Now former Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has broken his silence after he made the decision to accept the San Francisco Giants’ manager job earlier this week.
Vitello wanted to issue a statement in his first comments since his decision to leave Tennessee. He did so a day after he chose to leave by addressing GoVols247 and a handful of other local media members. The coach took a few questions after he delivered his statement, but only answered ones regarding his time coaching Tennessee baseball and his life in Knoxville. He will address the media regarding his new job with the Giants next week on Oct. 30 in San Francisco.
It was an emotional statement for Vitello. He had to stop to gather his emotions a few times as he addressed his decision-making process, spoke on his time living in Tennessee, described what his last practice at Lindsey Nelson Stadium meant to him and detailed what he believes it means to be a ‘Vol For Life.’
Vitello also spoke on how people elevate their game and their lives when they’re at Tennessee, the importance of loyalty, UT’s leadership, how he’ll support the Vols going forward and more.
Here’s Vitello’s statement in his first public comments since his decision to leave Tennessee baseball for the major leagues.