Former Tennessee Players Debut Under New Giants Manager Tony Vitello

Vitello's first spring training game as San Francisco's manager features two ex-Vols standouts.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 2:48pm

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In his first game as the new manager of the San Francisco Giants, Tony Vitello, the former head coach of the University of Tennessee baseball team, saw two of his former players from the Vols take the field. Drew Gilbert served as a pinch hitter and went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored, while Blade Tidwell pitched one inning in relief, striking out three batters.

Why it matters

Vitello's move from college baseball to the major leagues is a rare transition, with only a handful of coaches making that jump directly. His ability to bring in talented players he previously coached, like Gilbert and Tidwell, could give the Giants an advantage as Vitello looks to put his stamp on the team in his first season.

The details

The Giants defeated the Seattle Mariners 10-5 in their spring training opener at Peoria Stadium in Arizona. Gilbert recorded a hit and an RBI as a pinch hitter, while Tidwell pitched one inning in relief, striking out three batters. The Giants and Vitello will have their first home spring training game on Sunday, facing the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium.

  • The Giants' spring training opener was on February 22, 2026.
  • The Giants will face the Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium on Sunday.

The players

Tony Vitello

The new manager of the San Francisco Giants, who previously served as the head coach of the University of Tennessee baseball team from 2018 to 2025.

Drew Gilbert

A former player for the University of Tennessee who is now with the San Francisco Giants, appearing as a pinch hitter in the spring training opener.

Blade Tidwell

A former pitcher for the University of Tennessee who is now with the San Francisco Giants, pitching one inning of relief in the spring training opener.

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What’s next

The Giants and Vitello will have their first home spring training game on Sunday, facing the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium.

The takeaway

Vitello's transition from college baseball to the major leagues is a rare move, and his ability to bring in talented players he previously coached, like Gilbert and Tidwell, could give the Giants an advantage as he looks to put his stamp on the team in his first season as manager.