Before His Debut
During Spring training, the Yankees invited Italian-American Anthony Volpe as a non-roster player, where he competed with Oswald Peraza for the starting shortstop role. On March 26th, 2023, the Yankees announced that Volpe would be the starter on Opening Day.
The Yankees Twitter even took a photo of his locker.
Number 11, Anthony Volpe. Number 11. pic.twitter.com/BTD5rWHCRy
A few people are shocked that his number is 11 since during Spring Training Volpe wore number 77.
Before the number switch, Volpe called ex-outfielder Brett Gardner, who last wore 11, and asked for his blessing. It is reported that Gardner gave Volpe his full approval and wished him the best with the new number. Classy on both ends!
His First Game
On March 30th, 2023 the Yankees played the San Francisco Giants for their season opener. The Yankees won the game and Anthony Volpe got his first win as a New York Yankee.
Anthony finished the game 0-2 with 1 walk. However, the time he did walk he ended up stealing second base!
1st steal in The Show @Volpe_Anthony 👊 pic.twitter.com/ztSUpwqTLm
He also proved himself on the field with this nice play at shortstop!
Molto Bene🤌 pic.twitter.com/Cx40nrlU9O
Italian-American Background
Last year, Anthony Volpe gave a speech on his Italian-American background ath the Italian American Baseball Foundation, stating his great-grandfather is Italian. It is very impressive how much Anthony knew about his family history and his roots during the speech. Stating that his great-grandfather had to provide for 10 kids and worked very hard every day to support his family.
Anthony mentioned how although his family is proud of him, he is equally as proud of his family for the sacrifices they gave up for him to allow the opportunity.
He also stated how baseball was very much a part of his family history, since his grandfather and great-grandfather used to connect by listening to the Yankee games. The Volpe family are all life long Yankee fans!
You can tell Anthony’s passion for his roots by his sincere speech, I would highly recommend you to listen to it below.
Italian-American History on the Yankees
Volpe will join the long list of other Italian-American athletes to join the Yankees. Some of them include:
- Joe DiMaggio
- Phil Rizzuto
- Yogi Berra, Rocky Colavito
- Steve Balboni
- Tony Lazzeri
- Frankie Crosetti
- John Montefusco
- Joey Gallo
- Anthony Rizzo
- and more!
