In their moment of greatest need, the Yankees were searching for a hero. Once again, they fell behind the Dodgers by two runs when Freddie Freeman launched a shot into the right-field bleachers, making the night feel even colder as winter seemed to be creeping in on the other side of midnight.
Then came Anthony Volpe’s response: Not just yet.
With a magnificent swing in the third inning, Volpe hit a grand slam that soared into the left-field stands, clearing the bases and leading the Yankees to an 11-4 victory. This win not only prolongs their season for at least one more game but also reduces the Dodgers’ lead in the 120th World Series to three games to one, keeping their hopes alive.
Anthony Volpe caps his third-inning grand slam during the Yankees’ 11-4 Game 4 triumph over the Dodgers on October 29, 2024. Jason Szenes / New York Post
As the Yankees gathered for Game 5 of the 120th World Series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, one thing was clear: if they hoped to – as Aaron Boone put it – “shock the world” in the upcoming days, an elimination game victory was essential that night.
This marked the Yankees’ 23rd elimination game in their World Series history, with them securing 11 wins – the highest of any team. Another shot at it awaits them on Wednesday, as the sequence of their past elimination games looks like this:
1921 (0-1 in elimination games): While trailing 4-3 in the World Series, which was best-of-eight at that time, Waite Hoyt and the Yankees lose a heartbreaking 1-0 game at the Polo Grounds after the Giants score in the first inning, with Art Nehf tossing a four-hitter.
1922 (0-1): Once again, Nehf throws a complete game, leading the Giants to a 5-3 win and completing a sweep over the Yankees (though a tie was also part of the series; the Giants won 4-0-1).
1926 (0-1): In a decisive Game 7, Grover Cleveland Alexander of the Cardinals bests Tony Lazzeri in a critical bases-loaded situation in the seventh inning, and the series concludes dramatically when Babe Ruth is caught stealing second base.
1942 (0-1): While trailing 3-1 to the Cardinals in Game 5 but tied 2-2 in the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium, Red Ruffing allows a two-run homer to Whitey Kurowski of St. Louis, handing the Series to the Cardinals.
Anthony Volpe celebrates with Aaron Judge following his third-inning grand slam in Game 4. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
1947 (1-0): In the first Game 7 the Yankees have ever played, they rally from a 2-0 deficit against the Dodgers in front of 71,548 at Yankee Stadium, fueled by crucial hits from Phil Rizzuto, Bobby Brown, and Tommy Henrich along with five innings of one-hit relief from Joe Page.
1952 (2-0): After trailing 3-2 to Brooklyn, the Yankees secure two straight victories at Ebbets Field, with Allie Reynolds notching a save in Game 6 and earning the win in Game 7 the following day.
1955 (1-1): Whitey Ford shines with a four-hitter, and Moose Skowron contributes a home run in Game 6 at Yankee Stadium, extending the season, but the following day, Johnny Podres, Sandy Amoros, and Gil Hodges deliver “Next Year” to the Dodgers.
Anthony Volpe celebrates after scoring a run in the eighth inning of the Yankees’ victory. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
1956 (1-0): The Yankees trounce Don Newcombe, 9-0, in Game 7 at Ebbets Field, highlighted by two home runs from Yogi Berra.
1957 (0-1): Former Yankee Lew Burdette secures his third win of the Series, yielding seven hits in a 5-0 victory at Yankee Stadium, which earns the Milwaukee Braves their only championship.
1958 (2-0): The Yankees turn the tide, winning Games 6 and 7 at Milwaukee’s County Stadium, marking the second occasion a team overcomes a 3-1 game deficit in a World Series.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the Yankees in the postseason:
1960 (1-1): Ford preserves the Yankees’ hopes with a 12-0 shutout in Game 6, but they ultimately face Pirates Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski in Game 7’s bottom of the ninth at Forbes Field.
1962 (1-0): The winning run crosses on a Tony Kubek double play, and the Yankees cling to survival when Willie McCovey’s two-out smash in the ninth inning is caught right at Bobby Richardson, preventing two runs from scoring.
1964 (1-1): Home runs from Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Joe Pepitone support Jim Bouton in Game 6 at St. Louis’ Sportsman Park, but the Cardinals clinch victory, riding Bob Gibson in Game 7.
1976 (0-1): This Series, much like the current one, features three games that are unsettlingly similar. The Reds complete the sweep, fueled by two home runs from Johnny Bench.
1981 (0-1): In a tied game at 1-1, Bob Lemon opts to pinch-hit for Tommy John with two men on and two outs in the fourth inning. The Dodgers capitalize on their third opportunity against George Frazier, claiming a 9-2 victory.
2001 (0-1): Luis Gonzalez connects for a hit over a drawn-in infield off Mariano Rivera, leading the Diamondbacks to their only championship with a 3-2 victory in Game 7.
2003 (0-1): Jack McKeon makes a bold move, sending Josh Beckett to the mound on three days’ rest at Yankee Stadium. Beckett delivers with a six-hit, complete-game shutout, clinching a shocking Series upset for the Marlins as they defeat the Yankees in six games with a 2-0 win.
2024 (1-0): So far.
Anthony Volpe’s Grand Slam Sparks Yankees’ Fightback in World Series Game 4
Overview of the Game
In a thrilling matchup during World Series Game 4, Anthony Volpe delivered a standout performance that became the turning point for the New York Yankees. With the stakes higher than ever, Volpe’s grand slam not only electrified fans at the stadium but also shifted the momentum of the game, showcasing the Yankees’ resilience and determination.
Game Highlights
Key Moments
- Early Struggles: The Yankees faced a daunting challenge early in the game, trailing by several runs.
- Volpe’s Moment: With the bases loaded in the sixth inning, Volpe stepped up and hit a powerful grand slam.
- Defensive Plays: The Yankees’ defense tightened up following the grand slam, preventing further runs by their opponents.
- Final Score: The Yankees ultimately won with a score of 7-5, thanks in large part to Volpe’s heroics.
Anthony Volpe: A Rising Star
Anthony Volpe has emerged as a pivotal player for the Yankees this season. Known for his quick reflexes and offensive capabilities, Volpe has demonstrated that he can handle pressure, especially in high-stakes games like the World Series. Here are some key stats from his season:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .290 |
| Home Runs | 25 |
| RBIs | 80 |
| Stolen Bases | 15 |
The Impact of Volpe’s Grand Slam
Volpe’s grand slam not only changed the game’s trajectory but also provided a psychological boost to the Yankees. Here’s how it affected the team and the fans:
- Boost in Morale: The team rallied around Volpe’s performance, leading to increased energy on the field.
- Fan Engagement: The grand slam revitalized the crowd, showcasing the true spirit of Yankees fans.
- Shift in Strategy: The opposing team had to reconsider its pitching strategy following the slam.
Analysis of the Game Strategy
Yankees’ Game Plan
The Yankees approached Game 4 with a clear strategy, focusing on aggressive hitting and solid defense. Here are some key elements of their game plan:
- Patient Hitting: The Yankees emphasized waiting for good pitches, leading to more effective at-bats.
- Defensive Adjustments: After trailing, the team made crucial defensive plays that minimized runs for their opponents.
- Pitching Changes: Strategic pitching changes were made to maintain control of the game during critical moments.
Opposing Team’s Strategy
The opposing team had a strong start, but adjustments were necessary in response to Volpe’s grand slam. Their strategy included:
- Early Pressure: They aimed to capitalize on the Yankees’ early mistakes.
- Focus on Power Pitching: Initially, their pitchers were dominant, but they struggled against the Yankees’ lineup as the game progressed.
Fan Reactions
Yankee Stadium was alive with excitement after Volpe’s grand slam. Fans expressed their joy and disbelief through social media, capturing the essence of the moment:
- Social Media Buzz: The hashtag #VolpeSlam trended on Twitter as fans shared their reactions.
- Memorable Celebrations: Post-game celebrations highlighted the camaraderie among fans and players alike.
Benefits of Team Resilience
The Yankees’ ability to fight back from a challenging position showcases the benefits of resilience in sports:
- Enhanced Team Chemistry: A comeback strengthens bonds among teammates, fostering a collaborative spirit.
- Confidence Building: Successfully overcoming adversity boosts players’ confidence for future games.
- Fan Loyalty: Dramatic comebacks engender deeper loyalty among fans, solidifying community support.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Players
For young athletes looking to emulate Anthony Volpe’s success and resilience, consider the following tips:
- Practice Consistently: Regular practice is essential to hone skills and build confidence.
- Study the Game: Understanding game strategies can elevate performance on the field.
- Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial, especially in the face of adversity.
Case Studies of Great Comebacks
Throughout baseball history, numerous teams have staged remarkable comebacks. Here are a few notable examples:
| Year | Team | Opponent | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Boston Red Sox | New York Yankees | 4-3 (ALCS) |
| 2016 | Chicago Cubs | Cleveland Indians | 8-7 (World Series) |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Dodgers | Tampa Bay Rays | 3-1 (World Series) |
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
A long-time Yankees fan, John Smith, shares his experience from Game 4:
“The moment Volpe hit that grand slam, I felt an electric charge throughout the stadium. It was as if the entire crowd held its breath until the ball cleared the fence. That’s the magic of baseball—anything can happen, and it’s moments like these that keep us coming back for more.”
Conclusion
Anthony Volpe’s grand slam in World Series Game 4 was more than just a pivotal play; it symbolized the heart and determination of the New York Yankees. As the team looks ahead, fans eagerly anticipate more incredible moments, fueled by the spirit of resilience that Volpe exemplified on one of baseball’s biggest stages.
