WATCHUNG, NJ — New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has deep roots in New York and New Jersey.
As the Bombers prepare for Game 3 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday night in the Bronx, CBS News New York heard from coaches and fans heading to the majors.
When Volpe was drafted by the Yankees in 2019, things came full circle. He was born in New York City and grew up in Watchung, New Jersey, as a die-hard Yankees fan.
He later played high school baseball at Delbarton School in Morristown, where he won two state titles.
“He’s one of a kind. His work ethic was tremendous,” Delbarton coach Bruce Shatel said.
Shatel said Volpe was a great student off the field and a passionate leader on the field.
“He was able to create a path for himself, stick to it and one day eventually play shortstop for the Yankees and play in the World Series. It’s just unfathomable,” Shatel said.
Volpe, who hit 12 home runs and drove in 60 runs during the regular season, was outstanding in the first two rounds of the playoffs, hitting .310 with an RBI and scoring six runs in nine games. He’s still looking for his first World Series hit.
I looked at the residents in awe of Volpe’s achievements
In the quiet Watchung neighborhood, fans have been following Volpe’s career for years.
“You know, when you know that someone close to you has come this far, and now that we’re in the World Series, you know it’s huge. We have to accept it. I know we’re down two now, but you know this year it has to be us, I know that,” said resident Adrian Guerrero.
Watchung Mayor Ron Jubin presented Volpe with a key to the municipality in December.
“There’s such a pride. He grew up here all his life. People have watched his career, and again, the fact that someone from little old Watchung, 6,500 people, can be the shortstop for the New York Yankees is just incredible ” says Jubin. said.
The mayor said there is so much pride in Volpe that even some Mets fans in the neighborhood are rooting for the Yankees to win the World Series.
If it’s just this one time.
Nick Caloway
