Living up to expectations while being compared to Derek Jeter is tough. The New York Yankees’ legendary shortstop left his mark on the franchise while manning the shortstop position. Since his retirement in 2014, the position has seen many players who failed to live up to his stature. But now, the Yankees may have their next Jeter in rookie star Anthony Volpe.

Although he has had inconsistencies, the 22-year-old has been impressed in recent weeks. Volpe overcame a brutal batting slump after a hilarious food incident. Most recently, after watching the top defensive play of Volpe, fans started the comparison between the Jeter and him. 

Anthony Volpe provides a nostalgic play for New York Yankees fans

Amidst a tough run of form, Yankees fans have not had a lot of plays to look forward to. However, during the Bombers’ recent 3-0 loss against the Chicago Cubs, Anthony Volpe earned comparisons to Derek Jeter with a defensive play. It was a demoralizing loss, but fans were focused on the play by Volpe.

The 22-year-old made a similar throw to the first base that Jeter had made in the 1998 ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians. Although this Volpe play did not result in an out, it brought up nostalgia. Thus, fans were divided as they debated the awe-inducing play. Talkin’ Yanks shared a video of the defensive effort on Twitter captioning, “If Volpe got him out…”. 

Volpe made a fantastic grab, turn, and throw under the circumstances. It really looks like the Jeter jump-throw from ‘98. But unlike Jeter, the Yankees’ rookie could not get enough power on the toss to first base. 

Read More: After a Successful London Debut, Ex-Yankees Captain Derek Jeter Announces Next Chapter of Comeback as He Turns 49

There was disagreement among certain fans regarding the comparison. 

Other fans are convinced that he’s similar to Jeter. 

It will be interesting to see how the youngster develops under the immense New York pressure. He has shown a lot of promise in his rookie season thus far. But before he matches the Bombers’ former captain, there is a way to go. Jeter was one of the Yankees’ most consistently talented players. 

Derek Jeter was the beacon of consistency

During his baseball career, Derek Jeter was the hallmark of consistent play. Every year, he would come out and play with his guts to contribute to the team. He hit double-digit home runs 15 years in a row and 16 years in total during his career.

Furthermore, Jeter played 140 games or more in 16 of his 20 years, only missing significant time on several occasions. Most importantly, he showed up to work every day to improve his play. It is hard to emulate that mentality and attitude, along with the many accolades he picked up during his career. 

Watch this Story: “From MVP to money pit” – Inside Derek Jeter’s lavish home that even Tom Brady couldn’t escape. 

It will be a challenging task for Anthony Volpe to fill the shoes of Derek Jeter as the next dominant player. Moreover, given the idolization of the former captain by fans, drawing direct comparisons between the two becomes even more difficult.

Can you perceive any similarities between them in terms of this defensive play? Let’s know in the comments below!