Anthony Volpe on his first-career big-league hit: ‘Definitely one I won’t forget’
The first of what is expected to be many.
In his second career MLB game, Anthony Volpe recorded his first major league hit on Saturday afternoon. And in typical Volpe fashion, the 21-year-old immediately swiped second base barely allowing himself any time to embrace his milestone.
“Everything with the [pitch] clock now happens pretty fast,” Volpe said after the Yankees’ 7-5 loss to the Giants. “So I was just trying to focus on if there was any opportunity to steal a base and at the same time, take it all in…
“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.”
The shortstop plans to keep the ball at his parents’ home in New Jersey.
The New Jersey native has gone through a self-described whirlwind since he trotted out on Opening Day fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for the Yankees. However, the rookie is getting beginning to get settled in the early going.
“Definitely [today felt more normal],” said Volpe. “Especially coming off the off day and then just settling kind into the hotel and everything like that. Definitely felt more normal.”
Being a hometown kid as the shortstop of the Yankees, his definition of normalcy may have to change. The infielder has big expectations displayed by the roar of the crowd every time his name is called before he digs into the box.
With plenty of veterans in the clubhouse that came up to the big leagues in similar circumstances as top prospects with heightened expectations, Volpe will rely on the experience within the room.
“I think relying on my teammates,” Volpe said. “And for me, it’s the first time experiencing everything, but they’ve obviously gone through a lot and been in my shoes so I definitely lean on them.”
Volpe has already brought a different element to a Bombers’ club that was in need of youth and athleticism. The top prospect is 2-for-6 on the season while being slotted in the No. 9 hole in the order serving as a second leadoff hitter to wreak havoc on the bases.
Two games in and he’s already swiped two bags. According to the YES Network, he is the first Yankee to steal a base in each of his first two MLB games since Fritz Maisel in 1913.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa led the club with 22 stolen bases last season. That number could be shattered with the pace the current shortstop is operating at.
Volpe was 2-for-4 on the night including a ninth-inning single off of star reliever Camilo Doval in the top of the ninth and was singled in by Aaron Judge setting the Yankees up for a late rally that fell just short in their 7-5 loss. The quality of his at-bats has carried over from his impressive spring training performance.
“Yea [it seems like he’s getting more comfortable],” said manager Aaron Boone. “More good at-bats from him today, he’s in the fight every time up there. Certainly like where Anthony is at right now.”
Volpe is officially on the board. Just 3,463 more hits to go before he catches his idol, Derek Jeter.
