CC Sabathia advocates for Anthony Volpe, urging Yankees fans to ease the pressure
CC Sabathia understands the immense weight of expectations that come with wearing the iconic pinstripes of the New York Yankees. After spending 11 seasons with the team, Sabathia experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany both triumphs and challenges on the field. His journey gives him a unique perspective on the pressures that young players face, particularly in the spotlight of Yankee Stadium.
With that insight, Sabathia has come forward to address the struggles of rookie shortstop Anthony Volpe, who has been under scrutiny for his performance this season. Navigating both offensive and defensive challenges, Volpe has found himself the target of fan criticism, a situation that Sabathia believes is unwarranted. In an exclusive interview with the New York Post’s Erich Richter, he voiced his support for the young slugger.
Understanding the challenges of youth
“You know what’s crazy? I think it’s like people need to relax,” Sabathia stated. He emphasized the difficulty of stepping into such a high-pressure role at just 21 years old, where the expectations can be overwhelming. “Can you imagine a 21-year-old or a 20-year-old who comes here and all the pressure on their shoulders?”
Sabathia pointed out that Volpe’s situation is exacerbated by constant comparisons to Yankees legend Derek Jeter. “I think Volpe gets a tough break because people want to compare him to Derek all the time, and like, hey, he needs to replace Derek,” he explained. Sabathia reminded fans that Didi Gregorius successfully filled Jeter’s shoes, achieving back-to-back seasons with over 20 home runs and solidifying his own legacy without the shadow of Jeter looming over him.
Support from the organization
Sabathia is not alone in his support for Volpe. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has also publicly backed the young player, asserting that Volpe’s contributions are often overlooked. “First of all, he’s a more productive offensive player than he gets credit for,” Boone remarked, emphasizing the potential he sees in Volpe’s abilities.
As the regular season winds down, the pressure on Volpe remains significant. The Yankees find themselves in a crucial moment, needing every player to perform at their best if they hope to make a strong push for the postseason. Both Sabathia and Boone’s encouragement could be vital in helping Volpe regain his confidence and contribute to the team’s success during this pivotal stretch.
