Dreams do come true. And at just 21, Anthony Volpe has proved to the entire country that with hard work and effort, dreams will materialize into a long-awaited reality. The New York Yankees drafted the bright prospect with a $2.7 million signing bonus in 2019 as their 30th overall selection. And three seasons later, Volpe’s big MLB dream reached fruition.

Prior to the start of Spring Training 2023, Anthony Volpe was invited to Tampa, as a non-roster player. Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s poor form complemented Volpe’s expected entry into the roster, and exactly that happened as the time ticked close to opening day.

A special moment for Anthony Volpe and for every New Yorker

Dubbed Derek Jeter’s successor, Anthony Volpe translated a splendid spring training to a spot on the Yankees’ opening day lineup, becoming the first Rookie since Aaron Judge in the Opening Day lineup. Moreover, Volpe’s good performances and eventual addition helped settle the nerves of fans who were perpetually fearing IKF’s season.

While talking about his inclusion in the Opening Day lineup, an overwhelmed Volpe said, “This has been the dream since I can remember. I’m probably the same as a lot of kids my age, a lot of my classmates, a lot of my teammates. This is all of our dreams. For it to become reality, it’s hard to even put into words.”

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One way or another, the Yankees’ shortstop competition between IKF, Oswald Peraza, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa had to be settled. And with six doubles, three homers, and five runs batted in at 0.314, Volpe outperformed them all. Naturally, fans were overjoyed, to say the least, to watch Volpe walk into the lineup.

This is how fans reacted:

“I can’t even begin to say the list of people I have to thank, who have helped me in my life and my career,” Volpe said. “Since I was little and started playing baseball, people have helped me. I’m just super lucky to have had so many amazing people that have helped me along the way.”

With a million eyes on him, will Anthony Volpe fill the shortstop position adequately? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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