Derek Jeter applauds Anthony Volpe after rookie named New York Yankees starting shortstop on Opening Day 2023
Yankees rookie and top prospect Anthony Volpe was included in the Opening Day roster and looks set to become the next starting shortstop for the Bronx Bombers, manager Aaron Boone revealed to him on Monday earlier this week.
Welcome to The Show, AV! https://t.co/Gq5VMRvqN0
"Welcome to The Show, AV!" - New York Yankees, Twitter
A popular decision, the word spread throughout the league and around America like wildfire!
Former New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter got into the act too and took to his Twitter account to congratulate the rookie on all of his accomplishments. A former shortstop himself back in the day, Jeter made sure to remind Volpe of the significance of the role and how special it was!
Congratulations @Volpe_Anthony. There’s nothing like playing shortstop for the New York Yankees. twitter.com/Yankees/status…
"Congratulations @Volpe_Anthony There’s nothing like playing shortstop for the New York Yankees," Derek Jeter, Twitter
Jeter made his own Opening Day start as an unproven youngster in 1996 and crushed his first MLB home run into the crowd that day. After that, there was no stopping him, winning Rookie of the Year and a World Series before keeping that starting shortstop job for 19 straight seasons.
While it may seem like a daunting task to fill Jeter's shoes, Volpe has talent in bucketloads, and the world can't wait to see how well he does come on the opening day!
Anthony Volpe's 2022 season
Volpe played in 110 Double-A and 22 Triple-A games last season, managing to hit .249/.342/.460 with 35 doubles, two triples, 21 homers, and 50 stolen bases. He was ranked as the No. 12 prospect in baseball entering the 2023 season by CBS Sports.
His previous season, however, wasn't half as good as a stellar first season in 2021. Fans and the Yankees hierarchy will hope the rookie finds his best form come opening day, as the excited youngster gets ready to light up the baseball world.