This is the sixth installment of the popular series “Up Next” Powered by the Yard Sports Academy in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Centereach OF Logan Norman, Garden City LHP Gabe Beschloss , Connetquot INF Ryan Kiendle, Clarke MIF Nick Berasti and Miller Place SS Alex Strickland. Make sure to check out the Yard Sports Academy here.
Robbie Melo is one of the sweet-swinging lefties you’d hear about in previous generations where the emphasis was on employing a level swing that produced line drives.
As a freshman at Pat-Med – a large school that typically does not need to call up 9th graders – Melo more than held his own. But he took his game to new heights during the summer playing against elite competition for the East Coast Lumberjacks. Over 163 plate appearances, he batted .398 with a .534 OBP while driving in 46 runs with a 1.161 OPS. He announced his commitment to Army West Point last week.
He will enter his sophomore year as one of the top bats in the class.
I had a chance to speak with him, and here’s what he had to say…
Strong 2024 OF Robbie Melo (Patchogue, NY) putting a consistent line drive swing on display, 2-3 with 2 RBI to this point. Shows good weight shift and the ability to get the barrel extended #S2515UChamp @PG_Scouting @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/GX7UXomzrb
— PG Mid Atlantic (NY, NJ, PA, MD) (@PGMidAtlantic) July 15, 2021
Can you tell us about your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose Army?
My process was pretty short since I knew what I wanted in a college. I had spoken to a couple of coaches who had shown interestin me for their programs, but once I got to step foot on the West Point campus, I knew it was the place for me. I was already interested in the military; I knew I really wanted to be able to play at the Division-I level. Army is going to give me the opportunity to do both, and knowing I am going to graduate with a degree from a highly respected school is most important to me.
Who are some influential people in your career?
I have been lucky to have had some great coaches in my baseball career. Anthony Frascogna has coached me since I was 9. He’s been a huge supporter of mine. Eric Strovink and Ryan Pembroke have ben great in pushing me to work hard and getting me to the next level. Getting to work with ex-Major League pitcher Neal Heaton has also been tremendous for me as a pitcher. Lastly, my parents for all their support and what they have done and sacrificed for me to get these opportunities.
What has your time been like playing with the Lumberjacks? Who are some top performers on the team?
Playing for the Lumberjacks has been a great experience. It has given me the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams and players in the country. The whole organization has helped me grow as a player. On my 2024 ECL team, everyone is a top performer and everybody does their part. It really is a cohesive team.
Do you get private lessons with anyone?
Yes I take hitting lessons with Ryan Pembroke and pitching lessons with Neal Heaton.
What was it like playing varsity as a freshman? Did any of the upperclassmen help you feel more comfortable?
Playing varsity as a freshman was a great experience for me. Getting to face some of the best competition on the island like Rafe Schlesinger and Tommy Ventimiglia, really helped me see what the next level of baseball was like. All of the upperclassmen were always supportive and helpful and are really good friends of mine today; it was a great team to be with for my first varsity experience.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite player is Juan Soto because he hits lefty like me and plays the same position. He is a really fun player to watch.
Any superstitions on game day?
I wear my cross for every single game.
Favorite place to get a slice of pizza?
My favorite place to get pizza is Rocco’s in Patchogue.
What are you looking to improve on this off-season?
This off-season I want to improve on my arm strength and speed.
Goals for 2022?
My goals are to cut down strikeouts and have a higher average in my high school season.
Favorite pregame hype music?
My favorite song to play before every high school game was Pump it Up by Endor.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app on my phone is snapchat so I can stay in contact with my friends.
