Anthony Volpe, Who Idolized Derek Jeter Growing Up, Achieves a Feat Which the MLB Legend Never Did

Little did anyone know that the phenomenal rookie, Anthony Volpe, hailing from New Jersey, would step into the Yankee legend Derek Jeter’s shoe at just 21 years old. And not only has he fought and won the Bronx Bombers shortstop position over Oswald Peraza and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. But he has also now been bestowed the 2023 James P. Dawson Award – an award that Jeter never won.

The award is given to a rookie Yankee who has had the best Spring Training performance. And there’s no doubt that Volpe displayed stunning performances – not just over other rookies but a few veterans as well. With this honor, the homegrown star has proven why he has been the perfect shortstop for the Pinstripes during the exhibition games.

The New York Yankees have rewritten history with Anthony Volpe 

Anthony Volpe’s journey in the baseball world began with his family roots. His great-grandfather would spend the little free time he had with his kid sitting and watching the New York Yankees games. When the television was still playing out black-and-white images.

Little did they know that their great-grandson would one day be the one standing underneath the behemoth Yankee stadium lights, playing for the Pinstripes himself. 

The rookie has had a phenomenal Spring Training session. The 21-year-old displayed his excellence with a batting average of .314, an on-base percentage of .417, and a slugging percentage of .647. In just 17 games, he’s managed to hit 6 doubles, 1 triple, and 3 home runs. All while racking up 13 runs, 5 RBIs, 8 walks, and 5 stolen bases. 

READ MORE: Rare Moment Of a Teenage Anthony Volpe Fawning Over Priceless Derek Jeter Item Resurfaces as He Makes New York Yankees History

As the number one prospect in the Yankees, Volpe is the youngest player to start a season opener since Captain Clutch in 1996. And he’s not just making his debut, he’s doing it while making history. He has become the first Yankees position player to start on Opening Day since Hideki Matsui in 2003. And the first Yankees’ shortstop to do so since Jerry Lumpe way back in 1956. 

How have the fans reacted to Volpe getting the rookie award?

Baseball fans remain unsurprised by the development and are expressing their joy on social media. 

While many are saying that the award that he was honored with was rightly deserved. Others are focusing more on the picture of Bryan Hoch, the Yankees insider reporter. 

Well, now that Anthony Volpe is already brewing a firestorm in the ballpark. It remains to be seen how well he does in the regular season. Maybe a fresh new talent is what the New York Yankees need to end the World Series title drought that has been plaguing them.

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