TORONTO — The Yankees are off on Thursday, but Anthony Volpe will still be laser-focused on a baseball game.
That’s because Jack Leiter, a high school teammate, is scheduled to make his major league debut for the Texas Rangers. Leiter, the son of former Yankees and Mets pitcher Al Leiter, won a Non-Public A State Championship with Volpe at Morristown, New Jersey’s Delbarton School in 2019.
“I couldn’t be happier for him and his whole family,” Volpe said, adding that he plans on watching every pitch Leiter throws against the Tigers. “It’s super exciting.”
Volpe said that he and Leiter connected on Tuesday. Volpe reached out right away when he saw the news, and he planned on chatting with Leiter more on Wednesday.
“I’m sure his phone was going crazy,” Volpe said.
Imagine sitting in class all day and then having to face Anthony Volpe and Jack Leiter after? pic.twitter.com/PqbPnKz6YM
— Joey (@DJLeMVP) April 16, 2024
In an alternate universe, Leiter and Volpe would have gone to Vanderbilt together after playing for Delbarton and Team USA as teens.
Instead, the Yankees drafted Volpe 30th overall in 2019. The 22-year-old signed out of high school, endured some ups and downs as a rookie last year, and has gotten off to a hot start in his second season as the starting shortstop for the team he grew up rooting for.
Leiter, on the other hand, chose to spend two seasons at Vanderbilt after the Yankees used a 20th-round pick on him in 2019. He was always expected to attend college, and the Rangers drafted the 23-year-old second overall in 2021.
Leiter struggled over his first two professional seasons, recording ERAs above 5.00 in 2022 and 2023. However, the righty got off to a good start at Triple-A this season, logging a 3.77 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 14.1 innings.
Now he’s set to debut for the defending champs.
Volpe said that Leiter is “super competitive,” “mentally tough” and “insanely talented.” Asked if he had any favorite memories of Leiter, Volpe said, “Winning.”
“And being able to play behind him and watch him pitch and dominate in high school and with Team USA,” Volpe continued.
Once Leiter throws his first pitch on Thursday, he and Volpe will be the only Delbarton products with major league experience. Volpe said that the school and those close to it are hyped for Leiter’s debut.
Then again, Delbarton and those close to it have been cheering for them every step of the way.
“I think it’s incredible for the whole community,” Volpe said. “I know every level we were at, whether it was me when I first got drafted in the minors or him when he went to Vandy, it’s cool to see it’s the same level of support regardless of where you’re at. Obviously, everyone’s supporting now and really pumped up. But at least from my perspective, what stood out the most was how much they support you along the way throughout the whole journey.”
While Volpe will watch Leiter’s start with a pal’s perspective on Thursday, there will come a time when the two have to put their friendship to the side.
It remains to be seen how long Leiter will stay in the Rangers’ rotation; The Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant said this will likely be a one-off start. However, Volpe and Leiter will eventually face each other if all goes according to plan.
The Yankees and Rangers will face off in the Bronx from Aug. 9-11 before the Bombers visit Texas from Sept. 2-4. Volpe has been thinking about those games — and the possibility of facing Leiter — for some time.
“Yeah, definitely,” Volpe said with a smile. “Even before he got called up. I’m excited.”
