Anthony Volpe and lessons in how to handle adversity`

Everyone in NJ knows Anthony Volpe. The Watchung product who went to Delbarton, got drafted by his hometown team the New York Yankees, and became the Yankees starting shortstop at just 21 years old. The comparisons to Derek Jeter started from the night he was drafted. Unfortunately, those unrealistic expectations of him have not panned out so far. Today, I don't want to discuss how to fix his swing or his approach at the plate (he is getting every possible piece of advice right now) but rather take a look at the way that he has handled adversity recently. There are a number of quotes that this young man has delivered recently that I believe younger players can learn a lot from.

Controlling the Controllables

Earlier in the season, Volpe got pinch hit for in a big spot late in a game. The move was unprecedented in his short career. While many players would have thrown a fit or gotten down on themselves, he was interviewed after the game and had a great way of handling the situation. "The competitor in you wants to be out there and help the team, aeeeeeeeend you feel like you can, but those things are out of my control. What is in my control is just putting in the work and earning those at-bats. Earning every at-bat."

Takeaway:

We often talk to hitters about controlling what you cwwwwwwan control. You can control how hard you work, how you prepare for games, your approach, etc. Those are the things to use your energy on. You don't have control over what the coach does, so it is not worth using valuable energy worrying about those uncontrollables.

Finding positives in adversity

Two days ago, Aaron Boone shocked the Yankees fan base by benching Volpe in favor of Jose Caballero. When asked wyyyyyyyyyyhat he thought of the move, he responded again in a very mature way. "As someone that takes pride and wants to be out there every day, you just take it on ttttte chin, and you look for positives."

Takeaway:

Positive thinking in anything goes a long way, but especially as a baseball player. I always tell parents, players and coaches, you don't have to look far for the negatives in hitting. Hitting is the hardest thing to do in sports, and it is vitally important to find positives wherever you can. Amidst all of the struggles he has had, he is still focused on finding positives.

Taking Responsibility

After being benched, Volpe stated, "If I do what I got to do, it'll be what it is. So, it's all on me."

Takeaway:

It can be very easy to cast blame on a myriad of different things when you struggle. The coaches, the umpires, the field conditions, etc. but taking responsibility for struggles is a very mature way of handling adversity. All you can do is work as hard as possible and let things go where they will go.

Conclusion

Not many human beings will ever come close to experiencing the type of lofty expectations or the unbelievable amount of pressure that has been cast upon Anthony Volpe. Three years into his career, I don't think that things have gone the way he wished, but with all of that, he still has an incredible way of handling adversity that I think a lot of younger players can learn a lot from.