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Yankees’ rookie shortstop does his best Derek Jeter impression

Originally posted on Empire Sports Media
By Alexander Wilson | Last updated 9/3/23

New York Yankees‘ shortstop Anthony Volpe is no stranger to the monumental influence that Derek Jeter has had on his career. Growing up idolizing the Yankee legend, Volpe is showing glimpses of Jeter-esque moments in his rookie season. Let’s dig deeper into how this 22-year-old is following in the footsteps of a Yankee great while carving out his own unique path.

The Immaculate Legacy of Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter, now 49, spent his entire career bedecked in Yankee pinstripes, becoming an iconic figure in the Bronx. Jeter’s career stats include an impressive .310 batting average and a .377 OBP. He also racked up 260 home runs, 1,311 RBIs, and swiped 358 bases. While his offensive prowess is universally acknowledged, some have questioned his defensive efficiency. However, a career .976 fielding percentage over a whopping 23,225.2 innings speaks for itself.

Emulating Jeter: A Dream Realized for Volpe

“Jeets was his guy,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I’m sure he’s seen that a lot in his mind and in his dreams.” Despite facing rookie-season inconsistencies, Volpe seems to be inheriting Jeter’s flair, especially on the defensive end.

Seems like something we’ve seen before…? pic.twitter.com/fDcilW4xtU
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) September 3, 2023

Anthony Volpe’s Rookie Season Stats: A Closer Look

Volpe is batting a modest .218 with a .296 OBP in his debut MLB season. His stats also include 20 homers, 57 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases. Despite what the numbers suggest, Volpe is an above-average defender, hosting a .975 fielding percentage with just 12 errors over 1136.2 innings. He’s also credited with 15 defensive runs saved—a Yankee record.

“I think he’s right smack in the middle of the Gold Glove conversation,” the manager said.

Volpe’s Offensive Upside With the Yankees: Room for Optimism

Although there’s room for improvement in Volpe’s offensive game, he’s been showing significant strides. In August alone, he hit a commendable .256 with a .333 OBP and an .889 OPS. His rookie inconsistencies are likely to be ironed out with a year of experience under his belt, and Yankees fans have every reason to be excited about his 2024 season.

Defensive Brilliance: A Glimpse of What’s to Come

While we can dissect statistics all day, the magic of some of his defensive moments can’t be ignored. They bear a striking resemblance to the iconic plays that made Jeter a household name. Even though he’s just starting out, it’s exhilarating to think that Volpe’s peak is yet to come, and Yankee fans have a lot to look forward to.

As Volpe continues to adapt and evolve, his emulation of Jeter isn’t just an homage to a legend—it’s the molding of another potential great in Yankee pinstripes. Whether it’s on the defensive field or steadily improving at the plate, Volpe is a name to watch closely as we head into the 2024 MLB season.

This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.

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