Anthony Volpe, the New York Yankees’ up-and-coming rookie, made history on Wednesday night with a grand slam during a blowout game against the Oakland A’s. The 21-year-old shortstop’s home run marked the first grand slam of his young career, and it helped propel the Yankees to a staggering 12-3 victory.
Volpe, who was drafted in the first round by the Yankees in 2019, has been showing promise throughout his time in the minor leagues. In 2019, he hit .215 with two home runs and 13 RBI in 34 games in the Gulf Coast League. He improved on those numbers in 2021, slashing .275/.351/.436 with six home runs and 33 RBI in 53 games between High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset.
However, his grand slam for the Yankees was undoubtedly the biggest highlight of his career thus far. During Wednesday night’s game, Volpe stepped up to bat with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth inning and the Yankees already leading 8-3. Despite the comfortable lead, Volpe didn’t slouch on the opportunity to hit a home run that would further secure the win for his team.
On the second pitch from A’s reliever Miguel Romero, Volpe sent the ball soaring over the left-field fence, bringing in four more runs and ending the game with a score of 12-3. His teammates were quick to congratulate him as he rounded the bases, and fans across social media were buzzing about the impressive feat.
Volpe’s grand slam also made him the youngest Yankees player to hit a grand slam since Mickey Mantle in 1952. Considering Mantle is one of the most legendary players in Yankees history, that’s certainly an impressive record for Volpe to break. It’s just one more reason for fans, coaches, and teammates alike to be excited about what the young shortstop will achieve in the years to come.
Overall, the Yankees’ win over the A’s was an impressive one that left fans feeling optimistic about what the team can achieve in the remainder of the 2021 season. And with players like Volpe stepping up and making history, there’s no doubt that the Yankees have a bright future ahead of them.
