In college, Longoria was a star infielder for Long Beach State University where he became the 2005 Cape Cod League MVP and the 2006 Big West Co-Player of the Year. He was drafted third overall in the 2006 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays.  Longoria tore through his minor league assignements and made his major league deput with the Rays on April 12, 2008. 

In his rookie season, he was named the AL Rookie of the Year.  Longoria has gone on to become an All-Star multiple times, and has been awarded the Gold Glove award and the Silver Slugger award.  Away from the field, Longoria's image and reputation earned him the cover athlete for Major League Baseball 2K10.