Gold Glove Awards for defensive excellence and a Silver Slugger Award for offensive production, earning selections to the All-Star Game and recognition from media outlets like Baseball America and The Sporting News. Statistically, Longoria’s metrics—timely extra-base hits, slugging percentage, and defensive runs saved—aligned him with premier third basemen of his era, contributing to franchise records and league leaderboards similar to seasons posted by players such as Evan Longoria’s contemporaries (examples include David Wright and Mike Lowell). His adjustments to launch angle and approach mirrored league-wide shifts seen with players like Miguel Cabrera and José Bautista during the 2010s.
International and postseason play
Longoria participated in postseason series with the Tampa Bay Rays including the 2008 World Series and multiple American League Division Series and American League Championship Series berths, competing against postseason rosters from organizations such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers. Internationally, he was eligible for and associated with events coordinated by Major League Baseball and World Baseball Softball Confederation-aligned competitions, intersecting with players who represented Team USA or other national delegations in events such as World Baseball Classic cycles where stars like Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, and David Ortiz participated.
Personal life and philanthropy
Off the field, Longoria has been linked publicly with teammates, family members, and community organizations in Tampa Bay, San Francisco, and Arizona, engaging in charitable initiatives similar to foundations run by players such as Derek Jeter and Matt Damon-affiliated causes. His philanthropic work includes youth baseball programs, community outreach with local charities, and participation in celebrity events alongside figures from Major League Baseball Players Association functions and MLB-sponsored community efforts. Longoria’s personal interests and public appearances have connected him to media outlets like ESPN, MLB Network, and local newspapers including the Tampa Bay Times and the San Francisco Chronicle.
Category:Major League Baseball third basemen Category:Baseball players from California