Fil-American shortstop Anthony Volpe is confident that the New York Yankees have what it takes to win the World Series when they battle fan favorites Los Angeles Dodgers this Friday, Oct. 25 (Saturday, Oct. 26, Philippine time).

Volpe, 23, was one of the key players to steer the Yankees against the Cleveland Guardians, 5-2, in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series to earn their first World Series since 2009.

“I dream of winning the World Series. It’s awesome but we’re going to win,” said Volpe in an interview with YES Network.

“The guys, they’ve been through everything, all of the core guys. I mean it took everyone to win the series and the entire season. So to be part of a team like that can go through any challenge, any up and down and have each other’s back and we respond to everything,” he added.

Born in New York to a urologist dad of Italian descent and anesthesiologist mom with Filipino roots, Volpe played for minor leagues for a couple of years before the Yankees invited him for spring training as a non-roster player in 2023. In March of the same year, the team announced that he had earned a spot on the team's Opening Day roster as the starting shortstop.

Look where he is now.

“It’s crazy. Everyone is talking about their experience in the playoffs and how little things matter and crazy games that they've been part of. But I think the series, my first time takes the cake,” Volpe said.

The Yankees will be spearheaded by pitcher Gerrit Cole in their goal of capturing their 28th title in World Series history – the most by any team in MLB.

Their last World Series title came 15 years ago, when the Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2.

Interestingly, Volpe, an avid fan of the team at a young age, was there to witness that momentous victory. Volpe expects an uphill climb to that trophy against the Dodgers, who are gunning for their eighth World Series crown spearheaded by superstar Shohei Ohtani.

Challenge accepted.

“I think we’re so prepared and so ready, so everyone from 1 to 9 to the lineup. All 26 guys, we control,” Volpe said.