New Giants Manager Tony Vitello Brings College Energy to Major League Debut

San Francisco Giants' new manager Tony Vitello is preparing for his major league debut without any professional baseball experience as a player or coach. The 47-year-old former college coach is relying on high energy and guidance from veteran managers like Dusty Baker and Bruce Bochy as he takes over the storied franchise.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Wearing a dark hoodie and carrying his glove, Tony Vitello moves around the practice field like he belongs among the Giants players.

The San Francisco Giants’ new skipper grabs some gum from the dugout container before stepping onto the field at Scottsdale Stadium to begin his work. He spends time observing from right field, taking in the full view, then moves to the indoor batting facility. Later, he positions himself near home plate on the cage’s right side, offering fist bumps to left fielder Heliot Ramos following batting practice rounds. Vitello shifts a few steps over to watch additional hitters take their swings.

“He’s everywhere,” said shortstop Willy Adames. “He has a lot of energy. He likes to be watching everybody, making sure that everybody is working right and doing the right things. He’s just trying to push the guys to work hard and to be better and I think that’s something that’s going to help the guys a lot and I think that’s something we needed.”

The spotlight focuses intensely on Vitello as he assumes control of one of baseball’s most legendary organizations despite lacking any professional baseball background. Giants executive and former catcher Buster Posey made this unusual selection, placing trust in someone without major league experience either playing or coaching.

Everyone will be watching closely when Vitello makes his highly anticipated managerial debut as the Giants welcome the New York Yankees for baseball’s opening day on March 25.

“As ready as I’ll be if you ask me that question before the season starts,” Vitello commented before the team’s Cactus League opener. “I don’t think you’re ever really ready to do something until you get to do it. … Inevitably something pops up in where you’re like, ‘I wish I could go back in time and know that.'”

A dedicated swimmer who hopes to someday tackle the challenging swim from Alcatraz in San Francisco, Vitello monitors his different baseball areas similar to a lifeguard keeping watch, staying alert to everything and everyone around him.

He has also made a commitment to absorbing knowledge from experienced former managers he has brought into his circle, including Dusty Baker and Bruce Bochy, along with new Giants infield coach Ron Washington.

“I’ve talked with those guys, they’ve been awesome,” Vitello explained. “A lot of little things. When Boch says it, not only do you hear it but you hear it in that thunderous voice. I’ve taken notes from all those guys. I don’t think there’s been one drastic thing said to me, like, ‘Holy cow, reinvent the game’ or anything like that. It’s just been a lot of consistent help.”

Moving between different practice fields during spring training has presented one of the most significant adjustments for the 47-year-old Vitello.

During his first team meeting, Vitello focused on staying authentic — “hopefully it didn’t sound like a speech, more of a conversation,” he noted.

While everyone understands there will be substantial challenges ahead, Vitello has already created a positive impact on his players.

“Tony’s passion for baseball is something else,” said outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. “Just being around him, I feel like my passion grows more with him. It’s really nice being around Tony.”

During a recent spring training session, Vitello crouched down with his hands on his knees, observing Washington work with Adames.

“That’s going to help him a lot,” Adames commented about all the mentorship. “He’s got Bochy that’s going to be around and Dusty that’s going to be around and Buster is always around. We’ve got a lot of people who have a lot of experience in baseball and have a lot of people who have a lot of experience being a manager, and I think that’s going to help him a lot.”

Former Padres manager Jayce Tingler serves as both Vitello’s close friend and current bench coach. Vitello waited until spring training began to reveal his coaching staff — well after most other teams — demonstrating how carefully he considered who he wanted supporting him.

Learning to delegate responsibilities has been an ongoing process. In his previous role, he handled recruiting, organizing travel, overseeing academics, and numerous other college baseball responsibilities.

“I think get more comfortable with delegating, but about nine years ago I definitely warmed up to it with the group of people that I was around,” he said.

First-year San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen recognizes the questions surrounding inexperience and accepts that scrutiny accompanies the position.

“He’s a baseball guy, so I’m going to respect him the same way I respect somebody that played 20 years in the big leagues,” Stammen said regarding Vitello. “I think he’s earned the right to be a manager in the big leagues. Some people will question me if I earned the right to be a manager in the big leagues. His track record in college is very successful, so he’s going to have the opportunity to bring that track record to MLB.”

Vitello admits there have been some initial challenges — and expects many more throughout the journey. He takes over from three-time Manager of the Year Bob Melvin, a 22-year managerial veteran who was dismissed after two seasons and the Giants’ fourth consecutive year missing the playoffs.

“I don’t think it’s been too wild. I think everything that was a precursor to here was the key,” he said. “FanFest, just how welcoming everybody is. It might sound silly, but just interacting with the 49ers group a few different times and other people in the Bay Area, it made you feel like you were in high school instead of a freshman. I still remember freshman year in high school was kind of nerve-wracking.

“So I think there was a little bit of momentum for myself coming in. Seamless is a high standard. I think there’s been some snags, but it’s kind of been like, ‘OK, I get how this goes now.'”