Giants Players Describe Energetic New Manager Tony Vitello

Pitcher Matt Gage says the clubhouse feels like a 'college frat house' under the new skipper.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco Giants' new manager Tony Vitello is making a big impression on his players during Spring Training, with pitcher Matt Gage describing the clubhouse atmosphere as feeling like a 'college frat house'. Other players like Logan Webb and Harrison Bader have praised Vitello's competitive energy and active participation in drills, saying he's brought a new level of intensity to the team.

Why it matters

The Giants are looking to end a four-year playoff drought, and Vitello's energetic coaching style could be just what the team needs to get them back to the postseason. His reputation for being a 'player's coach' while also demanding respect could help galvanize the Giants' roster.

The details

Vitello, who previously coached at the University of Tennessee, is known for his fiery personality and willingness to defend his team - he was ejected five times and suspended multiple times with the Volunteers. Giants players say he's already bringing that same competitive spirit to Spring Training, with Logan Webb noting Vitello's active participation in drills. Newcomer Harrison Bader is excited about the energy Vitello has brought, while veteran Bryce Eldridge says the team can tell Vitello 'fires the boys up pretty easily'.

  • The Giants officially kick off the Vitello era in Spring Training on Saturday, February 21.
  • Vitello's regular season MLB debut as a manager comes on Wednesday, March 25 against the New York Yankees.

The players

Matt Gage

A Giants pitcher who described the clubhouse atmosphere under Vitello as feeling like a 'college frat house'.

Logan Webb

One of the best pitchers in baseball, who praised Vitello's competitive spirit and active participation in drills.

Harrison Bader

A new addition to the Giants roster who is excited about the energy Vitello has brought to the team.

Bryce Eldridge

A veteran Giants player who says the team can tell Vitello 'fires the boys up pretty easily'.

Tony Vitello

The new Giants manager, known for his fiery personality and willingness to defend his team from the University of Tennessee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I mean, it's a college frat house. It's great to me. Honestly, it's just one of those things, it's just like every day you want to show up to the field again.”

— Matt Gage, Giants Pitcher (KPIX-TV)

“Very competitive. He's out there doing PFPs with us. Also very competitive during that. Really trying to make us work.”

— Logan Webb, Giants Pitcher (KPIX-TV)

“I'm always a proponent of being around good energy. So thus far he's brought fantastic energy. I'm just looking forward to see it all kind of translate over the course of a seven-month season.”

— Harrison Bader, Giants Outfielder (KPIX-TV)

“Everyone in here could tell you that he fires the boys up pretty easily. You can tell he's a player coach. You can kind of have that almost like teammate relationship with him, but there is that fine line to respect.”

— Bryce Eldridge, Giants Player (KPIX-TV)

What’s next

The Giants officially kick off the Vitello era in Spring Training on Saturday, February 21. His regular season MLB debut as a manager comes on Wednesday, March 25 against the New York Yankees.

The takeaway

Vitello's energetic coaching style and reputation for being a 'player's coach' could be exactly what the Giants need to end their four-year playoff drought. His ability to galvanize the team and bring a new level of intensity to the clubhouse will be crucial as the Giants look to return to the postseason.