(Editor’s Note: This is the 16th installment of the Up Next series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Jack Mulligan, Alex Pagano, Quincy Gibbs, Michael Cotto, Charlie Edwards, Evan Picciano, Nick Lawrence, Robbie Mascia, Jacob Abran, Tyler Camastro, Jason Davis, Michael Garcia ,Vincent Bourne, Nate Lewis and Jack Yonkman. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Three years ago, the NY Longhorns made history going 10-0 and winning the championship in Cooperstown Dreams Park. In the championship game, Andrew McQuade crushed a grand slam en route to a 14-3 victory.
Fast forward to 2026 and McQuade is coming off a monster season. He has a real chance to break camp with the varsity team at Connetquot HS as a freshman – which is no easy task considering they are the reigning Class AAA Suffolk Champs.
This past summer season he batted .400 with a .531 OBP and stole over 30 bases for the Body Armor Titans.
14u BodyArmor Titans win Perfect Games Chesapeake World Series in Virginia. Andrew McQuade (2029) was named MVP collecting 10 hits on the tourney and also throwing 6.2 IP of 1 run ball topping 80mph. The team is 28-3 on the year! @axcessbaseball #TitanNation pic.twitter.com/sDXLERL4Ok
— Titans (@TitansBsb) July 29, 2025
On the mound, he was just as dominant – he compiled a 0.76 ERA over 27 innings with 25 strikeouts. Last school season, he was promoted to JV as an 8th grader and responded to the challenge with a team-leading .500 AVG and led the team in hits and stolen bases.
He was recognized with several awards including 2025 Chesapeake World Series MVP, 2024 Northeast June Jamboree MVP and 2024 Diamond Nation World Series MVP.
Rob Burger, the head coach of Connetquot had the following to say:
“Andrew is an absolute specimen. Pound for pound, he may be the best of the best we’ve seen in a long time.He will be starting as a ninth grader this upcoming season. He will also compete for a rotation spot this year as he is already throwing in the low 80s.”
Andrew McQuade (Connetquot 2029) pic.twitter.com/oUi2okKFFg
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 9, 2026
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport and do you play other sports?
Yes, baseball has always been my number one sport. Along with baseball I also play football and basketball.
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your career?
My mom, dad and my coaches.
Do you take private lessons with any instructors?
Yes I just started taking lessons from Marc Wangenstein.
What is the most thrilling moment you’ve had on a baseball field?
Hitting a grand slam in the championship game of Cooperstown.
Favorite pro athlete?
My favorite pro athlete is Francisco Lindor because he is a good role model on-and-off the field.
What did you want to work on this offseason?
Hitting and pitching
How have you enjoyed your time with Body Armor?
I’ve learned a lot from the coaches, I’ve improved as a ballplayer and made new friends.
Any family members that played college sports?
My dad played baseball at Queens College.
What are your goals for 2026?
To continue to excel in school and succeed in baseball.
Favorite app on your phone?
TikTok and Instagram
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Chili’s
Favorite musical artist?
YoungBoy Never Broke Again
Favorite TV show or movie?
Waves
Dream Car?
Lamborghini Urus
Favorite Vacation Spot?
Aruba
