21-year-old Anthony Volpe, often referred to as the second Derek Jeter, had his dreams come true when he was selected for the New York Yankees’ open shortstop position over Isiah-Kiner Falefa and Oswald Peraza. His plays in the Spring Training game helped him reach a milestone that Captain Clutch himself never did by winning the James P. Dawson award.
Despite his stellar performance during the 2023 Opening Day, Volpe’s rookie status still poses a challenge for him. In the second game against the San Francisco Giants, where the Yankees suffered a 5-7 defeat, Volpe was visibly disappointed after missing a catch. Although the Yankees won the first game with a stunning score of 5-0, Volpe struggled to catch a hit from Thairo Estrada. It looked good for the shortstop, however; he lost his balance and fell short. The 21-year-old phenom has since expressed his regret about the mistake.
Anthony Volpe’s on-field mishap was a difficult one for him
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Anthony Volpe didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for his mishap on the field. In a candid admission, he acknowledged his mistake and took full responsibility, feeling that he had let the team down. “It was a tough one, but it’ll probably keep me up at night thinking about it. I feel like I definitely should’ve had it and I think that definitely was on me. It was one of those weird plays I feel like 99 times out of a 100 I should make. Definitely felt like I cost the team there.”
"It will probably keep me up at night… Just one of those weird plays that I feel like 99 times out of 100 I should make. Definitely felt like I cost the team there." -Anthony Volpe pic.twitter.com/hW4VuSikwh
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 2, 2023
As a rookie, who’s looking to make his mark on the field and garner the respect of his veteran teammates, the moment surely was a difficult one for him. But his teammates surely don’t hold it against him.
The moment occurred when the Yankees were down by just one run in the sixth inning, and reliever Michael King was struggling to get out of a bases-loaded situation. The catch would have ended the inning and possibly shifted the momentum of the game, but bygones are bygones.
Fans are pouring in their support for the young shortstop
The fans are laying out their support for Anthony Volpe in the wake of his setback. The young phenom has long been a fan-favorite, and his willingness to take responsibility for his mistakes has only deepened the love and support from the baseball world.
People saying “how he missed that soft liner?” Without realizing the movement that ball had lol.. y’all definitely haven’t played baseball in your life and it shows. Anybody could’ve been shaken up from that play.
— 𝑹𝒂𝒇𝒂 🦦 (@rafaestamelo) April 2, 2023
It’s ok volpdawg
— JvRich_ (@JvRich_) April 2, 2023
Love the accountability
— Ben J (@B_gan1422) April 2, 2023
The love for the young sensation surely is apparent!
Don’t care, he got his first hit today and keeps the vibes high
— Mentz (@smentz6) April 2, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
bro shit happens we all make mistakes out there. keep fighting and working on the craft my guy
— B Brad👑 (@YT_BBrad) April 2, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As the Yankees prepare to face off against the Giants in the decisive third game, the excitement is at an all-time high. The first game saw the Yankees come out as winners, but the Giants bounced back in the second. With everything to play for, both teams are ready to give it all in the third game.
WATCH THIS STORY: Ranking New York Yankees Legend Derek Jeter’s Greatest Ever MLB All-Star Games