Evan Longoria to Appear in New Era Commercial on Opening Day

Just weeks away from his third season in the majors, Evan Longoria has become one of the faces of Major League Baseball.

Any doubts of that will be put to rest on Opening Day when Longoria appears in a national commercial promoting New Era Cap, an ad that casts the Rays third baseman as a Jason Bourne/Jack Bauer-type trying to recover his lost cap.

Longoria is already the face of MLB 2K10, and has appeared in spots for the video game this spring, but the opportunity to play a "superhero role" was one that he couldn't pass up.

"The other two [commercials I've appeared in], I was just in one place doing some lines ... and a little acting," Longoria said. "I was ... more in my element for this one. Being able to run and do athletic things ... that's kind of what made the whole thing fun for me.

"I got to see myself as a stunt double (yes, he had one) do some pretty cool things."

More Coverage: Rays Star Talks About Disappointing '09

The commercial was filmed Monday, an off day from Grapefruit League action for the Rays, and though Longoria said he always welcomes the change of pace getting away from the diamond brings, the shoot itself was taxing because he was sick the entire time.

"I felt terrible the day before and throughout the shoot. I had to step aside a couple times and go use the restroom and get rid of some stuff," he said. "I wasn't feeling too hot, it was kind of a battle."

"He was an absolute trooper in terms of still giving us a great performance," said Gerry Matos, the senior vice president of New Era.