By MARK REY MONTEJO
Anthony Volpe, the shortstop with Filipino roots, is confident that the New York Yankees can hold their ground and even pull off a shocker in their World Series action against the favorites Los Angeles Dodgers this Saturday, Oct. 26 (Manila time).
The 23-year-old Volpe was one of the key players for the Yankees’ impressive run in the American League Championship Series, defeating Cleveland Guardians in five games, 4-1, over the weekend.
“I dream of winning the World Series. It’s awesome but we’re going to win,” said Volpe in an interview with YES Network after the Yankees’ 5-2 triumph against the Guardians to close out the series.
“The guys, they’ve been through everything, all of the core guys. I mean it took everyone to win the series and the entire season. So to be part of a team like that can go through any challenge, any up and down and have each other’s back and we respond to everything,” he added.
Playing for minor leagues for a couple of years, Volpe worked his way up until being named in Yankees’ opening day roster last season and now, marching to his very first World Series.
“It’s crazy. Everyone is talking about their experience in the playoffs and how little things matter and crazy games that they’ve been part of but I think the series, my first time, takes the cake.”
The Yankees will be spearheaded by pitcher Gerrit Cole in their bid of capturing their 28th title in World Series history – the most by any team in MLB and far ahead of pursuers in the St. Louis Cardinal and the Boston Red Sox with 11 and 9 titles respectively.
“I think we’re so prepared and so ready, so everyone from 1 to 9 to the lineup. All 26 guys, we control,” he continued.
The last one they bagged was 15 years ago when the Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2., which Volpe, an avid fan of NYY growing up, himself witnessed along with her mom Isabelle of Filipino descent, and Italian dad, Michael.
However, the challenge stands heavy and strong as they tussle the Dodgers, who, on the other hand, are gunning for their 8th WS crown, with their gunners in star Shohei Ohtani and emerging playoff hero infielder Tommy Edman along with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, leading the charge.
