29 July, 2005

Evan Longoria

A major contributor to the Chatham A's success this year has been second baseman Evan Longoria. Named as a starter for the East Division All Stars, Longoria leads the league in homeruns with eight and RBIs with 31. He's also currently batting .321 and leads the team with a .565 slugging percentage.

"Being named an All Star never even crossed my mind," said Longoria, a Downey, Calif., native. "I've really enjoyed every moment that I've been here and love being in Chatham, there's no where else I would rather be."

Adjusting to the wooden bats has been a good transition for Longoria, who batted .316 last season as a sophomore for Long Beach State. He said he hasn't had to make any major adjustments to his swing or how he approaches pitchers. He added that the biggest difference he's noticed in the league has been the elevated level of competition.

"There are a lot of really good players in this league so it's really an honor to be named an All Star. When I learned I was coming to the Cape I was ecstatic. The league has such a great reputation and is a great way to start to make a name for yourself and gives us that much of an edge in the draft."

Longoria has also been touted for his glove. A natural infielder, Longoria has played second, third, and a little shortstop for the A's this season and will start at second base Saturday in Hyannis.