Yankees’ newest shortstop Anthony Volpe had his first hit in his second game and fourth at-bat in the major leagues on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, where his parents, Michael and Isabelle, watched from the 200 level. This makes Volpe the youngest in the Bronx to do it after Gleyber Torres’ first hit on April 24, 2018, against the Twins.
The 21-year-old is trying to stay in the present, but he knows that his future is bright. MLB Pipeline ranks Volpe as the top prospect for the team and the No. 5 prospect in all of baseball. He got his first and second hits in the major leagues at a game that the Yankees lost to the Giants 7–5 following several mistakes.
Anthony Volpe’s first hit came off of a right-handed pitcher, Alex Cobb. He took an 86.7 mph slider and hit a single into left field, just out of reach of the diving shortstop Brandon Crawford. When Volpe got to first base, there were loud cheers and chants of “Volpe!”
He wasn’t there for long, though. Cobb tried to pick him off, but a quick Anthony Volpe got a huge jump and stole second base without a throw from Giants catcher Roberto Perez. It was his second steal in as many big league games. Travis Chapman, the first-base coach, congratulated Volpe as he rounded first base. Volpe clapped his hands.
The 21-year-old was left at second after going 1-3 with a walk and two steals in his short career.
With his pinstripes baptism, Anthony Volpe became the first rookie and youngest player since Aaron Judge in 2017 and Derek Jeter in 1996 to start for the Yankees on Opening Day.
Anthony Volpe impresses manager, veterans
Anthony Volpe didn’t get a lot of time to enjoy the moment after his first hit. He danced off first base, took off running after the next pitch, and slid safely into second base for the second time in as many games. His helmet popped off again and rattled around the infield, just like it did on Thursday’s Opening Day game.
“It’s been a whirlwind, but the best type of whirlwind,” Volpe said. “It’s been amazing for me to spend this time with my teammates, my family, and my close friends. It’s cool for me, but it’s also even better that I’m able to experience it with them.”
“It was an awesome moment. I felt like I was battling so it was good to at least get the bat on the ball and to see it go through was a bonus. It was a great moment for me in my career. Definitely, one I won’t forget.”
With his steal, Anthony Volpe became the first Yankee to steal at least one base in each of their first two Major League games, joining Fritz Maisel (1913).
“More good at-bats from him today,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s in the fight every time up there. I certainly like where Anthony is at right now.”
Anthony Volpe has already added something new to a Yankees team that needed more youth and athleticism. The top prospect is 2-for-6 so far this season and is hitting ninth in the lineup, which makes him a second leadoff hitter who can cause trouble on the bases.
“He’s keeping us rolling, getting steals,” said outfielder Giancarlo Stanton. “He’s a good charge when he’s on base.”
When Thairo Estrada hit a sinking liner that Volpe couldn’t catch, a run was scored off of Mike King.
“That was a tough one,” Volpe said. “That’ll probably keep me up at night, thinking about that. I feel like I definitely should have had it.”
Fans’ admirations pour in after Anthony Volpe’s first hit
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