The Yankees know exactly what they are doing here.
Rookie shortstop Anthony Volpe will wear No. 11, according to YES Network’s Jack Curry. He will be the first player to wear the number since beloved former outfielder Brett Gardner, closing the door on that chapter. And it is a unmistakable sign the Bombers believe the New Jersey native is their next great homegrown star.
It is the lowest number still in circulation for the Yankees. And it is nine up from Derek Jeter, Volpe’s idol growing up, and one away from Phil Rizzuto. The team knows exactly what it is doing.