Former professional standout, and New York Yankees draft pick R.D. Long begins his fourth season as an assistant coach for the RIT baseball squad, where he serves as the team’s hitting instructor.
A former Section V Champion at Webster High School, Long was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1989, but attended the University of Arizona. He transferred to the University of Houston.
Long re-entered the Major League Baseball draft in 1992, and was drafted by the New York Yankees, as part of the same draft class as current Yankee Derek Jeter.
In six seasons at the minor league level, Long played in 433 games, primarily in the infield, stealing 98 bases. He holds the Florida State League’s single game record for stolen bases along with former major-leaguer Vince Coleman, with five. Long was part of a Florida State League and International League Championship squad.
Long lives in Rochester and is the Founder of Mind, Body and Soul, an athletic-based college preparatory program for student-athletes. He has a wife, Renee, and three kids, Kobe, Bryce, and Colton.
