The Mets have announced that Kevin Long will become the hitting coach for the Mets. In a statement released to the media, Sandy Alderson said the following:
“Kevin’s experience, success and wealth of knowledge make him the perfect fit as our hitting instructor. This is a very positive step for the Mets. We welcome Kevin, and his wife, Marcey, to the Mets family.”
On becoming the Mets hitting instructor, Long had this to say:
“I’m excited to get the opportunity to work with a team that I think is on the rise. I had a great meeting with Sandy and Terry yesterday and I can’t wait to get started and help in any way I can.”
Long, 47, had spent the previous eight seasons (2007-2014) as the Yankees hitting coach. Under his guidance, the Yankees led the majors in runs scored three times and finished second twice. Before he joined the major league team, Long served as the Yankees’ Triple-A hitting coach with Columbus of the International League for three years (2004-2006).
Prior to joining the Yankees, Long was the hitting coach for the Triple-A Omaha Royals from 2002-2003 and the Double-A Wichita Wranglers’ from 2000-2001. Long was named the Northwest League Manager of the Year after leading Spokane to the title in 1998. He began his coaching career with Wilmington in the Carolina League in 1997.
Long was a second-team All-American and first-team All-Pac-10 in 1989 at the University of Arizona. The outfielder was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 31st round of the 1989 First-Year Player Draft and played eight years (1989-1996) in Kansas City’s minor league system reaching, Triple-A.
The club also named Dustin Clarke, their new Major League Strength and Conditioning Coach.
