Tampa, FL -- On Sunday, the New York Yankees announced Anthony Volpe would be the Yankees' Opening Day shortstop. The former Somerset Patriot will be the youngest Yankee (21) to start on Opening Day since Derek Jeter in 1996.
This is a dream come true for Volpe as Jeter was Volpe's idol growing up. Vople's father said Anthony had a Jeter poster in his bedroom. Volpe is like one of us; he reminds every young kid playing little league, softball, high school, and even college baseball that dreams come true.
Volpe attended high school at Delbarton, which is located in Morristown. He was offered a scholarship to play at Vanderbilt with his good friend Jack Leiter, his teammate from Delbarton. Instead, he declined that offer and pursued his dream of playing at the Major League level one day. His reward was being drafted in the first round by the New York Yankees and, ultimately, starting on Opening Day as the Yanks' shortstop.
The road to being a Yankee took work. Two words always stand out when Volpe speaks in interviews: hard work. When respected individuals in the organization talk about Volpe, those exact words are echoed. He is a hard worker, as during Spring Training, we heard he was the first one on the field and the last to leave. His amazing leadership skills and work ethic is also what set him apart. Volpe was an integral and influential part of the Patriots as he impacted the team and helped lead the squad to a successful season. His teammates speak highly of him and describe him as a team captain. Teammates talked about how Volpe's presence made them better players.
On Monday, Volpe was named the 2023 James P. Dawson Award winner as the top Yankees' rookie in Spring Training. Everyone in the Yankees organization, including general manager Brian Cashman, expressed how they were impressed week after week watching Volpe. He caught the attention of the veterans and coaches, and Willie Randolph even talked about similarities between Jeter and Volpe. He has been hitting and working with Volpe since the beginning of Spring Training. He fought for Volpe to make the Opening Day roster, reminiscent of how Willie fought for Derek Jeter as a rookie.
Chris Kirschner's interview with Brian Cashman: "He knew there was a competition and he was intent on winning it. From the defensive side, offensive side, from one of the first to get here in the morning to one of the last to leave. He just dominated all sides of the ball."
The excitement of Anthony Volpe making the roster on Opening Day has all baseball fans thrilled on social media. Some had already purchased a #77 jersey, but to everyone's surprise, on Wednesday, the day before opening day, it was announced that he would be wearing #11. Jack Curry from YES Network reported that Volpe contacted former Yankee outfielder Brett Gardner beforehand and asked for permission. Such respect and mindfulness resonate and is the essence of who he is on and off the field.
Volpe has significantly impacted the Yankees in just a few weeks during Spring Training, and we will continue hearing stories and watching greatness for years to come. Undoubtedly, the team is one step ahead, and his immediate appearance on the Yankees' roster can change the culture of the team by giving the Yankees a youth injection that was highly needed.
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