New York Yankees heralded rookie shortstop Anthony Volpe giddy about his Opening Day experience: "It was probably the most fun day of my entire life"
New York Yankees rookie shortstop Anthony Volpe made his much-anticipated opening day debut on Thursday in a 5-0 win over the San Francisco Giants. The wait was worthwhile for fans, teammates and Volpe himself, who relayed his feelings on playing his first game with the Bronx Bombers in a postgame interview:
"It was probably the most fun day of my entire life. I had goose bumps the whole day."
"It was probably the most fun day of my entire life."
- Anthony Volpe https://t.co/8fmwrlYCjp
Anthony Volpe was grinning ear-to-ear for the news conference, as he was for the majority of what New York Yankees fans dubbed "Volpening Day."
Like a much-anticipated first date that finally happened, Volpe and Yankee Nation were in love at first sight.
He responded to the traditional roll call, as starting player names are bellowed out by the "Bleacher Creatures" in the Yankee Stadium outfield before each home game until each particular player acknowledges, with a kiss of the interlocked NY on his chest as he stood in his new station as a major league shortstop.
He received a rousing welcome during both pregame introductions, as well as when he walked to the plate for his first major league at-bat leading off the third inning.
Anthony Volpe, an acknowledged lifelong New York Yankees fan from Watchung, New Jersey, didn't muster up a hit in his debut, but he did reach base on a walk and promptly stole second base – which brought about another chorus of cheers.
Volpe's starting pitcher on the day, Gerrit Cole, complimented the play of the team's hoped-for savior at shortstop, telling the New York Post:
"He looked like he’d been here a while."
Reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge also complimented the play of his teammate and new friend, telling NJ.com that Volpe was "impressive":
"The first at-bat, he walks. Some great plays on defense. He’s ready to go. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him."
Have the New York Yankees finally found their Derek Jeter successor in Anthony Volpe?
The New York Yankees have been waiting for their heir apparent to Derek Jeter since "The Captain" retired after the 2014 season. Everyone in pinstripes is banking on Anthony Volpe being it.
Most figured the 21-year-old was still a year away, but Volpe forced his way to Yankee Stadium by hitting .302 with two home runs and five RBIs this spring.
Time will tell if Volpe can fill Jeter's massive shoes.