Diamondbacks got Longoria to be vet presence, now he's in 1st World Series since '08 rookie season

ARLINGTON, Texas — Evan Longoria was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in January to bring veteran leadership to a young clubhouse. That team has brought him back to his first World Series since he was a rookie.“I just assumed that I’d have an opportunity to get back at some point. … I never thought it would be 15 years later,” Longoria said. “Being able to do it again this many years into my career, I definitely have a different appreciation and respect for the opportunity.”With Longoria in the starting lineup for Game 1 on Friday night in Texas against the Rangers, the 38-year-old third baseman becomes the first position player in MLB history to appear in a World Series 15 years after first playing in the Fall Classic. Three pitchers have accomplished the feat; Dennis Martinez was the last one to do it with Cleveland in 1995.After signing a one-year deal and playing in only 74 games while hitting .223 with 11 homers during the regular season, Longoria has been in the starting lineup for the Diamondbacks in every game this postseason.Arizona manager Torey Lovullo recognizes the full circle for Longoria, who is able to share his experiences with players
Read More