Mayfield grad Mitch Longo’s star rising in minor league system

Mitch Longo is having a breakthrough season in the Indians’ minor-league system.

In 55 games with the Lake County Captains, the former Mayfield High School and Ohio University standout batted .361 with four home runs and 25 RBI.

The 22-year-old outfielder and Gates Mills resident on Aug. 31 was promoted to the advanced Single-A Lynchburg (Va.) Hillcats.

Longo got off to an auspicious start for Lynchburg, batting .563 in five games with two doubles, three RBI, eight runs scored and .650 on-base percentage.

Lynchburg manager Tony Mansolino said Longo will be the designated hitter and bat fifth on Sept. 7 in Game 1 of the best-offive Carolina League Northern Division playoff series against the Frederick (Md.) Keys.

“Mitch has come in and swung the bat really well against both left-handed and right-handed pitching,” Mansolino said of Longo, a left-handed batter. “He has shown himself to be a threat on the bases, as well.”

Between the Captains and Hillcats, Longo has 20 stolen bases in 21 attempts.

Indians director of player development James Harris said he is pleased about but not surprised by Longo’s accomplishments this season.

“We liked him enough to draft him, so there never was a time we didn’t see this happening for him,” Harris said.

Longo was taken in the 14th round of the June 2016 draft.

Harris said Longo made great strides this season despite injuries that delayed the start of his season by one month (hamate surgery) and landed him on the disabled list for another month in May and June (wrist).

“Mitch got better with his consistency. He put the ball in play and didn’t strike out,” Harris said. “He’s a blue-collar player who brings that work ethic to the field every day and continues to refine the skills needed to be considered a complete player. His attitude is infectious.”

Mitch Longo