New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge left highly impressed with rookie Anthony Volpe after the latter’s explosive debut game.
Aaron Judge, who broke into the major league in 2017 by winning the Rookie of the year season, draws a lot of similarities with the Yankees’ newest 21-year-old Rookie, Anthony Volpe. Judge, a two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, sees a lot of himself in Volpe, who was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2019 MLB draft’s first round.
Anthony Volpe cruised the spring training by winning the crucial shortstop position in the opening day lineup and became the only youngest player after Derek Jeter to do so. However, apart from Volpe’s excellent work ethic, it’s the mindset that wooed the slugger the most. He recalled his rookie year and drew the comparison with that of Volpe.
Aaron Judge Hails Anthony Volpe’s Killer Mentality, Says He Is Way Mature For An 21 Year Old Guy
When Aaron Judge received his major league call-up in 2017, the humble slugger did not celebrate much and said the real work begins now. Cut to five years later, he has found his younger self in Anthony Volpe. The shortstop who received the career-changing news last Sunday, too, remained a man of few words. He quietly celebrated the moment with his family and went off to prepare for the big debut. Three days later, Volpe made his much-anticipated debut and impressed the big brother, Aaron Judge, who had nothing but good things to talk about the Rookie.
Aaron Judge first hailed Anthony Volpe’s mindset and called him a highly mature guy. Further, he lauded Volpe’s family for supporting him throughout his tough journey. Moreover, Judge claimed the shortstop is not just a typical 21-year-old who is out there to have some fun. He is pretty serious about his sport, which shows in his on-field ethics and mentality. Lastly, Judge concluded by saying that Anthony is well-versed in the history of the New York Yankees, and he will surely be among the greats of the club in the future.
“If he goes out there and becomes the best Anthony Volpe he can, he’s going leave a pretty good mark here with the Yankees,” said Aaron Judge.
Anthony Volpe Recreates Judge’s Iconic 2022 Moment
The New York Yankees’ newest shortstop, Anthony Volpe, made his major league debut on Thursday a recreated the iconic Aaron Judge moment from 2022. Last season, the slugger hit a home run in the playoffs, and while making his way back to the dugout, he kissed the NY logo on his pinstripes to mark his respect. A year later, Anthony Volpe pulled off the same act.
While receiving his first roll call during his debut game, the shortstop responded by kissing the same NY logo on his pinstripes. He said he did not plan on doing the act beforehand. It just came to him at the moment, and he is happy with it. Moreover, Volpe revealed getting a thumbs up from Aaron Judge afterward, who approved his gesture.
