Tony Vitello
Anthony Gregory Vitello
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5', 11", Weight 170 lbs.
- School Spring Hill College, University of Missouri
- High School De Smet Jesuit High School
- Born October 9, 1978 in St. Louis, MO USA
Biographical Information[edit]
Tony Vitello won the 2024 College World Series as the coach of the University of Tennessee, then jumped to a major league managerial job less than two years later.
Vitello was an infielder in college and was second team all-Big 12 Conference in 2001 and 2002 at the University of Missouri. After graduation, he immediately went into coaching.
Vitello served as the associate head coach for the Salina Valley Packers of the California Collegiate League in 2002. He then was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Missouri, from 2003 to 2010, then at Texas Christian University from 2011 to 2013, and the University of Arkansas from 2014 to 2017.
He became head coach of the University of Tennessee in 2018. He led the school to the College World Series in 2021, 2023, and 2024, winning it all in 2024 - the first national baseball title in school history. Following the 2025 season, reports emerged that he was the leading candidate to succeed Bob Melvin as manager of the San Francisco Giants. His appointment was officially announced on October 22nd.
His managerial debut came in the first game of the 2026 MLB season, with the Giants hosting the New York Yankees at Oracle Park. It was the first time a manager had come straight from the college ranks without ever having previously played, coached or managed in professional baseball. His major league career did not get off to a great start, as the Giants were shut out in their first two games, and were defeated again in the third game as the Yankees pulled off a three-game road sweep. He earned his first win as a manager in San Francisco's next game, on March 30th when they defeated the San Diego Padres on the road by a 3-2 score.
Vitello's father was a hall-of-fame soccer and baseball coach for 46 years at De Smet Jesuit High School.
| Preceded by Bob Melvin |
San Francisco Giants Manager 2026- |
Succeeded by present |
Year-By-Year Managerial Record[edit]
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | San Francisco Giants | National League | San Francisco Giants |
Further Reading[edit]
- Maria Guardado: "Vitello brings his vibe to Giants' first official workout", mlb.com, February 10, 2026. [1]
- Maria Guardado: "Vitello the toast of Giants' clubhouse after club nets first win", mlb.com, March 31, 2026. [2]
- Brian Murphy: "Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager", mlb.com, October 18, 2025. [3]
- Brian Murphy: "Giants name Vols coach Vitello manager in unprecedented hire", mlb.com, October 22, 2025. [4]
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