Evan Michael Longoria was born in Downey California. A few miles from Rio Hondo College where he would then become a legend.

He graduated from Saint John Bosco High School in Bellflower. He then was a two year letterman in baseball as a senior and was voted in being First Team All League.

Unfortunately Longoria did not receive any scholarships to play college baseball. The University of Southern California was the only program to consider Longoria. But for unknown reasons USC withdrew their offer.

Longoria decided to take his talents locally to Rio Hondo Community College playing shortstop. In his freshman season, Longoria earned first team all state honors and was offered as scholarship to play for Long Beach State University.

He took the scholarship after his season at Rio Hondo College. In his sophomore year at LBSU, Longoria hit .320 earning all conference honors. Longoria shared the Big West Conference player of the year award with Justin Turner who played at Cal State Fullerton. When attending LBSU, Evan majored in kinesiology.

In 2006, the Major League Baseball draft took place. The first and second round went by and Longoria waited.

Finally the Tampa Bay Rays selected Evan in the third round. Longoria was called the best pure hitter among college players. He also made LBSU history by being the highest draft selection. The Rays gave him a three million dollar signing bonus.

After signing with the Rays, Evan flew through his minor league assignment.

After only eight games with the Single A Hudson Valley Renegades, Longoria moved up to the Visalia Oaks and showed how good he was by batting .327 with eight home runs and 28 RBI’s. He then moved to double A where he batted .267. And led them to the championship and was named MVP. Evan went on to Triple A and hit .269

On April 12th 2008, the Rays placed Willy Aybar on the disabled list and called up Longoria from Triple A. Evan made his major league debut that night and went one for three with one RBI.

Longoria hit his first career home run against the New York Yankees on April 14th at Tropicana field. Four days later the Rays signed him to a six year deal worth $17.5 million.

From there on out Longoria hasn’t disappointed. Playing third base Longoria became a three time all star. He was named AL Rookie of the Year in 2008. AL Player of the Month in 2009. He is also a two time Gold Glove Award Winner. Evan competed in the 2008 Home Run Derby. Evan Longoria has many more years to prove to be one of the best third baseman of all time.