Mets name Long hitting coach

Oct 23, 2014 - 10:17 PM Flushing, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - The New York Mets named Kevin Long as the club's new hitting coach on Thursday.

Long served as the Yankees' hitting coach for the past eight seasons. He helped the team lead the majors in runs scored three times during that span.

"Kevin's experience, success and wealth of knowledge make him the perfect fit as our hitting instructor," said Mets general manager Sandy Alderson. "This is a very positive step for the Mets."

Long takes over for Lamar Johnson, who replaced Dave Hudgens in May. The Mets finished eighth in the National League in runs (629), ninth in both home runs (125) and on-base percentage (.308) and 13th in batting average (.239).

The 47-year-old was previously the hitting coach for the Yankees' Triple-A team in Columbus (2004-06) as well as Triple-A Omaha (2002-03) and Double-A Wichita (2000-01). Long also was named Northwest League Manager of the Year in 1998 after leading Spokane to a championship.

The Mets also named Dustin Clarke strength and conditioning coach.