TORONTO — The Yankees are off Thursday, which is good news for Anthony Volpe.
The shortstop doesn’t need a break after his hot start to the season, but he does need a few hours Thursday afternoon to watch his childhood friend and former teammate, Jack Leiter, make his MLB debut.
“We have a day off, so (I’ll be) watching every pitch,” Volpe said before going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in the Yankees’ 5-4 loss to the Blue Jays on Tuesday.
The Rangers announced Tuesday that Leiter would be recalled from Triple-A to start against the Tigers on Thursday in Detroit.
As soon as Volpe heard the news, he texted Leiter and exchanged messages with him throughout the day.
“I couldn’t be happier for him and his whole family, for everyone. I’m super excited,” Volpe said. “I’m sure his phone was going crazy and all our friends and family friends are super excited.”
Volpe and Leiter met on an Upper East Side playground when they were young — when Leiter’s father, Al, was pitching for the Mets and Volpe’s family still lived in town — then got together. reunited when they were in the same class at Delbarton. New Jersey School.
During their senior year, Volpe and Leiter helped Delbarton win a state championship, and they also played together on Team USA and in various All-American and Area Code games.
Those were the memories Volpe quickly recalled Tuesday when asked what his favorite was.
“Winner,” said Volpe, who took a big leap this season from his freshman year. “And being able to play behind him and watch him throw and dominate. Obviously in high school, but Team USA and everything we were able to do together.
Volpe and Leiter were also expected to go to Vanderbilt together (in a class that included Yankees top prospect Spencer Jones) before the Yankees swooped in and took Volpe with the 30th overall pick in the 2019 draft.
Volpe couldn’t turn down his favorite team, but Leiter — whom the Yankees selected in the 20th round later in that draft knowing he was all but guaranteed to honor his college commitment — continued on to Vanderbilt.
The right-hander was then selected by the Rangers with the second overall pick in 2021.
Meanwhile, Volpe and Leiter returned to Delbarton in the summer of 2020 after COVID robbed Volpe of a minor league season and Leiter of a full season at Vanderbilt.
Leiter threw to Volpe in simulated games, allowing both to do their jobs against top competition.
“Just a super competitor, so mentally strong and obviously incredibly talented,” Volpe said of Leiter. “With all his throws, he can compete. I can’t wait to watch.
For now, these sessions would be the last time Volpe would face Leiter. But the Rangers are scheduled to visit the Bronx in August before the Yankees travel to Arlington, Texas, in September.
Volpe is already thinking about his first confrontation with Leiter in the major leagues.
“Certainly – even before he was recalled,” Volpe said with a smile. “I’m excited.”
Volpe, 22, also raved about the support he and Leiter received from the Delbarton community throughout their respective journeys to the big leagues.
“It’s amazing for the whole community,” Volpe said. “I know all the levels we were at, whether it was me when I first got drafted in the minors or him when he went to Vandy, it’s cool to see it’s the same level support, no matter where you are.
“Obviously everyone is supporting us now and is really motivated. But I think at least from my perspective what stands out the most is how much they support you throughout the journey.
New York Post
