New York Yankees fans are eager to see top prospect Anthony Volpe make his MLB debut in the season opener Thursday. As is Yankee legend Derek Jeter.
Volpe, the Yankees’ No. 1 prospect, won the competition to make the team. A shortstop by trade, he’s already drawn comparisons to the legendary Yankee. Many observers feel the talented Volpe appears set to hold down that position for many years, as did Jeter from 1995-2014.
Jeter shared a nice message for Volpe on Twitter Wednesday.
“Congratulations @Volpe_Anthony,” Jeter wrote. “There’s nothing like playing shortstop for the New York Yankees.”
It’s the kind of class move everyone has come to expect from Jeter.
While Volpe is only 21, Jeter himself was only 20 when he assumed the Yankees shortstop role. Despite Volpe’s youth, manager Aaron Boone said he’s mature beyond his years.
“In a way, he’s been bred for this,” Boone said Tuesday (via ESPN). “You look at [Volpe’s] childhood, growing up, being a giant Yankee fan, going to Yankee Stadium, being a smart kid, on his way to Vanderbilt, but getting drafted by his team. And who he’s been in the organization since he was drafted and how he’s developed and the reputation that he’s earned. For being a young man and being 21, I think he’s as equipped as anyone to handle it.”
Now Volpe is ready for his MLB debut. Yankees fans will be watching … and so will Derek Jeter.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.