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Three Suffolk County natives are taking the field for Army baseball this season, representing Long Island on the national stage.
Junior catcher Jack Quinlan of Sayville has earned early playing time for the Black Knights, starting in five of the team’s nine games, while junior pitcher Billy Steele of Shoreham and Patchogue’s Robert Melo, a freshman outfielder with an extensive military family legacy, are also on the roster.
Army (2-7) has faced a difficult road schedule to open the 2025 season, but the squad is coming off a 16-5 win on Sunday over Air Force. The Black Knights play closer to home this weekend, taking on Fordham in a three-game series.
Friday and Sunday’s games are in the Bronx, while Saturday’s 2 p.m. matchup marks Army’s home opener at West Point.
Each of Army’s Long Island players brings a strong baseball pedigree to the program, with impressive high school achievements. Here’s a closer look at their backgrounds:
Jack Quinlan – Catcher, Junior (Sayville)
- Major: Human Geography
- High School: Sayville High School
- 2025 Season: Started five of Army’s nine games thus far, recording three hits in 14 at-bats, including a double, three runs scored and two RBIs.
- Previous Experience: Appeared in four games as a freshman and two as a sophomore, earning his first collegiate hit against Siena in 2024.
- High School Honors: All-County; Honor Roll student.
- Summer Ball: Played for the East Coast Lumberjacks summer college team.
Billy Steele – RHP, Junior (Shoreham-Wading River)
- Major: Human Geography
- High School: Shoreham-Wading River High School
- High School Achievements: Two-time All-County pitcher, three-time First-Team All-District, two-time District MVP, All-State selection.
- Academics: National Honor Society member.
- Travel Ball: Played for the Dulin Dodgers National team.
Robert Melo – Outfielder, Freshman (Patchogue-Medford)
- Major: Undeclared
- High School: Patchogue-Medford High School
- High School Achievements: All-League and Top 100 Long Island player as a sophomore, junior and senior; played in the Long Island vs. New York City Game in his junior season and the Long Island All-Star Game in his senior year.
- Academics: Four-year Honor Roll student.
- Travel Ball: Played for the East Coast Lumberjacks.
- Military Family Legacy: Grandfather Joseph O’Connell served in the Air Force during Vietnam; uncle Joe O’Connell served combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan; uncle Gene O’Connell received four Purple Hearts for combat in Vietnam; and uncle Bart O’Connell served four years in Vietnam in the Marines.
Top photos: Inset images, from top to bottm, Jack Quinlan, Billy Steele and Robert Melo. Main image, Jack Quinlan batting for Army (Courtesy, Army baseball).)
