Cage Rat: Lessons from a Life in Baseball by the Yankees Hitting Coach - Paperback

by Kevin Long (Author), Glen Waggoner (Author)

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.

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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.