Giants hire Tennessee's Vitello as manager, gambling on a college coach with no pro experience
The San Francisco Giants have hired Tennessee Volunteers coach Tony Vitello as manager for his first pro coaching job.
San Francisco announced the move Wednesday, an unprecedented gamble by president of baseball operations Buster Posey on a coach with no pro experience. The 47-year-old Vitello is making the jump after spending his entire career at the college level.
“Tony is one of the brightest, most innovative and most respected coaches in college baseball today,” Posey said. “Throughout our search, Tony’s leadership, competitiveness and commitment to developing players stood out.”
Posey said the Giants look forward to the energy and direction Vitello brings with his passion for baseball aligning with the club’s values.
Vitello has guided the Volunteers to regular success in the Southeastern Conference since being hired in June 2017. That included leading the program to its first NCAA title last year to go with six regional appearances, five NCAA super regional berths and three College World Series trips.
https://apnews.com/article/giants-manager-vitello-tennessee-baseball-c6dc9add3e3f8ecb551f80946aa06939
Many tears are being shed in Knoxville and among Big Orange faithful tonight.....
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