Giants manager Tony Vitello makes debut at last in jump from college ranks to big leagues
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Tony Vitello turned down the basket of pastries during his morning coaches' meeting on opening day, and that became an immediate victory in his book. “You want as many wins as possible in a day. I avoided one of those pastries, and they all looked pretty deadly, so I'm at least 1-0 today," Vitello said ahead of his managerial debut Wednesday with the San Francisco Giants against the Yankees.
There was still important work to do even hours before first pitch. Vitello needed a few refreshers on the major league rules book. Even on the day of the season opener, San Francisco's new manager acknowledged the learning won't stop anytime soon as he makes the leap from college baseball to the big leagues.
“Just reviewing a lot of things today, so some extra conversations,” he said. “I've done it before, get the group together and ask as many dumb questions as possible. You'd rather look foolish earlier than later.
” Asked about any nerves and whether he slept well ahead of this career milestone, Vitello chuckled and joked, “Yeah, do I look nervous? ” “No, I'm just teasing. I answered this question several times today.
It took a while to get to sleep but that's kind of the norm for me when we play a night game,” he said. “You get out of here at whatever time and then you'd like some cool-down time and reflect on the day and also start looking toward tomorrow. Then once I was out I was out.