The rising star of the New York Yankees organization, Anthony Volpe, isn’t a traditional baseball family boy. His family left no stone unturned to ensure he landed his spot where he deserved it: in the world of MLB. Two pillars of his life, Michael and Isabelle Volpe, instilled a love for the game in him.
Starting his journey in New York City, Volpe spent his early years on the Upper East Side. His family followed the Yankees avidly, holding partial season tickets. This early exposure undoubtedly ignited a passion for the game in young Anthony. Soon, the family moved to Watchung, New Jersey, where his love for baseball flourished. One might assume the apparent ties to baseball, but on the contrary, his parents’ profession was not even remotely linked to America’s favorite pastime.
Who are Anthony Volpe’s parents? Know more about Michael and Isabella Volpe
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The 22-year-old’s mother, Isabelle, is of Filipino origin and works as an anesthesiologist. Their father, Michael, who is of Italian lineage, works as an urologist. Despite being from a non-sports field, the duo has been by their son’s side, cheering him on at every milestone and cushioning him during setbacks.
They recently cheered the MLB shortstop on after recording his first career hit. That moment on April 14 in the Yankee Stadium was memorable for his parents, who had seen him grow into a celebrated Bronx Bomber. But that’s not it.
Anthony Volpe's parents celebrate their son's first major league hit 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Tyd0yuijql
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 1, 2023
As parents, they have rooted for their son. Michael and Isabelle have done everything from his opening day roster selection in the Yankees to dropping him off for his first game.
An urologist father: Know more about Michael Volpe
Michael Volpe is a well-established urologist who met his wife back when they were in college. Their lives crossed paths in Brooklyn at the State of New York Downstate Medical Center in 1990. Papa Volpe’s medical work enabled his family to stay in New York City, where the American League Gold Glove Award winner grew up loving baseball. Now, baseball is a family affair.
As a father, he has had his bouts of fear when it came to his son’s performances. One time, he even vocalized what he felt. He stated, “When he (Anthony) was 15 he played against the Japanese National Team in Japan, on their field on national TV. He had a great game. Just the pressure to make that team (is a lot). Thousands of kids try out, multiple tryouts, the 18-and- Under team was a two-year tryout. Every single ground ball can make or break you.” But in time, his son gained the confidence to play in the big leagues.
Here’s what Anthony Volpe told me about the influence of his parents, Isabelle and Michael:
“All my success comes from them. They’re my role models . . . I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.”
And Happy #NationalDoctorsDay to Isabelle and Michael! pic.twitter.com/RLQTNXjcvs
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 30, 2023
When the Yankees picked Volpe in the first round of the 2019 draft, the 30th pick overall, his father was delighted. He shared, “We were really lucky. Al (Leiter) told me we were so lucky after he got drafted by the Yankees because all the minor league teams are around here.” That said, his mother Isabelle was not shy from celebrating either.
An anesthesiologist mother: A look at Isabella Volpe’s profession
Before diving into Isabelle Volpe’s involvement in her son’s career, note that her background is quite interesting. Originally from the Philippines, she grew up in a big family with six siblings in an Asian country. Then, she moved to the United States and started a family. The rest is history.
Again, she is not from a sports background. Her participation as a backbone in her son’s career is commendable, thanks to their early days spent in Watchung when Anthony was growing up. One anecdote she shared displays how the family got involved in the craze of games.
First, the ballpark was just over a 10-minute drive from their Watchung home. Second, it motivated them to attend the games despite the weather not being too comfortable. She elaborated, “I don’t think we’ve missed any home games.”
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“It has been so cold. We wear winter coats, hats, scarves, blankets, the whole works,” she was quoted as saying. Knowingly or unknowingly, this dedication translated into young Volpe’s temperament toward his games.
Does Anthony Volpe have siblings? Are they also doctors? Know the answer
His parents have been great pillars in his life, but what about his siblings? Yes, Anthony Volpe does have a younger sibling — a sister named Olivia Volpe. She is two years younger than the baseball champ. Despite his busy schedule, the 2023 debutant takes time to catch up with his sister. After all, is there a better way to shed pressure than engaging in some fun sibling banter?
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Anthony and Olivia have a pet dog — Jedi. In an interview with ESPN, the Volpe parents shared their son loves to spend time with his sister and play with Jedi. This is proof of how closely knit the family is. Baseball plays a part in bringing the Volpes together to support their son or brother.