Events in Phillies history on November 12

  • November 12, 2022 – The Phillies agreed to a two-year contract extension with hitting coach Kevin Long, tying him through the 2025 season. He has since signed a three-year extension keeping him with the Phillies through 2028.

Phillies-associated players/figures born on November 12

  • Matt Strahm (1991) A left-handed relief pitcher who just finished his third season with the Phillies.
  • Charlie Morton (1983) A veteran major-league starter who made four starts with the Phillies in 2016 before he tore a hamstring running out a sacrifice bunt and missed the rest of the season.

A DEEPER DIVE… Kevin Long’s career

Kevin Long has built a reputation as one of the premier hitting coaches in modern baseball, thanks to a combination of deep mechanical insight, a tireless work ethic, and the ability to communicate effectively with players of all experience levels. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1966, Long played college baseball at the University of Arizona before spending eight seasons in the Kansas City Royals’ minor league system. He was a left-handed hitting outfielder who reached Triple-A but never broke through to the majors. Still, his playing career helped lay the foundation for his coaching approach, giving him first-hand knowledge of the mental and physical challenges hitters face daily.

After retiring as a player in the mid-1990s, Long transitioned into coaching within the Royals’ organization, quickly earning respect for his keen eye and teaching acumen. He moved to the New York Yankees system in the early 2000s, where his influence began to spread. By 2007, he was promoted to the Yankees’ major league hitting coach position, and it was there that his reputation truly took off. Long worked closely with some of the era’s top hitters, including Robinson Canó, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez. Under his guidance, the Yankees consistently ranked among the league leaders in runs scored, on-base percentage, and slugging. His work culminated in the 2009 World Series title, where New York’s offense was a key factor in their championship run.

Long’s coaching style blends traditional hitting fundamentals with data-driven analysis. He emphasizes rhythm, timing, and balance, focusing on small mechanical adjustments rather than complete overhauls. Players often describe him as relentlessly positive and highly detailed, able to spot mechanical flaws that others miss. He uses video analysis extensively but also stresses mental preparation, approach, and confidence — areas that often make the difference at the highest level.

After the Yankees parted ways with him in 2014, Long quickly found a new home with the New York Mets. His influence was immediate, helping turn around hitters like Daniel Murphy, who went on to have a breakout postseason in 2015. Long’s ability to simplify hitting mechanics and unlock power potential became one of his trademarks. He later joined the Washington Nationals in 2018, where he played a major role in reshaping their lineup. His work with Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, and Juan Soto was instrumental in the Nationals’ run to the 2019 World Series championship.

In 2021, the Philadelphia Phillies hired Long as their hitting coach, reuniting him with manager Joe Girardi, whom he had previously worked with in New York. Since joining Philadelphia, Long has been credited with helping players like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber refine their approaches, emphasizing patience and hard contact. The Phillies’ offense under his direction has shown noticeable improvement in power and plate discipline, contributing to deep postseason runs in 2022 and 2023.

What makes Kevin Long so highly regarded among baseball pundits is not just his résumé but his adaptability and consistency. In an era where analytics dominate decision-making, Long has successfully bridged the gap between old-school coaching intuition and modern technology. His players buy into his system because it’s proven to work, and his teams consistently perform at a high offensive level. Simply put, Kevin Long has become the gold standard for hitting instruction in the big leagues.