Yankees' Anthony Volpe Shows True American Grit, Refuses Excuses After Surgery
TAMPA - This is what real American character looks like. Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe woke up from surgery in October with a surprise, but not a single excuse.
Speaking Tuesday for the first time since going under the knife to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, the 24-year-old warrior still refused to blame his injury for last season's struggles. That's the kind of personal accountability that built this great nation.
"I know I could have played better," Volpe said after the Yankees worked out at George M. Steinbrenner Field. "I felt strong and good enough to go. If I didn't, I wouldn't have. You definitely learn a lot about yourself."
The damage was worse than tests showed, but Volpe played through it anyway. That's what champions do. That's what Americans do.
No Participation Trophies Here
After initially injuring his shoulder on a diving play May 3, 2025, Volpe admitted his left side "didn't feel like my right." But he kept grinding, kept fighting, kept showing up for his team.
The results weren't pretty. His worst year in pinstripes on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he struggled after winning a Gold Glove as a rookie in 2023. Offensively, he hit just .212 with a .663 OPS and 19 home runs.
But here's the difference between winners and whiners: Volpe owns it.
The Chip on His Shoulder
"The chip I've had on my shoulder has been there for my whole life, my whole career," Volpe declared. "I just can't wait to go back out there and play and feel good and perform and help the team win."
This is what the American spirit looks like. No victim mentality. No crying to the media. Just pure determination to get better and win.
"I appreciate everything. I appreciate the accountability, I appreciate everything that comes with being the shortstop for the New York Yankees. I wouldn't trade it for the world."
The Road Back
Volpe won't return until late April or early May, finishing his rehab on the injured list. He's taking dry swings now, with hitting off a tee coming next. The rehab has been grueling, with Volpe calling the first half "rock bottom" physically.
But he didn't quit. He didn't make excuses. He worked harder.
José Caballero will start the season at shortstop, but once Volpe returns, it's showtime. This homegrown talent has everything to prove and the heart of a champion to prove it with.
"There's been a lot of positives in the whole process, just slowing stuff down and working literally from the ground up," Volpe said.
That's how you build champions. That's how you build winners. That's the American way.