Q&A with Fair Oaks native, and River Cats LHP, Sammy Long

Sacramento River Cats left-handed pitcher Sammy Long is truly a hometown kid. He was born in Fair Oaks and selected out of Sacramento State in the 18th round of the 2016 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Long briefly stepped away from baseball in hopes of becoming an EMT after he was released in 2018 Spring Training, but after one of his training videos at Optimum Athletics got picked up on Twitter, he was signed by the White Sox, and eventually the Giants. Long has rocketed up the Giants’ depth chart, making both his Triple-A and MLB debut in 2021. On May 29 at Sutter Health Park, Long struck out the first eight batters he faced. He made his MLB debut with the Giants 11 days later in Texas, striking out seven over 4.0 innings against the Rangers on June 9.

Q: Take us back to that first game at Sutter Health Park. The eight straight strikeouts in front of friends and family. What was that all like to get locked in and be in the zone?

SL: That game was a lot of fun. Leading up to it, it was a little nerve-wracking; my Triple-A debut, and the feeling of “What’s going to happen tonight in front of a bunch of people that I have grown up around and have known for a long time.” I just wanted to do well in front of them. This is really the first time I’ve pitched on the West Coast in my minor league career. I’ve been over in Florida, the Midwest, and east coast. So finally back home, pitching in front of the fans of Sacramento, that was special. It’s something I will remember forever.

Q: Let’s go back in time a bit. There was something inside you that said “I’m not ready to give (baseball) up.” I think it’s a lesson for people to not give up on your dreams too soon. Take us through that whole experience and what kept you going?

SL: I was pretty disheartened when I was released. I was at a point in my career where I was struggling with what I was doing on the mound. I just didn’t think I had a shot. The longer time away from the game, that self-doubt went away and I started becoming more hungry to get back and give it another shot. Just having feelings of “Man, I miss the game so much. Wherever it takes me, I’ll be happy as long as I give everything I have to it, give it one more go, and make it my No. 1 priority.” Once I did that, I didn’t look back. It goes to show that if you think you can do something, and put the work in that needs to be done, who knows where it can take you and who knows what’s possible. It’s been a crazy ride, but I am definitely happy I made that decision.

Q: What was it like to get the call that you were going to the big leagues? What was your MLB debut like?

Brundy (Sacramento manager Dave Brundage) told me while we were in Reno. After he told me, I came out to the clubhouse and everyone was there. Just to see them all fired up for me was really cool. I didn’t know what to do after. I just sat down eating my postgame dinner in Reno and they were like “Dude, what are you doing? You just got called up! You need to start making some phone calls.” I was like “I don’t know what I’m doing.” I was pretty much in shock. I called my dad and my mom, and my girlfriend was there with me in Reno so that moment was really special. Leading up to the game, it was a lot like it was here in Sacramento. Control what I can control and see where the game takes me and just remember you’re playing a kids’ game and playing ball, so nothing is different up there. It’s just those guys have been around for a little bit longer. I just went out and tried to execute as well as I could and it ended up turning into a pretty good outing and good first taste of the big leagues. I was definitely happy with how it went. Texas at the time was one of the only stadiums with full capacity, so to be able to do it there with a full crowd and that brand-new stadium, it was something that you can only imagine in your dreams.

Q: Were you able to control the nerves early?

SL: I was just focused on my breathing. That’s what gets me through a lot of those stressful situations. Breathe it out. Trust the stuff that you’ve got. I’ve never been more nervous for an outing. I’m not going to lie. That was crazy. I think as the outing went on, I started getting more comfortable. I was able to enjoy it a little bit more. It’s an awesome group of guys over there. We’re going to have a chance to make a run at this thing this year. I want to be a part of that. It’s pretty cool to say I pitched for the best team in baseball this year.

Q: I know someone told you to take it all in (at your debut). What was that experience like?

SL: (San Francisco manager Gabe Kapler) came out to get me out of there and he was like “Hey man, I want you to sit here and soak this in because this is a special moment in your career. Look around, take it in, and enjoy this because it’s only going to happen once. You’re going to remember this for the rest of your life.” I did what he told me. I fist bumped all the guys in the infield and as I was walking off the field I started looking around and I think I got some ovations from their crowd even. That was pretty cool to see. It’s something I’ll never forget. It was amazing.