Navy Plebe Patrick Walsh Excels in Rookie Baseball Season

The freshman DH/3B is leading the Midshipmen at the plate as they chase a Patriot League title.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:47pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors, breaking down a college baseball game into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the intensity and energy of the sport.A Navy baseball player's dynamic, cubist-inspired form illustrates the youthful energy and competitive spirit of the Midshipmen's pursuit of a Patriot League title.Huntersville Today

Navy freshman Patrick Walsh is 'living the dream' in his first season of college baseball, leading the Midshipmen in several offensive categories as both a designated hitter and third baseman. The Plebe from Huntersville, North Carolina is in the midst of a 16-game on-base streak and an eight-game hitting streak as Navy prepares for a crucial 4-game Patriot League series against Holy Cross this weekend.

Why it matters

As a Plebe (freshman) at the U.S. Naval Academy, Walsh's success on the diamond is a testament to his talent and work ethic, as well as the strength of Navy's baseball program. The Midshipmen are in the hunt for a Patriot League championship, which would earn them a spot in the NCAA tournament regional.

The details

Walsh is batting .295 with a .415 on-base percentage and .536 slugging percentage, leading Navy in several offensive categories. He has 10 doubles, including 4 in last weekend's series sweep of Lafayette, and is tied for the team lead with 19 walks. Walsh has also been a threat on the basepaths, stealing 7 bases in 8 attempts. The 6-1, 210-pound left-handed hitter from Christ The King High School in Huntersville, North Carolina has embraced his new role as the Mids' designated hitter in recent weeks after spending much of the season as the starting third baseman.

  • Navy and Holy Cross will play doubleheaders on both Friday and Saturday afternoons at Fitton Field in Worcester, Massachusetts.
  • Walsh hit his first career home run for Navy in a win against rival Army at West Point earlier this season.

The players

Patrick Walsh

A freshman designated hitter and third baseman for the Navy Midshipmen baseball team, leading the team in several offensive categories in his rookie season.

Chuck Ristano

The third-year head coach of the Navy baseball team.

Evan Brown

A 2026 Preseason All Patriot League First Team selection who was injured, allowing Walsh to take over as the starting third baseman.

Victor Izquierdo

A senior first baseman for Navy who is tied with Walsh for the team lead in walks.

Holy Cross

The second-place team in the Patriot League standings, one game ahead of Navy, who the Midshipmen will face in a crucial 4-game series this weekend.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a dream come true. I didn't really know what to expect getting here and then everything has just been awesome. The coaches help me out a lot and are helping me get better and the team has been like a family and I trust every one of these guys with everything I have.”

— Patrick Walsh, Navy Freshman DH/3B

“I really try not to be over aggressive. And if there's a pitcher that can throw pitches on the corner that I can't do anything with early in the counts, just let them have that and then get to 2 strikes and protect. It's really been a process of just hitting good pitches and staying loose up there and not trying to think too much”

— Patrick Walsh, Navy Freshman DH/3B

“That was one of the best feelings I've ever had. Especially because I got the monkey off my back because people here were jokingly giving me a hard time about it for a long time that I hadn't gotten the ball over the wall yet and I was just a batting practice hitter. So it was pretty awesome.”

— Patrick Walsh, Navy Freshman DH/3B

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

As a Plebe (freshman) at the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, Patrick Walsh's breakout season on the baseball diamond showcases the talent and dedication of Navy's student-athletes, who balance the rigors of military training with the demands of Division I athletics. Walsh's success is a testament to the strength of the Midshipmen's baseball program and their pursuit of a Patriot League championship.