Kyle Long to leave Florida State

The date had been circled by many local baseball fans for numerous reasons.

On March 13, Florida State will bring its storied baseball program to Virginia’s Davenport Field for the first time in five years.

One of the storylines for the Seminoles’ return included the expected appearance of former St. Anne’s-Belfield standout Kyle Long. It was not to be.

Officials at Florida State confirmed that Long, the 2008 All-Central Virginia player of the year, will not return to the school for the spring semester.

“After falling behind academically, Kyle and his family have decided that it is in his best interest at this time to be closer to home while he tries to get back on track academically,” the release stated.

Long enrolled at Florida State last summer, spurning a potential signing bonus with the Chicago White Sox, who drafted the two-way standout in the 23rd round.

At STAB, Long dominated on the diamond — he hit .500 with two homers and 24 stolen bases while posting a 1.91 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 50 innings.

Long shocked many when he elected to play baseball in college. He did, in fact, have numerous scholarship offers to play football after a storied career for Saints coach John Blake.

Long could not be reached for comment.