With champagne running through his spiky hair, a smiling Anthony Volpe called his postseason introduction “better than I could have dreamed” after the Yankees celebrated their ALDS-ending win over the Royals on Thursday. The second-year shortstop spent plenty of time letting his imagination run wild as a kid, as Volpe rooted hard for the Yankees while growing up in New York City and Northern New Jersey. He even attended a few playoff games, including the Bombers’ wild card wins over the Twins in 2017 and A’s in 2018. Being on the field for the biggest games of the year hits different, though. “Amazing,” Volpe said of his playoff experience thus far. “This team is one of the most special things I’ve ever been a part of. It’s what we’ve been working for the whole season, even before the season. So it’s just one step for us, but we’re ready to keep working.” Volpe played a central part in the Yankees’ ALDS win, particularly in the last two victories at Kauffman Stadium. Game 3 saw the Gold Glover make a diving catch on a soft liner up the middle, which helped the Yankees avoid serious trouble as they clung to a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning. WHAT A PLAY, ANTHONY VOLPE! pic.twitter.com/yyeekWgoYu — B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) October 10, 2024 Volpe also found himself in the middle of the action in Game 4, as a gritty play at second base led to a benches-clearing skirmish. Maikel Garcia, sliding late thinking he had to break up a throw to first base, took exception when his awkward slide resulted in a forceful tag and a forearm to the neck from Volpe. Jazz Chisholm Jr., believing Garcia tried to hurt Volpe, then got involved as players spilled onto the field. “The stakes are high,” Volpe said. “Everyone’s playing hard. Everyone’s trying to win. They’re playing for their season.” Benches cleared after Anthony Volpe and Maikel Garcia got into it pic.twitter.com/eCJCaMv9JF — Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) October 11, 2024   While contributions on defense are always expected of Volpe, he’s looked a lot better at the plate in these playoffs than he did during a mostly disappointing regular season. With a .250/.438/.250 slash line, three hits, one RBI, one strikeout and one stolen base, Volpe is getting on base at a higher clip than he did over the first 162 games. He had four walks in the four-game series after drawing just five free passes in the month of September. Volpe has also been making strong contact throughout the postseason, an encouraging sign even when results don’t follow. While the sample is small, Volpe’s percentages for line drives, pulled contact and hard contact all significantly improved during the ALDS. “He’s been hitting the ball on the button all series,” Aaron Boone said. “A couple good walks. Really excited. I thought his work the week leading up was really good. Like just his BPs, his sim game stuff. Definitely like where he’s at offensively right now. He’s giving good at-bats.” Asked if Volpe is doing anything different lately, Boone said yes, but he didn’t want to “get in the weeds.” “I watch him all the time from the side,” Boone continued, referring to his view from the dugout. “He’s just a little better behind the ball. I like what I’m seeing.” Volpe is too. As a kid, he rooted for the Yankees to win in the playoffs. As a young adult, he’s made a difference in a few victories this October. “I’m just trying to get my pitch and put a good swing on it,” Volpe said. “You can’t control the results, but I feel like if I keep doing that, then I can keep helping the team.”