Mike Long has been the head baseball coach for one high school: Perry. That, of itself, may not seem so remarkable.
That he has been the Perry coach for 40 years is.
Long stands 10th among active coaches on the all-time career wins list with a record of 710-403 (.638) after Wednesday’s win over Bondurant-Farrar. He guided Perry to second place at the 1987, 1991 and 1998 state tournaments, and he took the Bluejays to the state tourney in 1999, 2002 and 2004 as well.
It was not wins and losses or achievements on the diamond that drew a large group of alumni to Progressive Field Wednesday as much as it was the man himself and the obvious impact he has had on so many.
Kevin and Joe Ruggle began some time ago to formulate plans to gather as many players — from as many graduating classes — to have played for Long at one game in order to cheer on the Bluejays and salute Long, who, to a man, was still referred to as “Coach.”
Long began receiving calls from former players this week and was clearly pleased to see many faces he had not seen for years show up at the ballpark.
“It’s been great,” Long said after the varsity game, which was played first due to weather concerns. “I’ve had a great time seeing some guys — I know it has been 20 to 25 years, maybe longer, since I’ve seen them. You know, guys scatter. They get families and careers and move all over the place, so to have so many of them take the time to come back here as a group is very special for me.”
Long singled out several players, seemingly aware of exactly how long it had been since he last saw them. And, of course, he knew what year, what position, what teammates and everything else one would expect an old coach always to remember for all those gathered.
More than 40 were able to make the game, including Long’s own sons, Mick and Andy. Mick’s son, Alex, and Andy’s son, Carter, were on hand as well, representing three generations of the family.
Kevin Ruggle said Long’s impact went far beyond bats and balls, a sentiment the four-decade skipper appreciated.
“Hopefully, they are learning more than just baseball,” Long said. “Even when you have one of those seasons where, as a team, you might be struggling, you can learn things. I look at this year’s team, and while we might not have the best record, we still work hard and go all-out, and those are lessons that will help you off the field, too.”
Long has said more than once that he can tell if he impacted a former player’s life by how he is greeted, whether that player is now 20 years old, 30 or in his 50’s.
“If they still call me ‘coach,’ I know I did my job,” he said.
It was clear Wednesday he has done his job as a coach.
Great article. He is and always will be Coach to me and my son.