New York Yankees prospect Anthony Volpe was selected to take part in the MLB Futures Game during All-Star week in Los Angeles in two weeks.
The 21-year-old shortstop who attended high school locally in Delbartan is excited about the opportunity.
“It’s a super great honor, one I don’t take lightly,” Volpe said. “I went to Derek Jeter’s last All-Star Game and we saw the Future’s Game, and I saw guys like Kris Bryant and Javier Baez, and ever since then we followed up on it.”
Volpe will be one of three Yankees prospects at the game. Ken Waldichuck, who played parts of the last two seasons in Somerset will be at the game, as well outfielder Jason Dominguez, who is currently at Single-A Tampa.
The Mets have only one player at the Future’s Game in catcher Francisco Alvarez.
“We are so proud of him. The year he is having has been great. He is going to be around the best in the game, that next wave of baseball. We are all happy,” Somerset Patriots Manager Dan Fiorito added.
For Volpe, the chance to play in the Futures Game will also be a chance to catch up with old high school teammate Jack Leiter, who is currently in the Texas Rangers farm system.
“We were texting back and forth. I hope I am playing shortstop when he is on the mound. It will be like old times,” Volpe, who will play in his first game at historic Dodgers Stadium continued.
Volpe is having a tremendous season, batting .249 with 11 home runs and 49 RBI. He hit .298 in the month of June and is currently hitting .375 in the month of July.
“I had to stick to my approach and not change and staying confident,” Volpe said of his approach.
The future’s Game is on July 16 in Los Angeles.
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