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07/27/2017 12:00 AMDespite being one of the youngest members of the team, Gabe Longley has proved a key player for the East Haven Senior American Legion baseball squad throughout the past two seasons. Since Gabe has the ability to play multiple positions, he usually finds his way onto the field one way or another.
“It’s very important. We didn’t have a lot of people on our team, and we don’t have a lot of guys that can play a lot of positions like I do, so it’s a really good thing, because I’m able to help out the team,” says Gabe. “Coach can use me when he wants. I’m a utility player and can play any position.”
Gabe recorded the third-best batting average among the 89ers last summer and then hit .290 during the 2017 season. In addition to his prowess at the plate, Gabe was terrific on defense for East Haven, whether he was playing the infield or the outfield. Those attributes, coupled with his team-first mindset, went a long way toward injecting positivity into the Senior Legion squad.
“I always have a positive attitude no matter what. Even if I’m in a slump or not having a great game, I always cheer on my teammates,” says Gabe, who plays baseball and basketball at East Haven High School. “If a big play is needed, I’ll be there to make the play. Whether it’s a scoop at first, a diving catch in the outfield, a sacrifice bunt, or a big hit to boost the team, I’m there to help the team win.”
Gabe also pitches for the 89ers and constantly keeps the opposition off-balance. Gabe doesn’t overpower batters. Instead, he succeeds by mixing up his five-pitch repertoire—which includes a knuckleball—all around the strike zone.
“I throw a fastball, two-seam, changeup, curveball, and knuckleball,” says Gabe. “The knuckleball is my favorite, because it throws off the batter’s balance. It always makes them pop up, hit a grounder, and they never hit it solid. [Major League knuckleballer R.A. Dickey] was my favorite pitcher, and that’s where I got it from. That’s what made me interested in throwing it.”
Gabe goes on to elaborate about the approach he employs while using his well-rounded arsenal on the rubber.
“Pitchers always have such a huge impact on the game, and I wanted to be that person. My strategy is to keep them off-balance. I usually never hit the same spot more than two times in an at-bat. I go up, down low, outside, inside, and in the dirt. I’ll never throw that perfect pitch and, if I do, it’s a mistake by me,” he says. “It’s always frustrating when you fool a batter and he hits one off the end of the bat and it weakly goes over somebody’s head. I hate that so much, even though I like when I do it. I just hate when others do it when I pitch.”
Even though his batting average wasn’t quite as high this year as it was last season, Gabe still produced at the plate, especially when it came to doing all the little things that don’t always show up in the box score.
“My biggest impact at the plate this year was when we had a man on first and the coach was confident in me to lay down the bunt to move the runner over,” says Gabe. “I’d always get the job done.”
During the American Legion season, Gabe gets to play for his father John Longley, who is the 89ers’ head coach. Gabe views the situation as a good thing and says that everyone gets along with East Haven’s skipper.
“It’s good, because you have chemistry with the coach. He’s my father, and all the players like him,” says Gabe. “We don’t have any arguing between coaches and players, because they like him. It’s a good thing to have, and he’s a good influence.”
Mike Carbone is the assistant coach for the Senior Legion team. Carbone says that Gabe’s versatility on the diamond makes him a vital asset for the 89ers, who qualified for the State Tournament for the second year in a row this summer.
“It’s crucial, because, especially with this team, having someone that is flexible to play above average at multiple positions is incredible for us. It helps us move other players around to put them in positions where they can succeed,” says Carbone. “He came into his own and was an important part of this team. He was counted on to be one of our better players. He is one of our better hitters, fielders, and pitchers. He plays the whole game.”