History of Evan Longoria in Timeline

Evan Longoria, nicknamed "Longo", is a former professional baseball third baseman. He played 16 seasons in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Known for his fielding prowess and offensive capabilities, Longoria established himself as one of the premier third basemen in baseball. During his career, he made multiple All-Star appearances and won several Gold Glove Awards. Longoria was a key player for the Rays during their successful run in the late 2000s and early 2010s. He retired in 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 7, 1985: Evan Longoria Born

On October 7, 1985, Evan Michael Longoria, nicknamed "Longo", was born. He is an American former professional baseball third baseman.

Others born on this day/year

1987: Gary Gaetti's Postseason Feat

In 1987, Gary Gaetti, Longoria's hitting coach at Triple-A Durham, was the first player to homer in his first two postseason at-bats while playing for the Minnesota Twins.

1997: Nomar Garciaparra's Rookie of the Year Award

In 1997, Nomar Garciaparra was the last player before Longoria in 2008 to win a Rookie of the Year Award unanimously.

2003: Miguel Cabrera's Postseason Record

In 2003, Miguel Cabrera set the previous rookie record for most home runs hit in a postseason series, before Longoria broke it in 2008.

2005: Cape Cod League MVP and Big West Conference Player of the Year

In 2005, Evan Longoria had a successful summer in the Cape Cod League and also shared the Big West Conference Player of the Year honors.

2005: CSN Bay Area Cape Cod League MVP

In 2005, Longoria played for the Long Beach State University baseball team and was named the CSN Bay Area Cape Cod League MVP.

2006: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays

In 2006, Evan Longoria was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays as the third overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft, receiving a $3 million signing bonus.

2006: MLB Draft

In 2006, Longoria was drafted by the Rays in the first round as the third overall pick in the MLB draft.

2006: Minor League Assignments and Promotions

In 2006, after signing with the Rays, Evan Longoria was promoted to the Visalia Oaks and then to the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits due to his impressive performance in the minor leagues.

October 2007: Comparisons to Ryan Braun

In October 2007, sportswriter Ken Rosenthal suggested that Longoria could be the next Ryan Braun, due to his rapid ascent potential to the majors.

2007: Stellar Year in the Minor Leagues

In 2007, Longoria had another stellar year, starting with Montgomery before a late-season promotion to the Triple-A Durham Bulls.

2007: Most Valuable Player with the Biscuits

In 2007, Longoria was named the Most Valuable Player with the Biscuits as well as a postseason all-star.

April 12, 2008: Major League Debut

On April 12, 2008, Longoria was called up from Triple-A Durham to replace Willy Aybar on the Rays' major league roster, making his debut that night.

July 19, 2008: First Career Grand Slam

On July 19, 2008, Longoria hit his first career grand slam off Toronto's Roy Halladay, contributing to a 6–4 victory for the Rays.

October 14, 2008: Rookie Postseason Home Run Record

On October 14, 2008, Longoria set the rookie record for most home runs (4) hit in a postseason series.

2008: Rookie of the Year Awards

After the 2008 season, Longoria was honored with the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award for the American League, as well as the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

2008: Optioned to Triple-A Durham

Despite expectations, Longoria did not make the opening day roster in 2008 and was optioned to Triple-A Durham to complete his development.

2008: MLB Debut and All-Star Selection

In 2008, Longoria made his major league debut for the Rays and was named to the American League team for the MLB All-Star Game. He also appeared in the World Series with the Rays during his rookie season.

2008: All-Star Game Selection and Injury

In 2008, Longoria won the All-Star game AL Final Fan vote and participated in the Home Run Derby. However, on August 11, 2008, he was placed on the disabled list with a fractured wrist.

May 2009: Top RBI Totals

Through May 2009, Longoria drove in 131 runs in his first 162 games in the majors, placing him third among all active players.

July 5, 2009: All-Star Game Selection

On July 5, 2009, Longoria was selected by the fans to start the MLB All-Star Game, but was kept out of the lineup due to a finger injury.

2009: Home Run and RBI Production in 2009

In 2009, Longoria hit 33 home runs and drove in 113 runs.

2009: Gold Glove Award

In 2009, Longoria won his first Gold Glove Award for his defensive skills at third base.

2010: Second Gold Glove Award

In 2010, Longoria secured his second Gold Glove Award for his exceptional defense at third base.

2010: Third Consecutive All-Star Game Selection

In 2010, Longoria was selected to play in the All-Star Game for the third consecutive season and hit for the highest average of his career at .294.

2010: All-Star Selection

In 2010, Longoria was selected to the American League All-Star team for the third time.

September 28, 2011: Walk-Off Home Run Against Yankees

On September 28, 2011, Longoria hit a walk-off home run in extra innings against the New York Yankees, securing an 8–7 victory for the Rays and a spot in the playoffs.

2011: Walk-Off Home Run

During the 2011 season, Longoria hit a 12th-inning walk-off home run in the last game of the season, helping the Rays clinch the American League wild card spot and advance to the postseason.

April 30, 2012: Hamstring Injury

On April 30, 2012, Longoria suffered a partially torn hamstring and was placed on the 60-day disabled list.

August 7, 2012: Return to the Lineup

On August 7, 2012, Longoria returned to the lineup after missing 13 weeks due to a hamstring injury.

October 3, 2012: Three Home Runs in Final Game

On October 3, 2012, Longoria concluded the 2012 season by hitting three home runs in the final game.

November 26, 2012: Contract Extension with Tampa Bay

On November 26, 2012, Longoria signed a six-year, $100 million contract extension that could have kept him in Tampa Bay through 2018.

June 20, 2013: 500th Career RBI

On June 20, 2013, Longoria drove in his 500th career RBI and also hit two home runs in the game against the New York Yankees.

August 19, 2013: Fourth 25-Homer Season

On August 19, 2013, Longoria hit his 25th home run of the season, marking his fourth 25-homer season and tying him with Carlos Peña for the most such seasons in Tampa Bay history.

September 25, 2013: Two Home Runs Against Yankees

On September 25, 2013, Longoria hit two home runs against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium, giving him his third career season with 30 home runs.

2013: Wild Card Game Home Run

During the 2013 American League Wild Card tie-breaker game, Longoria hit a two-run home run in the third inning, which proved to be the go-ahead run and secured a playoff berth for the Rays.

2013: Most Games Played and Walk-Off Home Run

In 2013, Longoria played in the most games of his career, totaling 160, and hit a walk-off home run against the San Diego Padres on May 11, 2013.

April 4, 2014: Ties Rays Franchise Home Run Record

On April 4, 2014, Longoria hit the 163rd home run of his career, tying the Rays franchise record of most home runs previously held by Carlos Peña.

April 19, 2014: Longoria Claims All-Time Rays Record

On April 19, 2014, Evan Longoria hit his 164th career home run, surpassing Carlos Peña for the most home runs in Tampa Bay Rays history.

2014: Contract Option

In 2014, the Rays had a one-year option for Longoria's contract.

2015: Contract Option

In 2015, the Rays had a two-year option for Longoria's contract.

2016: Contract Option

In 2016, the Rays had a two-year option for Longoria's contract.

December 20, 2017: Longoria Traded to Giants

On December 20, 2017, the Tampa Bay Rays traded Evan Longoria, along with cash considerations, to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Christian Arroyo, Denard Span, Matt Krook, and Stephen Woods.

2017: Third Gold Glove Award

In 2017, Longoria was awarded his third Gold Glove Award, recognizing his outstanding defensive play at third base.

May 5, 2018: Longoria Achieves 1,500th Career Hit

On May 5, 2018, Evan Longoria hit a double, marking his 1,500th career hit during an 11–2 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

2018: Potential End of Contract

Longoria's contract extension signed on November 26, 2012, could have kept him in Tampa Bay through 2018.

August 21, 2020: Longoria Hits 300th Career Home Run

On August 21, 2020, Evan Longoria hit his 300th career home run against Robbie Ray, becoming the 150th player in Major League history to reach this milestone.

July 16, 2021: Longoria Placed on Injured List

On July 16, 2021, Evan Longoria was placed on the 60-day injured list due to a left shoulder sprain, causing him to miss half of the season.

March 30, 2022: Longoria to Miss Opening Day

On March 30, 2022, it was announced that Evan Longoria would miss Opening Day and be out for six weeks following surgery to repair a torn ligament in his finger.

November 10, 2022: Giants Decline Longoria's Option

On November 10, 2022, the San Francisco Giants declined their $13 million contract option on Evan Longoria, making him a free agent for the first time in his career.

January 5, 2023: Longoria Signs with Diamondbacks

On January 5, 2023, Evan Longoria signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2023: World Series Appearance

In 2023, Longoria appeared in the World Series with the Diamondbacks during his final season.

July 16, 2024: Longoria Unlikely to Continue Playing

In an interview on July 16, 2024, Evan Longoria indicated that although he had not officially retired, he was unlikely to continue playing professional baseball.