Cage Rat - by Kevin Long & Glen Waggoner (Paperback)

About the Book

New York Yankees batting coach Long--the man behind such power hitters as Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez--shares his expertise in this indispensable guide full of practical advice, behind-the-scenes action, and a deep reverence for America's game.

Book Synopsis

The Hitting Coach for the New York Yankees, Kevin Long trains power-hitters in the fine art of hitting a baseball well--a talent the legendary Ted Williams once called, "the most difficult skill in sport." In Cage Rat, the man who helps sharpen the mechanics of such superstars as Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Alex Rodriguez shares the expertise he honed over his more than two decades in the game as both player and coach. With an introduction by Alex Rodriguez and an Afterword by Robinson Cano, Cage Rat is an indispensable guide to hitting, filled with practical advice, fascinating behind-the-scenes action, and an enduring, inspiring love for the Great American Pastime.

From the Back Cover

From Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long--the man who coaches all-stars like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Robinson Cano--comes the inspiring story of one man's road to the big leagues, full of practical advice, behind-the-scenes baseball action, and an enduring, inspiring love for America's national pastime.

In Cage Rat, Long--with help from his spirited wife, Marcey--takes readers on an unforgettable journey from his early days in the minor leagues, to his major-league dreams of playing with the Kansas City Royals, to his dramatic decision to turn to coaching, to the fateful call from the Yankees. Along with its compelling narrative, Cage Rat is also an indispensable guide to hitting. From bat angle to grip, from plate coverage to athletic stance and hitting drills, Long takes us into the Yankees' batting cage, showing us how major-league players hone their hitting skills.

Chock-full of inspirational stories, practical advice, behind-the-scenes action, and instructional photographs, Cage Rat is a must-read for young athletes, aspiring players, Yankees fans, and anyone who loves baseball.

Review Quotes

For those of us that cover the Yankees, the words "Kevin Long" or "K-Long" are probably uttered more often by hitters than just about any others. Long, of course, has been the Yankees' hitting coach since 2007, and according to the men he works with, he's the best in the game. - Daily News
Kevin Long is not your average hitting coach. Nick Swisher calls him the Yankees' "secret weapon." The effusive Long is never afraid to offer up a good quote or make a bold prediction - Wall Street Journal