John Long was an outstanding football and baseball player at North Fort Myers High School before coming to

Miami-Dade Community College-North to play baseball.

He was an accomplished collegiate catcher and hitter. His .424 battling average in 1976 is the fourth highest in Miami-Dade's 44 year history.

John went on to play at the University of South Carolina and took then to the College World Series.

John traveled to Italy and played for Rimini and later was player/coach for Santarcangelo. He also coached for several other clubs in Italy.