Yankees' Anthony Volpe makes feelings known about Derek Jeter's influence in his career

The New York Yankees claimed the American League pennant after a 15-year drought, and Anthony Volpe became the first shortstop to represent the team at the World Series since Derek Jeter. Volpe recently reflected on the massive influence the 50-year-old Hall of Famer had on him, especially during his younger days when he grew up as a Yankees fan in New Jersey.

Anthony Volpe went to Debarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey, before he was selected by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the team in 2023 and earned a Gold Glove besides finishing in the eighth spot for the American League Rookie of the Year award. The 23-year-old is now established as the everyday shortstop for the Yankees.

On Saturday, Anthony Volpe was a guest on the 'Roommates Show,' which is co-hosted by NBA stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the New York Knicks, along with sports marketing agent Matt Hillman. The Yankees shortstop explained how special he feels to be able to follow his childhood idol, Derek Jeter, during the podcast.

"Growing up, a big reason why I loved the Yankees and playing baseball is because of Derek Jeter," he said. "Not just me, but every single kid I grew up [with] had, 'What do you want to be when you grow up? Shortstop for the Yankees.' And [all] because of him. All he did, the amount that he won. What he did for the city. To be out there is so surreal.

"You, obviously, work so hard for the team, but you also know what it means to be a Yankee and what it means to be a Yankee shortstop," he added. "It's what makes the team so special and the organization so special."

Volpe experienced the postseason for the first time in his big league career this year, as the Yankees made their maiden World Series appearance since Jeter retired back in 2014.

"I'm the most awkward person in the world whenever we talk": Anthony Volpe on meeting Derek Jeter

Anthony Volpe marked his first postseason home run with agrand slam in the World Series (Image Source: Imagn)

Anthony Volpe has proven himself to be one of the cornerstones for the New York Yankees in the years to come. Thus far, Volpe has missed only five regular season games in his two years with the team and has posted over 3.0 bWAR in both campaigns.

Nevertheless, Anthony Volpe admitted that he still gets goosebumps whenever he is in the presence of his boyhood hero Derek Jeter.

"Each year, we get to meet," he said. "I'm the most awkward person in the world, I think, whenever we talk. But it's great."

Volpe played 160 games for the Yankees during the regular season. Despite going through a long slump in the middle of the year, he hit .243/.293/.364 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs.