Yankees SS Anthony Volpe - pinstripesnation.com
Sunday, August 11, 2024, was Anthony Volpe Bobblehead day. Bobbleheads were given to the first 18,000 fans in attendance at Yankee Stadium.
The fans were also treated to a Yankees win, which brought their record to 70-49. The team is now tied for first place in the AL East with the Baltimore Orioles.
What’s All the Buzz About This First Class Defender in the MLB
Volpe was a rising prospect the minute he walked into the Yankees’ Headquarters. Since Derek Jeter retired, looking for their next long-term shortstop wasn’t easy.
They tried Didi Gregorius, a short-term fan favorite, but he diminished after that.
They gave Gleyber Torres all the tools needed, but he could not take advantage of the opportunity.
There were flashes of hope with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, but now he’s shining with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
It was finally Volpe’s turn in 2023 to shine. While Yankees fans knew about the hype, they wanted to see it during games.
And right away, Volpe satisfied the fans with his gold glove-caliber season.
From there, they could tell Volpe would be their long-term answer at shortstop since Jeter’s retirement.
2024 Yankee Heart and Hustle Award Recipient
Last Thursday, Volpe was announced as the New York Yankees representative for the 2024 Heart and Hustle Award. The award has been announced annually by the MLBPAA since 2005.
It is the sole award in the MLB in which former players vote on current players on their former clubs.
The award acknowledges a player who loves the game, is dedicated and achieves excellence on and off the field.
In 109 games, Volpe has crushed nine dingers, 39 RBIs and 116 hits. He has a near .700 OPS (.694) and is hitting .255.
Therefore, Volpe is well deserving of representing the Yankees for such a huge reward at such a young age.
Gold Glove Award
Volpe’s athleticism was on full display all through 2023. His hitting was exceptional, but his defensive play was out of this world.
The young shortstop carried home the 2023 Gold Glove ahead of some of the best shortstops in the league.
He was the first Yankee Rookie ever to win the Gold Glove Award and was one of 16 shortstops in the league to receive the honor.
2024 Gold Glove?
It looks like Volpe will fall short of this year’s Gold Glove Award. It may end up going to Bobby Whit Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, who some say should have won last year.
Don’t forget Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers has a shot, too. His hitting and defense helped the Rangers to their Cinderella World Series title in 2023.
Conclusion
Volpe has been a “godsend” to the Bombers. The 23-year-old is really what the Yankees have been looking for in a long-term shortstop since “The Captain” left.
He is a hardworking player who shows up every day, ready to give his all while playing at a high level of baseball. His on and off field presence shows he is a generational talent and a first-class defender in the MLB.
