The San Francisco Giants on Thursday plan to formally introduce new manager Tony Vitello.
Vitello’s introductory press conference is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. You can watch it in the video player above at that time.
The Giants hired the University of Tennessee coach as their skipper last week for his first job in professional baseball.
San Francisco president of baseball operations Buster Posey made an unprecedented gamble on a coach with no previous experience in the pros. The 47-year-old Vitello will make the jump after spending his entire career in the college ranks.
“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, given that his passion for baseball aligns with the club’s values.
“I’m incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity,” Vitello said in the Giants’ announcement. “I’m excited to lead this group of players and represent the San Francisco Giants. I can’t wait to get started and work to establish a culture that makes Giants’ faithful proud.”
Vitello 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.
He has had 10 players from Tennessee selected in the first round and 52 Vols overall in MLB’s amateur draft. Among those is Giants outfielder Drew Gilbert.