David Cohn recently suggested an intriguing strategy for Yankees fans to help Anthony Volpe find his footing again.
Before Wednesday’s game, the Yankees color commentator proposed that fans should give a standing ovation to struggling shortstops.
“I’ve been thinking about the Philadelphia Phillies fans. A couple of years back, they gave a standing ovation to a coach who was having a tough time,” Cohn mentioned during the pre-game show. “Why not? I think Yankee fans should do the same for Volpe.”
Traditionally, standing ovations are given to well-performing players. But in 2023, Phillies fans broke that mold when struggling player Trea Turner received applause while grappling with his performance during his first season of a hefty contract.
Before that ovation, Turner had a slash line of .235/.290/.368, with just 10 home runs and 34 RBIs. It was superfan John McCann who suggested supporting him instead of booing.
On August 4 of that year, Turner received a standing ovation, which seemed to rejuvenate him—he then posted a much-improved line of .364/.398/.754, with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs.
Imagining a similar event for Volpe is enticing, but his struggles are quite different at this point.
Since the All-Star break, Volpe’s batting hasn’t been the primary issue; it’s been his defense that’s faltering.
In 12 games since the break, Volpe has six home runs and nine RBIs, hitting .236. However, he’s struggling defensively, leading the majors with 16 errors this season. With three errors in his last two games and five in his last nine, he’s particularly been having trouble with throws to first base.
While the ovation for Turner had its positive effects, it raises the question: can that really help with defensive skills?
We’ll only know if Yankee fans decide to give it a shot.
“He’s your shortstop,” said Korn, “and, as Michael Kay pointed out, there isn’t anyone else right now.”
