Keith Long

Steve Virgen

The old adage, it’s not how you start, but how you finish, should not

apply to Keith Long’s senior season. In this case, Long’s

season-opening performance set the tone for his final year with the

Corona del Mar High baseball team.

Long, who endured a down year at the plate last season, opened the

2003 campaign with a 3-for-4 performance in CdM’s 14-1 victory over

Rancho Alamitos in the Newport Elks Tournament last week. He had been

pounding the baseball in practice, CdM Coach John Emme said, but to

do it in the first game of the season showed that Long is capable of

a breakout year.

“That was an ego-booster,” Long said of his season-opening effort.

“It was something to look at and something I’ll look at, so I can

reach that spot again.”

Long smacked out three doubles and scored four runs, building off

the momentum he created in the practices leading up to CdM’s first

game.

“I’ve said this is going to be a breakout year for him,” Emme said

of Long.

“He’s been killing the ball in practice. It wasn’t like I was

taking a big risk by saying that.”

Long, the Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week, had a sense a game like

last week’s would be coming soon. He had been working toward it. The

season he had last year only motivated him and the results have

followed in the early going.

“I knew someday, some game, it would just click and all come

together,” Long said. “It just felt good, to be able to see the ball

as big as a basketball.

“I learned last year that some seasons aren’t so great and that

just inspires you to get ready for the next year.”

Getting ready for the next year, in reality, was like any other

off-season for Long. His quest for a breakout season doesn’t come

from one off-season.

It’s also a result from three varsity years on the baseball team.

The reason Long and Emme sensed a breakthrough year is because the

CdM’s shortstop’s relentless work ethic has been a constant

throughout his time with the Sea Kings.

“Keith and I have been together for four years, and I’ve never had

to worry about Keith’s effort,” Emme said. “He works out like a

maniac. He works hard on the field. He is definitely one of our

on-field leaders.”

There have been no reasons to draw up schemes or special drills to

challenge Long. In regard to hard work, Long has a bit of old-school

flavor to him.

“I never have to tell Keith to work harder,” Emme said of his

shortstop, who has drawn interest from Long Beach State. “The work he

does combined with his play, it’s interesting that Long Beach State

has been following him.

Long Beach State takes pride in that they call themselves the

Dirtbags, and Keith fits that. No one plays harder. A lot of guys

bring talent, but then bring the lackadaisical effort on the field.

He brings the hard effort on and off the field. That is so rare. He

makes the most of the two hours in practice everyday. He’s always

open to any suggestions we might have for him. He’s just a joy to

coach.”

Long’s tenacity was strengthened during his off-season, which

included his final go-around with the CdM football team. He played

tailback and outside linebacker, where hard work is required.

When he turned his focus to baseball he noticed a difference about

himself.

He knew he had to make his senior season his best. After all, Long

Beach State would be watching.

Long said he hopes to decide on his college before the season

ends. He said Azusa Pacific, USC and Arizona State have shown

interest, and that, too, has boosted his confidence.

“That shows me that I can play on the next level,” Long said. “I’m

just concentrating more.”

Long is concentrating that the end of his season will be much like

the beginning.