Giants' New Manager Tony Vitello Seeks Advice from Evan Longoria Amid Early Challenges

The former college coach faces a steep learning curve in his first MLB season, but finds support from a Giants legend.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:59am by

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of the sport.A new era for the Giants as their unconventional managerial choice navigates the challenges of the MLB with the guidance of a seasoned veteran.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco Giants have made waves by appointing Tony Vitello, a former college baseball coach, as their new manager. Despite the team's slow start, Vitello has been proactive in seeking guidance, including from former Giants star Evan Longoria. Longoria's mentorship and advice have been invaluable as Vitello navigates the transition from college to the MLB, where every decision is under intense scrutiny. While Vitello's management style and decisions have been criticized by some, the story highlights the importance of relationships and learning from experienced professionals in achieving success at the highest level.

Why it matters

The Giants' unconventional choice of Vitello, a college baseball coach, as their new manager has raised eyebrows in the MLB. This move underscores the team's willingness to take a risk and try a different approach, which could pay dividends if Vitello can adapt and succeed. The story also emphasizes the value of mentorship and the power of experienced players like Longoria to guide and support new managers, even those from non-traditional backgrounds.

The details

Vitello, who previously led the Tennessee Volunteers, has been open about the steep learning curve he's facing in his first MLB season. Despite the Giants' slow start, he has been proactive in seeking guidance, and one of his key mentors has been Longoria, a three-time MLB All-Star. Longoria's advice, according to Vitello, has been insightful and not overly pushy, demonstrating the respect the former Giants star has for the new manager's vision.

  • Vitello was appointed as the Giants' new manager in the offseason prior to the 2026 season.
  • The Giants have had a slow start to the 2026 season, leading to increased scrutiny of Vitello's management decisions.

The players

Tony Vitello

The new manager of the San Francisco Giants, who previously coached the college baseball team at the University of Tennessee.

Evan Longoria

A three-time MLB All-Star who played for the San Francisco Giants from 2018 to 2023 and is now serving as a mentor to the team's new manager, Tony Vitello.

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What’s next

As the season progresses, Vitello will have the opportunity to continue adapting to the demands of the MLB and proving his doubters wrong. The Giants' slow start does not define their entire season, and there is still time for Vitello to make adjustments and find a balance between his coaching style and the expectations of the franchise.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of relationships and the willingness to learn in achieving success in sports. Vitello's journey as a college coach transitioning to the MLB underscores the value of mentorship, as exemplified by Longoria's guidance. The Giants' unconventional choice to appoint Vitello as their manager also demonstrates the team's openness to trying new approaches, which could pay off if Vitello can adapt and succeed at the highest level.