11 Things About FilAm MLB Rookie Anthony Volpe
Summer is amongst us and we are in the thick of baseball season! And nothing is more exciting than to see a Filipino American represent our culture in America’s favorite past-time.
Anthony Volpe is a 22 year old Filipino American, professional baseball shortstop, selected by the New York Yankees in the first round as the 30th overall pick during the 2019 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. Unfortunately, he was drafted right before the COVID-19 shutdown, which resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 baseball season. In the last couple of years, he spent time playing in the minor league. In 2023, Volpe was invited to spring training as a non-roster player. Eventually, he earned a spot on the team’s Opening Day roster as the New York Yankees’ starting shortstop.
In honor of him rocking the #11 on his jersey, here are 11 facts about the New York Yankees rookie that you should know as you settle in for the season!
1. He is half Italian and half Filipino.
Volpe’s father, Michael, is of Italian descent. Volpe’s mother, Isabelle, is of Filipino descent. Both Volpe’s parents’ families immigrated to the United States. His great grandfather on his father’s side moved to the United States from Italy with just a third-grade education. To make ends meet, he sold fruit on Mott Street before serving in World War II. In the 1960s, Volpe’s maternal grandparents left the Philippines to escape the political landscape – Isabelle’s grandfather served as the mayor of Parañaque, and as an Army colonel during the Bataan death March. Isabelle’s father was also involved in politics. After losing the race for vice mayor of Parañaque, the de Leon family fled the country.
2. He comes from a family of medical professionals.
Suprisingly, it’s not just Vople’s Filipino side of the family. Both Volpe’s parents are doctors! They met at the State of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn in 1990. Volpe’s dad, Michael, is a urologist. Volpe’s mom, Isabelle, is an anesthesiologist.
3. He was born and raised in New York.
Before moving to Watchung, New Jersey in the fourth grade, Volpe spent his early years on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, a borough of New York City.
4. He was born and raised a Yankee fan.
Volpe’s parents bonded over their love of the Yankees. They’re hardcore fans to say the least. They’re partial season ticket holders, and they frequently went to games for dates. They are the type of fans willing to sleep outside the stadium for playoff tickets. The day before Anthony was born, his parents watched the Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics. Just two hours after he was born, his Uncle Ricky placed an adult sized Yankees cap on his head. He was literally born and raised to be a Yankee!
Volpe started playing baseball at the age of 7. Although it was not love at first sight, Volpe was groomed and grew to love it. When he was just a toddler, his father would pitch the ball, and they would use a souvenir New York Yankees bat they received from a family friend. They used magazines for bases to run around their apartment in Manhattan.
5. He’s already a decorated champion.
Volpe may be young in his career, but he’s accomplished a lot. He’s already won several state titles on school teams and elite travel squads. At the age of 12, he represented Team USA and brought home a gold medal in 2013, and a bronze medal in 2016.
6. He started all four years in high school.
Volpe started his entire duration at Delbarton School, which is one of New Jersey’s top schools for athletics. He played second base as a freshman and shortstop his last three years there. The Green Wave won state titles in 2017 and 2019. During his senior year, he batted .488 with seven home runs, 34 runs batted in (RBIs), and 17 stolen bases. He was named the 2019 New Jersey High School Player of the Year by Perfect Game.
7. He’s not only a star athlete, but he’s also a scholar.
Volpe’s high school teacher, Patel, taught Volpe 9th grade geometry and 12th grade accounting. According to Patel, Volpe was an outstanding student. After high school, he committed to play for Vanderbilt University.
8. He played in the minor league before making it big.
Volpe played on five teams in three seasons, including the Tampa Tarpoons, Hudson Valley Renegades, Somerset Patriots, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, and Pulaski Yankees.
9. His hero is former Yankee Hall of Famer, Derek Jeter.
Volpe’s hometown hero is Derek Jeter. Jeter is also a New Jersey native who played shortstop for the New York Yankees. Volpe is the youngest shortstop since Jeter who made his debut at 20 years old in 1995.
10. He had a rough start, but after some adjustments he’s coming in hot.
Volpe has a lot of pressure riding on him. He had a rough start transitioning to the major league, but he’s made some adjustments and has been testing out different stances. Over the last few games, he has made some major improvements. He’s starting to trend in the right direction as he’s changed his stance and defense. It’s enough for folks to take notice!
11. He’s making history!
On many fronts, Volpe is making history. Not only as one of the few Filipino-Americans in baseball, but also because of his performance. Volpe is the fifth player since 1901, to steal a base in each of his first three major league games. He’s also one of five rookies in Yankees’ history to have at least 10 home runs and 15 stole bases in a season! During a game against the Oakland Athletics, Volpe hit his first career grand slam, making him the first Yankees rookie to do so at the shortstop position. In addition, he became the youngest Yankee to hit a grand slam at the Yankee Stadium.
Volpe is obviously a rising star, and is a big part of shaping the Yankees’ future. He is aware of the pressure, and is working hard to fulfill his dream. The Yankees are banking on him becoming the next Derek Jeter. Let’s see if Volpe and the Yankees continue playing some good baseball and continue to climb the American League (AL) East standings. Volpe stated on his Instagram: “Born a Yankee fan. Raised a Yankee fan. Giving everything I have to deliver what is important to Yankee fans: Winning a championship!!”
Because Volpe isn’t far from home, he remains very close to his family. In an interview with ESPN, his parents shared that their son likes to spend time catching up with his sister, Olivia, playing with his dog Jedi, hitting the green, or eating his grandma’s sinigang.
Written by Jennifer Redondo
Co-Founder and Co-Author of In Her Purpose
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