After the 2025 season came to a close for the San Francisco Giants, the front office decided to part ways with manager Bob Melvin. He had one more season left on his contract, but after two mediocre seasons, it was time to move on.
After interviewing a few names, the team decided on Tony Vitello to become their newest skipper. He has tons of experience at the college level, recently helping the University of Tennessee win the College World Series in 2024.
Vitello became the first MLB manager with zero professional experience. While some were happy to see this move being made, there came some drawbacks, specifically based on his low level of experience.
Former Cubs manager calls Giants' hiring of Tony Vitello 'insulting'
One person who made his opinion clear on the matter was former Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon. He recently went on the KNBR Podcast to share his opinion on the matter.
"Well, quite frankly, I'm using the word insulting only from the perspective that it appears as though you don't have to have any kind of experience on a professional level to do this job anymore. Because when I was coming up, you had to have all that. You had to go through the minor leagues, you had to ride your buses."
Maddon is perplexed at the thought of someone with no experience going straight up to the majors. He, like many other managers in the past, had to earn their dues in the minor leagues before even being considered for a job in the big leagues.
However, when speaking about earning his dues and "riding the buses," Vitello has. He has become one of the best coaches at the college ranks and has spent plenty of time sitting on buses, preparing to put his team in the best spot to win a baseball game.
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