Hustle Matters: Robinson Cano, Anthony Volpe & The Price Of Complacency

If Bleeding Yankee Blue is going to go after Robinson Cano for non-hustle, one of the most talent baseball players of our time, I will take the time to rip Anthony Volpe a bit for his non-hustle the other night. 

In the annals of baseball history, the importance of hustle cannot be overstated. Yet, time and again, players fail to give their all, leading to scrutiny, criticism, and sometimes, the unraveling of careers. This harsh reality was epitomized in the career of Robinson Cano and, more recently, a silly little league play by Anthony Volpe. Their stories serve as cautionary tales, reminding us why every game, every play, and every sprint matters.

Cano, a player of undeniable talent, often found himself at the center of controversy for his perceived lack of hustle. The criticism was not unfounded. Cano‘s occasional lackadaisical approach on the field drew the ire of fans, analysts, and writers alike. Among the most vocal critics was our Robert Casey of Bleeding Yankee Blue. Casey’s scathing articles highlighted Cano’s failure to consistently run out ground balls and hustle on the base paths.

In one particularly notable piece, Casey stated that Robinson Cano is the epitome of wasted potential. His lack of hustle is a disservice to the game and a slap in the face to fans who pay to watch players give their all. That resonated so strongly that it was later lifted by ESPN The Magazine, referring to Casey as a “get off my lawn” type of critic. Despite the derisive tone, the core message was clear: hustle matters.

Casey’s foresight extended beyond mere criticism of Cano’s effort. He predicted that Cano’s complacency would lead to desperate measures as his performance waned. Tragically, this prophecy came true when Cano turned to HGH in a bid to maintain his edge. This decision ultimately undid his career, leaving a once-promising player tarnished by scandal.

Fast forward to July 5, 2024, when Anthony Volpe made a critical mistake against the Boston Red Sox. In a pivotal moment, Volpe failed to hustle home, costing the Yankees a crucial run and ultimately the game. The lack of effort was glaring and inexcusable. If this had been Game 7 of the World Series, Volpe would have been crucified by the Bronx faithful. The Yankees’ loss highlighted a fundamental truth: every game matters, and hustle is not optional.

Robert Casey’s theory that hustle is vital in baseball was painfully validated once more. Volpe’s lapse in effort not only cost the Yankees a win but also leaves a question mark on what kind of player he is. In the high-stakes world of professional sports, there is no room for complacency. Every player must give their all, every time, without exception.

Casey gets it. His unwavering stance on the importance of hustle has been vindicated time and again. ESPN The Magazine’s dismissal of Casey’s critique as old-fashioned misses the mark. The essence of Casey’s argument is timeless: hustle is the lifeblood of baseball. Without it, even the most talented players can fall short.

The harsh reality is that Robinson Cano’s career serves as a warning of what happens when talent is not matched by effort. Anthony Volpe’s recent blunder is a stark reminder that complacency can cost dearly, both in individual games and in the broader arc of a player’s career. Volpe’s failure to hustle is pathetic and unacceptable, a mistake that should never be repeated.

Hustle is non-negotiable. Players who fail to give their all jeopardize not only their own careers but also the success of their teams. The message is clear: every game, every play, every sprint matters. Hustle is the difference between greatness and mediocrity.

–Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor