The 2012 season marks Rob Rooney’s 17th season managing and 18th season coaching in the Longshots Baseball program. In the last 13 years, Rooney has managed or instructed 19 MLB draft picks and over 110 players (in five graduating classes) who have gone on to play in college, including over 65 at the NCAA Division 1 level. He has had 6 players make the Area Code team in those five classes.
Coach Rooney is well respected in the college and professional baseball community. In working to place his high school graduates in college programs, he has developed strong and respected relationships with many college coaches, professional scouts and HS baseball media. Many coaches and media members regularly consult Rooney for opinions on players both inside and outside the Longshots program.
He has assisted a number of non-Longshots players in gaining placement in college programs, where their own travel program could not.
Rooney managed the West Suburban Longshots (2000 high school graduating class) from 1995-2000, finishing in the top 10 in the nation each year and winning the AAU National Invitational Championship in 1998. From 2001-2008, he managed the 2008 graduating class in the Longshots Baseball program, winning multiple state championships and qualifying for the prestigious Connie Mack World Series in his first attempt in 2008. His 2010 team also qualifed for the Connie Mack World Series.
Coach Rooney was named the 2010 AABC North Central Region Coach of the Year after earning his second Connie Mack World Series berth.
Rooney is the President of Longshots Baseball. He leads the development and execution of the organization’s offseason training programs and coaches development clinics.
As many around the Longshots program know, his leadership, passion and focus are on player and skill development. His program is not driven by winning (though obviously that happens a lot)… it is about “getting kids to the next level”… whatever level it is.
His development focus areas include:
- Infield play (he is a disciple of the Bucky Dent Baseball School instruction). He has coached and developed seven All State middle infielders in three graduating classes. Top players on other travel teams have sought him out for development work.
- Hitting
- Mental & preparation side of the game
- College recruiting process
Rooney's two sons have both played Division I baseball. Bobby played at Illinois State University and Reid currently plays for Central Michigan University, both after receiving All-State recognition at Fenwick High School.
Rooney played competitively as a catcher until age 19. He played collegiate football at Illinois State for four years and played softball for Longshots Softball on the national circuit for 10 years, winning a National USSSA Championship in 1991. He was named to the 1991 All-American Team.
