Destination of Anthony Volpe’s first hit ball is extremely wholesome

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe got to keep his first big league hit ball. Where it’s going is going to make you love this kid even more.

It didn’t take long for New York Yankees rookie Anthony Volpe to get his first big league hit. In his first plate appearance in game two of his rookie season, Volpe shot a ball through the infield and into left for an easy jog down the first base line. He hustled hard and stole second base shortly after.

Since his first hit stayed in the park, the ball was easy to get back for Yankees officials, and Volpe got his hands on it after the game.

He didn’t keep it for long, though.

Yankees SS Anthony Volpe gifts his first career hit ball to parents

According to Brendan Kuty and Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Volpe gifted the ball to his parents (subscription required), who were also caught on camera when Volpe hit the ball, joyously celebrating the achievement.

Later the same game, Volpe got hit No. 2 of his career, going 2-for-4 on the day. It’s clear there will be many more where the first came from, but you never forget your first.

The Yankees couldn’t eke out a win (7-5), and one of the disastrous innings for New York was lowlighted by a series of infield hits with bases loaded for the Giants that scored them several runs. One of those hits involved Volpe missing an infield hit to short. While at first glance it looked like an easy routine grab, the topspin on the ball appeared to make it difficult to judge and resulted in Volpe having to change direction. He couldn’t do so quick enough or easy enough to make a good play on the ball.

Still, speaking to The Athletic, Volpe mentioned the ball, which was a fair screw-up for the young player, was going to keep him up at night. That gives Yankees fans an idea of how serious the rookie is about proving the team right for bringing him up so early.