Despite two shoulder surgeries, Gavin Long is still playing baseball.

He loves playing the game so much that he’s not going to let something like two shoulder surgeries keep him off the diamond.

Long, a 2009 graduate of Half Moon Bay High School, didn’t play too much for the College of San Mateo in his freshman year, 2010. He injured the shoulder in 2011 and re-injured it a year later.

In 2013, Long is injury free and back playing for the Bulldogs.

“He’s the ultimate warrior,” said coach Doug Williams. “He’s always maintained the attitude that he can do it.”

Long is the starting designated hitter for the Bulldogs, hitting around .275. Nine of his 12 hits have gone for extra bases, including three home runs.

While recovering from the second surgery, he gave thought to hanging it up.

“I wanted to come back,” Long said. “It has been rough, but I have battled through it.”

Williams has first-hand knowledge of the work Long put in to playing this year. Williams has seen Long at the batting cage when Williams arrives to CSM. At night, Long is the last person Williams sees before going home.

“He goes in the batting cage by himself,” Williams said. “He pounds, pounds, pounds those balls into the net.”

Long is determined to make a contribution to the Bulldogs this year. His love and passion for the game made him work hard to be healthy.

He knew he had a decision to make after the second surgery. The decision was to give it one more go.

“I feel like I made the right one,” Long said.

Williams is happy to have his hitter back. It was Long’s determination to return that has earned the respect of Williams.

“You see true character through setbacks and adversity,” Williams said. “He’s never quit. He’s put more time in that training room than just about anybody.”

Long, a chemistry major, said he would love to play next year somewhere, though he hasn’t heard anything in that regard.

“I want to play as long as I can,” Long said. “I’m taking it one step at a time.”