star_telegram
The most audacious managerial hire in recent baseball history currently sits at 48-67, a .417 winning percentage, and second-to-last in the division. In typical circumstances, such results would lead to the dismissal of the general manager or the field manager. However, Tony Vitello is far from a typical case.
Vitello, who served as an assistant at TCU from 2011 to 2013 before building a powerhouse at Tennessee, is in his inaugural season as the skipper of the San Francisco Giants. He represents the first true instance of a college coach with zero major league playing or coaching experience being handed the reins of an MLB team. The experiment, as many call it, is still in its infancy, and Vitello argues it deserves more time and better talent before a final verdict is rendered.
Prior to Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Vitello sat down with the Star-Telegram to discuss his unprecedented journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Reflections on TCU Roots
Vitello's path to the big leagues was paved in Fort Worth, where he learned the intricacies of running a program under the tutelage of Jim Schlossnagle. He recalled the early days of living in a Residence Inn and the relentless recruiting grind, which taught him the business side of baseball. "TCU was an education on the bigger scope of things," he said, noting that the experience prepared him for the multifaceted role of a big-league manager.
Schlossnagle has publicly expressed hope that Vitello's success could open doors for other college coaches to make the leap to the majors. Vitello acknowledged feeling the weight of that expectation, especially after a slow start to the season. "I added pressure to myself and wasn't true to myself," he admitted. He worried about letting down Giants GM Buster Posey and getting in the way of veterans like Rafael Devers and Willy Adames. Yet, he remains determined to prove that the college coaching approach has value at the professional level.
Adjusting to the Professional Grind
One of the toughest adjustments for any successful college coach transitioning to the pros is coping with losing. Vitello confessed that the losing still stings, but he has learned to channel it constructively. "In college, losing a series on a walk-off can ruin your week and affect recruiting," he explained. "Here, it's a daily grind, and if you don't adjust, it will eat you alive." He admitted that his reaction to the season-opening sweep by the Yankees was overblown, but he has since learned to manage his emotions better.
Vitello also reflected on the changing landscape of college sports, which played a role in his decision to jump to the pros. A conversation with a friend who pointed out that legendary coaches like Nick Saban, Bruce Pearl, and Mike Krzyzewski were leaving the college ranks resonated with him. But ultimately, it was the challenge and a return to his roots as a walk-on player that drew him to the Giants. "I did think we'd do better than we have, but it's healthy growth to get your ass kicked some," he said, embracing the struggle as part of the learning process.
Originally reported by star_telegram.