Making the transition from the college level to MLB

In professional coaching, perhaps there is no safe path to security. Few have reached the longevity and near permanency of a Vince Lombardi, Connie Mack, Red Auerbach, Toe Blake and numerous legendry college coaches.

Add Tony Vitello to the list.

Here’s a baseball coach which reached legendary status on the collegiate level and seemingly exhausted significant achievements on a similar terrain. Such accomplishments range from high school state champion at De Smeth (St. Louis, Missouri) High School, where he played soccer for his father to the 2024 NCAA baseball title at the University of Tennessee.

In between, Vitello demonstrated a strong talent for recruiting and evaluation. During a four-year period as assistant coach at the University of Arkansas in the early 21^st century, Vitello coached 22 players drafted by MLB teams over that stretch.

His ability to connect with players and as a keen observer of the game put him directly on the San Francisco Giants’ radar screen.

When the Giants offered a three-year deal at $3.3 mil plus benefits per year, the contract represented a direct enticement. Despite an 81-81 season a year ago, the Giants lacked drive and enthusiasm and that is what now expected from the 47-year-old native of St. Louis.

“I think (Vitello) has done a great job,” said Giants’ lefty Robbie Ray. “He brings energy every single day. He’s out there with us every day, with fielding drills and participating in things a manager normally does not do. Again, he brings energy every day. Coming from college, that atmosphere is high energy. So, I think that was something we were lacking last year. And that’s something that he brings to this team.”

Through the first month of Vitello’s tenure, the Giants are mired with a sub-.500 mark. In games through May 2, the club dropped 20 of their first 33 but no panic.

“Obviously, we’re not playing well,” Ray added. “It doesn’t look great. I have the most confidence in him for sure.”

For his part, Vitello recognizes the learning curve and period of adjustment. In an environment in “what have you done for me, lately,” there appears little pressure from Buster Posey, the Giants president of baseball operations, to make any quick adjustment.

After all, Vitello is locked in for next three years and an option for a fourth.

Through the opening month, Vitello sees a period of little adjustment.

“For the first month, a kind of self-discovery, a little bit,” Vitello said on May 1 before a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, “One of frustration, and that’s because we have not done as well. I think it’s good to turn the page and start out May fresh.”

At this point, Vitello is not on a short leash. The decision to move from the college level directly into the major was not made at a moment’s notice. Sure, the Giants made the approach but according to sources within the game, Vitello was ready for a new challenge.

Within the past decade, he amassed one of the best records of a college coach in any sport and whether he was getting bored or the lure of a major league environment was too great has not been determined.

Generally, the players have responded to him and given the time he arrived at Scottsdale Stadium, spring home of the Giants in mid-Febraury, Vitello appears to make an easy passage.

“As far as a transition for me, it’s been good and spring training counts into that, too,” Vitello added. “I’m blessed to be around good people.”

Over the course of a protracted summer and the ebb and flow of a major league season, the Giants, collectively, and Vitello particular, are not ready to push the panic button.

“We just have to turn this around,” Ray added of the Giants losing record. “We have many good hitters in this clubhouse and guys which have a track record of being good hitters. It just one of those things where a little bit of urgency is needed.”

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