Anthony Volpe sported the No. 11 on his back during his Yankees debut, becoming the first Yankee to don the number since Brett Gardner ended his 14-year pinstriped tenure after the 2021 season.
Volpe confirmed that he spoke with the lifelong, homegrown Yankee before taking the number, and raved about his conversation with the beloved Gardner.
“It was awesome,” Volpe said. “I got to talk to him on the phone, and it was a really good conversation. I really appreciated him taking the time. Most of the conversation wasn’t even about wearing No. 11. It was just talking about him and his experience.”
Volpe never shared a locker room with Gardner, but he says he can still see his impact around the clubhouse as he spends time with the 2023 Bombers.
“His impact in the clubhouse to this day is ginormous,” Volpe said. “Obviously, we have leaders in the clubhouse, but I think he played a huge role in making those players leaders and taking them under their wing, the same way those guys are now taking me under their wings.
“I can’t thank him enough for the stuff he did and the impact he still has.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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