Video summary
Anthony Volpe made an unforgettable return to the major leagues after spending the previous eight games in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he posted an impressive batting average of nearly .500 with five home runs and a near-.700 OPS. His debut back in the big league lineup was marked by a three-hit performance that included a career-high five RBIs, capped off by a grand slam. In addition to his offensive success, Volpe also made his first major league appearance at second base, showcasing his versatility and readiness to contribute immediately upon his recall from the minors.
When asked about the whirlwind of the last 24 hours, Volpe described the experience as unexpected but ultimately rewarding, noting that while he felt slightly uncomfortable due to the sudden nature of his return, he was not more nervous than usual. He credited his pregame preparation for helping him feel confident and ready to perform. The emotional intensity of the night was so overwhelming that he admitted to blacking out during the curtain call, unable to fully process the moment until later when teammates ushered him out to the field to acknowledge the crowd's chants.
Volpe reflected on his time in Triple-A, highlighting the positive culture and mentorship he received from coaches like Shelly and players such as Cabrera, who emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and staying focused even when facing setbacks. He explained that while there are no guarantees in baseball and nothing can be controlled, his hard work was driven by a desire to help the organization and contribute whenever an opportunity arose. This mindset allowed him to stay prepared and adapt quickly, whether it was mastering the details of second base or stepping into the lineup with immediate impact.
The atmosphere surrounding his return was electric, with fans chanting his name after his grand slam, creating a memorable experience that Volpe said he would never trade for anything in the world. Despite the chaotic nature of the night, he remained grounded, acknowledging the special significance of the stadium and the support from teammates and fans alike. His journey from Triple-A back to the majors served as a testament to resilience and dedication, proving that consistent effort and a positive attitude can lead to remarkable opportunities when they are needed most.
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based on what he was doing his last
eight games with [music] Triple A
Scranton Wilsberry, batting nearly 500
with five homers, eight ribbies, and a
near,700 OPS. You kind of had a feeling
that it was going to lead to good things
tonight. Three [music] for four with
that grand slam, the career-high five
RBI. First major league game, by the
way, at second base tonight. And after
the game, when he met the media, he was
asked what the last 24 hours has been
like for him.
Uh yeah, unexpected whirlwind, but uh
yeah, feels good to be back. Were you
>> like more nervous tonight than usual?
>> Uh no, I wouldn't say so. Maybe just a
little more uncomfortable uncomfortable.
Uh but it was great. I felt like I got
my work in pregame and I felt really
good.
>> What was that curtain call like?
>> Uh probably a little bit of blackout, so
I couldn't really tell you. Um, but
yeah, it it'll definitely be something
I'll remember for a long time.
>> Sometimes, you know, Aaron was talking
about guys go down and it's [music] it's
tough to kind of recalibrate and and
focus, you know, maybe you think you
deserve to be up here. What What made
you go down there and work so hard and
be so determined?
>> Um, I mean, I think Shelly Shelly down
there is amazing. Um, so he takes in
everyone. I mean, I wasn't alone when I
went there. It was me, JD, and Schuman.
Um, and then the guys there like Cabrera
is like, I mean, I feel like I got so
close to him. But to see his positivity
and how he's just enjoying and playing
and having fun. Uh, feel like if you
don't do that when you're down there,
you'll stick out like a sore thumb. So,
I'd say just the culture down there.
>> You said you kind of blacked out for the
uh curtain call. Why is that? Or why do
you think that is? Uh, I have no idea. I
didn't really know what was happening.
Yeah.
>> Was it just that all the emotion that
goes into today?
>> Uh, no. I mean, I I just felt like I had
an opportunity and obviously it's
weird the way it happened. You never
want someone to get hurt or anything,
but um
I
Nothing's guaranteed. Obviously, I
thought I was never going to be back up
here. Um, so just trying to make the
most of it. Anthony, did you come away
from tonight thinking, well, this paid
off because that was from because of all
the work I did down there.
>> Um,
>> I mean, yeah, I wanted to be back up
here. I wanted to be helping and
contributing, but um, I mean, when
you're down there, there's obviously no
guarantee. So, you work really hard for
yourself and for the player that you
feel like could help the organization.
Um,
but other than that, there's nothing
guaranteed. There's no
you can't control it. So, I never
thought I was going to be back here in
this moment, but I want to be ready and
prepared in case something happens. So,
pretty much
>> might be thinking it's a new position
for you at second base, but you played
19 games down there, so I'm sure you
were ready for it. And, uh, was that the
goal to be ready when you were called
on?
>> Um, yeah. I mean, wherever it was, go
Velasquez is down there, too. I mean, he
worked with me every single day and um
even just the physical ground balls, but
just having conversations in the
clubhouse and talking about what I need
to like hone in on in the details. Um so
after just a even a couple weeks of
that, I felt like I was good to go and
ready to ready to do whatever was
needed.
>> Did you realize the crowd was chanting
for you after the Grand Slam?
>> Uh no, but then everyone was like
ushering me out there. Um, so yeah, it
happened pretty quick. So
>> when you were out there and you kind of
do realize what's going on, what what
was that like? You know, you your first
day back here and you get a curtain call
and the crowds.
>> Um, yeah. I mean, that's why this is a
special place for sure. Um, you wouldn't
trade anything for the world.