Anthony Volpe, the prized rookie shortstop, will wear Yankees No. 11 for the 2023 season. The number was previously held by outfielder Brett Gardner from 2008 until 2021. Anthony Volpe will also join the likes of Gary Sheffield, Chuck Knoblauch, Fred Stanley, Hector Lopez, Lefty Gomez, Dwight Gooden, and Waite Hoyt to become the 32nd player in franchise history to wear Yankees No. 11.
According to Jack Curry of The YES Network claims, Anthony Volpe called Gardner to get permission to have the Yankees No. 11. Gardner’s agent Joe Bick confirmed it and revealed that Gardner endorsed Volpe and hoped the best for him.
In the games broadcast on the Area Code channel, Anthony Volpe was seen wearing the number 2 in honor of his childhood hero Derek Jeter. But in high school and throughout most of his time in the minor leagues, he wore the number 7. But he switched to 77 during batting practice at the spring camp, as because the Yankees had retired that number in honor of Mickey Mantle, his grandfather’s all-time favorite player. Now he’s decided to pick No. 11 instead.
Who are the other legends to play wearing Yankees No. 11?
Lefty Gomez, Dwight Gooden, Gary Sheffield, and Chuck Knoblauch wore all Yankees No. 11 before Anthony Volpe was born in 2001. As a child, Anthony Volpe saw Gardner lead the Yankees to their first World Series title since 2009 in Yankees No. 11. Given Gardner’s standing and Yankees fans’ adoration for the franchise’s traditions and homegrown players, Anthony Volpe’s gesture will only make him more beloved on Opening Day in the Bronx when he officially takes the field in pinstriped garb.
Here are some of the best players who wore the Yankees No. 11.
Brett Gardner, 2008-2021
Gardner, who was picked by the Yankees in the third round of the 2005 MLB draft, made his major league debut with the team in 2008 and won the World Series with them in 2009. Gardner spent his entire 14-year career with the Yankees and had a .256 batting average, 139 home runs, 578 RBIs, and 274 steals. He won the Gold Glove in left field in 2016 and was an All-Star that same year. Three Fielding Bible Awards are also among Gardner’s many accolades.
Opting for Yankees No. 11 may prompt fans to compare Anthony Volpe with the superstar outfielder.
Gary Sheffield, 2004-2006
George Steinbrenner signed Sheffield on December 19, 2003, for a $39 million, three-year contract. He soon joined Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, and Alex Rodriguez already in the lineup. In 2004, he finished second in the MVP voting to Vladimir Guerrero after hitting 36 home runs, 121 RBIs, and .290 batting average. The next season, he made 34 home runs and drove in 123 runs. Can Anthony Volpe hit the same while playing in Yankees No. 11?
In 2006, when he was at .300 and 30 home runs, a collision with Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Shea Hillenbrand on April 29 sent him to the injured list. It led to surgery and he couldn’t be back to his best. The Yankees sent him to the Detroit Tigers after the 2006 season.
Chuck Knoblauch, 1998 to 2001
Once Knoblauch moved to New York, it was assumed he and Derek Jeter would become the best double-play duo ever in MLB. He played a pivotal role in both of the team’s World Series victories, in 1998 against the San Diego Padres and in 1999 against the Atlanta Braves.
Knoblauch scored the first run of the game and hit a dramatic two-run home run in the eighth inning to tie the score in Game 3 of the 1999 World Series, and the Yankees went on to win the game in extra innings. Knoblauch won three World Series rings while wearing Yankees No. 11. Will Anthony Volpe reach that level?
Fred Stanley, 1973-1980
In 1977 and 1978, he led the New York Yankees to back-to-back World Series victories over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Stanley hit the final grand slam at the old Yankee Stadium on September 8, 1973.
Hector Lopez, 1959-1966
This Panamanian left fielder and third baseman helped the Yankees win the 1961 and 1962 World Series. While playing in the Yankees No. 11, he was the third outfielder behind “M&M Boys” Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. In Game 4 of the 1961 World Series, Lopez replaced Mantle. His home run and triple in the decisive Game 5 of that Series sealed the title for the Yankees.
Lefty Gomez, 1930–1942
During his time with the Yankees, Gomez won five World Series and two Triple Crowns (1934 and 1937). The pitcher’s colorful personality and sense of humor were also well-known. From 1933 to 1939, he was voted an All-Star every single year while wearing the Yankees No. 11.
Waite Hoyt, 1921-1930
He was the best pitcher for the New York Yankees in the 1920s and one of the most successful pitchers of all time. In 1969, he was honored by being inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Can Anthony Volpe match the illustrious career of these legends while playing as the Yankees’ No. 11.
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