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21-Year-Old New York Yankees Prospect Snubs Broken Nose Threat While Expressing His Wish to Emulate Iconic Derek Jeter Play

Published 03/12/2023, 9:20 AM EDT

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To most people, blood, sweat, and tears imply a metaphor. Giving one’s all to something that they’re passionate about. But then there’s Derek Jeter. With a storied twenty-season career, all of it with the New York Yankees, Jeter defined an era in baseball. Captain of the team and talented at shortstop, everyone adored him. He had some iconic plays that Bronx fans still remember today. While many have tried to emulate him, they’re all pale imitations.

Ever since his retirement in 2014, fans have missed having a dynamic presence in pinstripes. New captain Aaron Judge shows promise with his skills and charisma, but he’s not a shortstop. There is, however, another. 21-year-old prospect Anthony Volpe gets constant comparisons to Derek Jeter because of their similarity in skills. Volpe appreciates his comparison to Jeter because he’s a lifelong Jeter fan, but would he dive into the stands like him?

Anthony Volpe wants to recreate the iconic Derek Jeter dive

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On July 1, 2004, archenemies Yankees and Red Sox were playing an extra-inning game. In the 12th inning, the Red Sox came close to breaking a 3-3 tie. It was Trot Nixon on the plate, who hit a fly ball down the left-field line. Jeter, who had been positioned closer to second base, sprinted diagonally toward the ball in the hopes of catching it. Which he did, except his momentum carried him into the stands, coming up with a bloodied chin.

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It’s one of the most iconic plays in all of baseball because Captain Clutch didn’t care for his body, as he wanted to catch the ball at all costs. And Anthony Volpe wants to recreate the moment if he can, if only to show his dedication to his beloved sport.

Talking to Steve Serby of The New York Post, Volpe said, “I’ve wanted a ball like that my whole career (laugh). But I haven’t gotten one yet.” When Serby asked why he wanted to do that the shortstop answered, “I don’t know … ’cause he did it, maybe, but that’s one of the iconic plays. It’ll be awesome.” And much like Jeter, Volpe doesn’t care much about the physical cost of such a play because it will be worth it.

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What’s next for Volpe in the Yankees organization?

The 21-year-old has been a much-talked-about prospect that has shown tremendous growth ever since getting drafted. Although many predict he could join the major leagues this upcoming season, many are wary of his inexperience.

WATCH THIS STORY – Babe Ruth To Derek Jeter – Yankees Legends Whose Numbers Have Been Retired

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Volpe has talked about how grateful he is for being seen as something close to Jeter, but he’s just trying his best to play to his capabilities. “There’s a lot more I want to do and accomplish, and to get to that, I gotta put in a lot more work,” he told Serby.

Considering Volpe’s immense potential, do you think he will be able to fill the void left by Derek Jeter? Tell us in the comment section below!

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Written by:

Arunima Bhanot

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Arunima Bhanot is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Having earned an English literature degree from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, Arunima has always been interested in writing. She's a fan of archery and was the captain of her college team for two years running. She's an avid reader who also loves photography and travel, and you can find her talking constantly about books and anime on her Instagram!
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Edited by:

Abhishek Kumar