In 2019 when Bob Steele was inducted to the Hall of Fame it didn’t look like he would ever get the naming to the field he so deserved. John Iasparro, long time committee member of the Hall has been one of the advocates for Bob. He announced today that on Tuesday, June 8th at 2:30pm – Bob Steele will finally get his due. There will be a naming ceremony at McKee Staten Island Tech HS (formerly New Dorp) where the Baseball Field will be named in his honor. Steele spent 41 seasons coaching baseball at McKee, later McKee/Staten Island Tech, beginning in 1963 and assumed athletic director duties in 1970 — he held both positions until 2002.
His 1965 McKee baseball team captured the Staten Island Public School championship, he was named the Staten Island Baseball Coach of the Year by the Daily News in 1968. The now 85-year-old Steele, who also coached basketball during his time at MSIT, lost a lot more games than he won (147-412) on the diamond, but his players always departed with more knowledge and understanding about the sport than when they arrived. Still, Steele coached a number of impressive teams and players, including some who went on to play at the professional level. A long time coming. Congratulations to Bob Steele. A much deserved recognition.
