TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/19/2022 | Received: 3/31/2022 | 12 Days
- ’88 Donruss, ’88 Topps, ’89 Fleer, ’90 Score, ’90 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Bill Long is a former pitcher in the major leagues. That may not be a name that instantly sparks recognition among casual baseball fans, but for those who followed Major League Baseball (MLB) during the 1980s, Long was a reliable and effective pitcher. Over the course of his seven-year MLB career (from 1985 to 1991), Long proved to be a valuable asset to the teams he played for, showcasing versatility and perseverance on the mound.
Long, born on February 29, 1960, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up in Cincinnati, Long developed a passion for baseball at a young age. He attended Archbishop Moeller High School, a school known for its strong baseball program, before moving on to play college baseball at Miami University in Ohio. It was at Miami University where Long began to make a name for himself as a pitcher, catching the attention of MLB scouts with his control and poise under pressure.
In 1981, Long was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the second round of the MLB Draft. He spent several years in the minor leagues, honing his skills and developing the pitching repertoire that would eventually carry him to the majors. His early professional years were marked by steady progress, and by 1985, he was ready for his MLB debut.
Long made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox on June 21, 1985. Initially, Long was used primarily as a reliever, but his adaptability soon earned him a spot as both a starter and a reliever throughout his career. His versatility on the mound made him a valuable player, capable of stepping into various roles as needed by his team.
Long’s best season came in 1987 with the White Sox, where he posted a 9-6 record with a 3.92 ERA, proving his worth as a reliable starter. He was known for his control and his ability to keep hitters off balance, traits that made him effective even if he wasn’t overpowering. In 1990, Long was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he continued to be a steady presence on the pitching staff. He was then traded to the Montreal Expos before retiring from MLB in 1991.
Over his career, Long compiled a 27-27 record with a 4.37 ERA and 293 strikeouts in 155 games. While his statistics may not have been eye-popping, they reflect the contributions of a pitcher who could be counted on to perform consistently, whether starting or coming out of the bullpen.
After retiring from professional baseball, Long transitioned into coaching, where he found a new way to contribute to the sport he loved. He worked as a pitching coach in the minor leagues, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players. Long’s experience as a versatile pitcher made him an excellent mentor for young pitchers learning to navigate the ups and downs of a professional baseball career.
This is my fourth successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
The Score on Bill Long – 7.0
Bill has always been a really consistent signer for me. Hence the reason why I send to him so many times… oh and maybe because I’m addicted to TTMs. I really like the way Bill’s “L” kind of looks like a sword going through his name. Kind of like an old fashioned pirate sword.
Thanks Mr. Long! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.
Baseball-reference actually doesn’t say anything about him being with the Giants. Which I might not have noticed except it’s relevant to today’s Immaculate Grid.
Shoot you are right! Might have been working on a few posts at once. Corrected!