Volpe's father's clash with a Mets fan show MLB's growing problem

Volpe's father's clash with a Mets fan show MLB's growing problem originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

We get it. Yankees fans are fed up. Mets fans are riding high after winning the Subway Series. And yes, Anthony Volpe’s rough patch (.219 average, 11 errors) is something fans will focus on. He’s heard the comments and seen them on social media. Nobody needs to tell the Yankees shortstop he’s not playing well.

But when fans start unloading on families, it’s going too far.

In Sunday’s Subway Series finale at Citi Field, a viral clip captured Michael Volpe sparring with a Mets fan during God Bless America. He wasn’t targeting the player or the manager—he was shielding his kid.

“F—you… bad mouthing my son, you scumbag,” he roared, as his wife Isabelle tried to calm him.

Michael’s Volpe’s reaction may have been crude. But when the bar’s dropped so low that fans feel emboldened to heckle parents in the stands? That’s too far.

Because this toxic wave isn’t unique to the Bronx. It’s sweeping across MLB.

• Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks revealed vile death threats aimed at him and his wife, urging social media bullies to “re‑evaluate your life’s purpose.”
  
  
• Astros hurler Lance McCullers Jr. and his family were targeted with chilling death threats—some even aimed at his five‑year‑old daughter—prompting 24‑hour security.
  
  

This is no longer “just shouting at athletes.”

It’s harassment. When it cross over to family members—kids, spouses—that’s not fandom.

Back to Volpe.

His 1–for–11 Subway Series wasn’t epic, but the one homer felt like a turning point.

His .695 OPS and young-glove miscues aren’t pretty—but he’s a 24-year-old still grinding. He really doesn’t deserve to have to worry about his father getting into it with fans in the stands.

Boo the player all you want. Vent about the front office, manager’s decisions, and sloppy plays. But when you start dragging someone’s mom or dad, you’re not tough. You’re a bully and just wrong. 

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.