Giants Manager Reflects on Remarkable Journey

CHICAGO — Greg Vitello was engrossed in a game on TV when he caught sight of his son’s expression as the camera shifted to the Giants dugout. Or rather, the absence of a strong expression.

“I think he manages his emotions pretty well,” Greg Vitello shared with the California Post. “At this level, acting out isn’t an option. You can’t shake someone or go too far like that; it just doesn’t fly here. I get that he sometimes feels that way.”

It’s clear that Tony Vitello’s start as the Giants’ manager hasn’t gone according to plan. As the first player to leap directly from college coaching to the major leagues, it seems the journey has become more challenging than expected.

The Giants’ rough beginning saw them stuck at the bottom of the standings after the first 60 games, leaving little room to savor the experience as they strived to turn things around.

During a visit to Wrigley Field, a significant venue in Vitello’s career, the new manager was hard at work, trying to change their fortunes. “Today, we need a focused approach just to snag a win,” he remarked, noting his childhood fandom of the Cubs. “I know what folks think, but I believe it’s vital for family.”

For Greg Vitello and about a dozen family members seated behind home plate, the experience was beyond merely exciting.

“It’s mind-blowing,” the proud father said. “Definitely.”

Where It All Began

Watching Tony now, leading a major league team from the dugout, brought back a rush of memories when a young Tony first stepped into the Wrigley Field dugout at just eight years old.

Back then, he played second base and idolized Ryne Sandberg, although his true favorite was Andre Dawson. Greg, being friends with Cubs pitcher Al Nipper, managed to arrange a meeting for Tony on the field.

Guess who else was in the dugout? Tony’s idol, the Hall of Famer himself.

Greg recalled a moment of silence when Tony met Dawson. “He got to sit with Andre for a few seconds, and he even signed a ball for him,” said Greg. “We were somewhere behind third base, and Tony just kept staring at that ball the whole game. It was a silent yet unforgettable moment.”

Sharing Memories

Greg grew up only about four miles from Wrigley and had many fond childhood memories, like hanging out on Waveland Street, waiting for home run balls during batting practice. Those kids were allowed to trade their baseballs for tickets to that day’s game.

“There were times you’d see an usher, and suddenly four guys would rush up behind,” he chuckled, recalling those days.

In fact, he once got a tryout with the Cubs, and while he didn’t make it, he jokes about his prospects being no better than his son’s, who also didn’t reach the professional level.

“I think it was just a goodwill gesture,” he said with a smile. “I wasn’t exactly 6-2, 190 pounds, so I wasn’t on anyone’s radar.”

Now, Tony is into running and ensures he gets to the stadium early. As he jogs the warning track, he recalls past moments spent with his father and sisters throughout the stadium.

Despite growing up in St. Louis, Tony mentioned, “I came here more often than Busch Stadium.” Weekend visits to his grandmother’s house often turned into spirited family outings to catch the Cubs.

“He was all over the place,” Tony said with a laugh. Earlier that day, a home run hit by Willy Adams would have been a ticket to one of those games, given the Cubs’ 18-3 win.

I Hate Losing

With not many victories this season, it’s become harder for Tony—and his family—to relish the experience fully.

“Sometimes I think, if only we’d done this or that, or if that player had performed better. But that’s part of managing,” Greg noted. “He came in knowing this wouldn’t be easy.”

As a Hall of Fame high school coach in Missouri, Greg understands his son’s frustrations well. They’re both not fans of losing.

“He hasn’t visited many ballparks,” Greg noted. “He’s in awe, but there’s still a job to do. Wins are essential.”

After a victory, the Vitello family celebrated at Peaka’s, known for its deep-dish pizza— a local favorite.

The next day, Tony was reminded of his status as a rookie manager. Along with a few lattes, he joined the team’s rookies for a coffee run to the local Starbucks—a nod to Wrigleyville’s traditions.

“I felt a bit more settled in than normal,” Vitello admitted. “Thankfully, there’s a Starbucks handy.”