The Scottish Claymores organization held their annual off-season media day this past week (be on the lookout for more coverage in the coming days), and announced some personnel changes in their minor league system. Future Hall of Fame SS Chris Long will be taking the helm of the Class A Govan Shipbuilders , filling the vacancy due to Manager German Hernandez taking over for long time PEBA manager Sergio Manetti.

“Chris has always been a leader. His teammates and coaches have always said he would be a great manager someday, and today that journey starts for him. We’ve always thought he’d be a good fit, but to be honest were surprised his other organizations didn’t see what we do. We had to wait three years to add him into the fold, but are excited for his future as a Claymore.” – GM Sean Bain

Long received 59.04% in the latest round of Hall of Fame voting, and appears to be on the verge of finding his spot among the PEBA greats in the future. Long certainly has the credentials to be a Hall of Famer (6x All-Star, 3x All-Leather Award, PEBA record for career Total Bases as a Shortstop), but being great as a player doesn’t always translate to being able to coach and develop players.

“I’ve always believed that leading is more than just doing what I did on the field. It’s about being there for your teammates, taking extra bp, showing the young guys how to be a professional ballplayer. Giving back to the community you are in and where you came from. Helping spread this great game across the world, and making sure every kid gets that autograph.” – Manager Chris Long

Long has always made sure to give back and after his retirement, had made it a priority to be available for different fan events for his former teams.

“I’ll always go back to see the fans. They’re why I’m able to live the life I do, so I’ll always try to be available when I can. That being said, my availability will be only in the offseason moving forward because I’m all-in now with this organization. It honestly bothered me that I had given so much to these organizations, but to have none of them even ask about my time after my playing career. They seemed to be more focused on my attendance at their own promotional events, than on my own aspirations. I feel like I can do more for the game than just sign autographs.” – Manager Chris Long

Long will get his first shot at managing this year at Govan and will get to work with top prospect 3B Julio Luna.

“Luna is going to be a great player in this league, but I doubt he’ll be in Govan very long. It’s my job to help guide all of these guys and get the best out of each of them. I’m looking forward to that challenge this season.” – Manager Chris Long

Long joins Pitching Coach Neil Mayes and Hitting Coach Wayne Bell this season in the dugout.

“Neil and Wayne are great coaches and outstanding teachers. I can’t wait to get to Spring Training to work with them and our players everyday. I’ll be there to assist where I can, but I’m gonna stay out of their way for the most part. We’re all relatively new at this, and there will be growing pains. We’ll get through it together and help get these players ready for the next level.” -Manager Chris Long