Johnny Long ready to give 'absolute best' after Saturday night ejection

Johnny Long isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

The senior catcher is brash, unapologetic and intense. His coach called him a bit of a “s**t head” when asked what he brings to the table a few weeks ago. It was more of a term of endearment in this case, but he’s a player that other teams love to hate and one that will have his teammates run through a brick wall behind his leadership.

This season, Long’s impact has been seen in many ways. He’s been a leader in the dugout, an excellent defender behind the plate and has even delivered some big plate appearances. Saturday night was a low moment for the leader and it led to a remorseful Long on Sunday.

The Pittsburgh transfer delivered a defensive gem in the eighth inning of State’s matchup against Georgia on Saturday as he tagged the lead run out at the plate in the eighth inning. The aftermath of the play saw Long standing over and nudging the base runner and would see things spiral a bit for the two teams.

It ultimately led to 11 total ejections with almost all of State’s starting lineup included. MSU ultimately lost 3-2 in heartbreaking fashion.

“I strive to play this game with grit, passion and integrity. Last night, following a highly competitive play at the plate with the game on the line, I let my emotions and adrenaline get the best of me,” Long said in a statement. “My actions were not reflective of my true character. It was crushing to not be out there with my teammates today, but I take full responsibility for my mistake.”

When the six other starters went out of the lineup, it sent two of the team’s best hitters out as both Dakota Jordan and Hunter Hines were ejected. All the momentum MSU had on that play disappeared in the 40 minute review and the heart of the order went with it the next inning.

State had true freshmen and pitchers batting for most of the last two innings in the loss and it put that lineup in danger of an overhaul on Sunday. That was until the SEC changed the ruling and suspended just Long and third baseman Logan Kohler for the game.

“He was crushed. You have a kid that plays with a lot of edge and probably hasn’t played in this emotional environment as much and it got the best of him,” Lemonis said. “He is such a wonderful kid and such a great addition to our team; I hate it for him.

“It probably hurt him more that all the other players got pushed out and it weighed on him a lot, but he’s at the top of our clubhouse in terms of leadership. I’m sure he’ll be hanging out with the guys and having a good time here in a little bit.”

MSU fans showed up on Sunday to show support for State in game three of the series and the players responded. After falling behind 5-0, MSU came back to win an exciting 9-8 game.

The victory brought home the series and allowed Long to enjoy a little bit of good from the weekend. Even without playing on Sunday, his presence was felt as State put together another tough performance after facing adversity. It’s a big change from the mentality the last two seasons and Long is at the forefront.

“I would like to think it’s some of those older guys. Usually I would say it’s Johnny Long, but his ass was back home and out of the stadium. They were yelling ‘Free Johnny’ in the locker room when I walked in,” Lemonis joked after the win. “He’s such a tough, hard-nosed kid. He has brought that, Cam Schuelke has brought that, Khal Stephen has brought that to a group that has gone through some ups and downs and gone through some hardships over the years. I think it’s a combination of all of it.”

Admittedly, Long didn’t expect to be playing a major role in State’s attempt at a turnaround. He mentioned last week that he wanted to come in and help the younger players while being a steady force in the locker room.

He’s started in 20 of the team’s games and already played a major part. He’s ready to redeem himself the rest of the way after a Saturday night mistake.

“I am proud to be a Mississippi State Bulldog,” Long said. “I love our team, our program and our community, and will do nothing short of giving my absolute best for the M over S every single day to help my teammates to victory.”