Derek Jeter congratulates Anthony Volpe ahead of Yankees Opening Day

Hall of Famer and New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter congratulated Anthony Volpe on becoming the team’s starting shortstop for Opening Day.

The New York Yankees began spring training looking for their starting shortstop for Opening Day. After more and more games were played, the more it became obvious that 21-year-old and top prospect Anthony Volpe won the job. From his incredible performance in the batter’s box throughout the spring, to his error-free fielding at the shortstop position. It became official this past Sunday when manager Aaron Boone informed him that he made the Opening Day roster.

On the day before Volpe makes his official major league debut, he received a congratulatory message from perhaps the most well-known Yankees shortstop in Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.

Derek Jeter congratulates Anthony Volpe on being name Opening Day starting shortstop

Volpe is set to be the Yankees’ youngest shortstop on Opening Day since Jeter did so in 1996, who was also 21 years old.

As mentioned earlier, Volpe had such an incredible spring, that he made it difficult for the team to even consider sending him back down to the minor leagues. In 19 games, Volpe recorded a .309 batting average, a .415 on-base percentage, a .618 slugging percentage, three home runs, five RBI, 13 runs scored and 17 hits. At shortstop, Volpe recorded 14 putouts, 23 assists and zero errors in 37 total chances.

Volpe, who wore 77 during the spring, received his first official number — 11, formerly belonging to ex-Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner. YES Network’s Jack Curry noted that Volpe spoke with Gardner, who gave him his blessing to wear the number.

As for where Yankees fans can expect him to make his first plate appearance, Boone said that he will likely be ninth in the batting order.

On Thursday, Volpe will walk onto the infield at Yankee Stadium as the team’s starting shortstop. That’s pretty cool for a young player from Watchung, N.J. What’s even cooler is getting a congratulatory message from Jeter.