Playing Shortstop For The Yankees: #11, Anthony Volpe, #11

Anthony Volpe kisses the Yankees crest in response to fans chanting his name. [Photo/New York Yankees]

He grew up in New Jersey, joined the Yankees in his early twenties, and plays shortstop. It's not Derek Jeter, it's Anthony Volpe.

The 21-year-old made his debut today against the San Francisco Giants and fans were ecstatic the second he stepped foot on the field. Despite the chilling winds blazing through the American flag atop the left-field stands, the bleacher creatures loudly serenaded Volpe at the top of the first. Volpe responded by turning around and pointing at the fans while kissing the Yankees crest on his jersey.

Volpe is expected to display his defensive play, an aspect at the shortstop position the Yankees haven't had since Didi Gregorius, and his speed. The bat will come as he develops. It is almost hard not to compare Volpe's position when joining the Pinstripes and Jeter's start. Two young local prospects looking to make a splash under their team captain. Aaron Judge now, Don Mattingly then.

Volpe, born and raised in the Upper East Side and later New Jersey, grew up a Yankees fan. He told YES Network that his father would constantly bring him to the public park on 96th and Lexington Avenue to draw up in-game scenarios.

The question remains: is he the shortstop that maintains his spot? The cycle of shortstops might have come to an end, however, there are 161 games to go.