On Wednesday, March 25, the San Francisco Giants will face off against the New York Yankees during Major League Baseball’s opening night. It will be Tony Vitello’s managerial debut for the Giants as he begins his first season in San Francisco.
World Baseball Network’s Matt Tallarini caught up with Vitello to discuss his upcoming first season as an MLB manager and how he has settled into his new position.
“Anytime you change your job, you have to move, and you need help,” Vitello told WBN. “Everyone here has been impressive and welcoming.”
Vitello and his time at Tennessee
Vitello is in San Francisco after eight seasons in college baseball, coaching the Tennessee Volunteers.
During those eight seasons, Vitello led the Volunteers to 341 wins, four Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles, and three College World Series appearances.
Tennessee won its first-ever national championship with Vitello in 2024. He was named the SEC Coach of the Year in 2022.
After his stint with the Volunteers, the Giants hired Vitello. He made history as the first person to transition directly from college baseball head coach to MLB manager.
In light of this coaching move, Vitello discussed the idea of a possible bridge between the collegiate and professional levels with World Baseball Network.
“We want to better the [college] game and give it more recognition,” Vitello said. “Players, coaches, administrators, and everyone else can all work together to make both products better.”
2025 Results for the Giants, Game Time/Where to Watch MLB Opening Night
The San Francisco Giants had an 81-81 record during the 2025 MLB season. They missed the postseason for the fourth-straight season and finished third in the National League West division.
The MLB Opening Night matchup between the Giants and Yankees begins at 8:05 p.m. EST at Oracle Park. The game can be watched on Netflix.
PHOTO: San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello watches infield drills during spring training baseball Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
