May 12, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) throws the ball to first base for an out during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
(New York, NY) – Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is a New Jersey native who grew up rooting for Derek Jeter.
So, it’s not entirely surprising he’d name the captain as his favorite short stop while growing up. But the 22-year-old named two other SS he counted among his favorites as a kid.
You’ll never guess Anthony Volpe’s three favorite shortstops growing up 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/QJ03MH3yLA
— 77wabcsports (@77wabcsports) May 15, 2023
He chatted with WABC’s Dixon Dimitrovski prior to Friday’s game in the Bronx and named crosstown rival Francisco Lindor as his second-favorite shortstop. Longtime San Francisco Giants SS Brandon Crawford – a perennial gold glove winner – was named as well.
It’s perhaps unsurprising given Volpe named Jeter, Lindor, and Crawford that he’s such a skilled baserunner.
His three inspirations growing up are or were known as very solid base runners. And that paid off, according to manager Aaron Boone, who said Volpe is the “best” base runner he’s ever seen.
In 147 at bats through the start of play on Monday, Volpe has recorded a .218 batting average but also stolen 13 bases.
The Yankees selected him out of Delbarton High School with their first round pick in 2019.
