Tony Vitello Believes Tennessee Could Be a New Frontier for Giants Fandom
The San Francisco Giants may be the only Major League Baseball team in the Bay Area, but new manager Tony Vitello sees potential for the team’s fanbase to stretch a little farther east-specifically, into Tennessee.
Vitello, who recently joined the Giants after a successful run coaching college ball in Tennessee, spoke on KNBR about the transition to the big leagues and what it might mean for the team’s reach. One of the more intriguing takeaways? He thinks the Giants could pick up a wave of new fans from his old stomping grounds.
“Tennessee is kind of migrating that way,” Vitello said. “There’s kind of a pocket there where there’s Braves fans, Cubs fans, but there’s really no home team kind of in that area. So there’ll be a lot of new fans on board, I think.”
It’s an interesting thought-and not without merit. Tennessee is a bit of a baseball no-man’s land in terms of MLB allegiance.
The Atlanta Braves have traditionally held sway in the region, and there are scattered loyalties to the Cubs and Cardinals, but there’s no franchise that truly calls the Volunteer State home. That kind of vacuum creates an opportunity, especially when a beloved local figure like Vitello makes the jump to the majors.
Of course, not everyone in Tennessee was thrilled to see Vitello go. When news broke that the Giants were zeroing in on him, the reaction from some corners of social media was swift and emotional.
Critics didn’t hold back, taking shots at the Giants’ roster and even the city of San Francisco itself in hopes of persuading him to stay. That kind of response speaks to how deeply Vitello was embedded in the local sports culture-and how much his departure stung for some fans.
Still, it’s important to note that those more vocal detractors don’t speak for the entire Tennessee fanbase. While some may still be holding out hope that Vitello’s MLB venture is short-lived and that he’ll return to Knoxville, others could very well follow him west-especially if the Giants start winning.
That’s the key here. If Vitello can help turn things around in San Francisco and get the team back into playoff contention, there’s every reason to believe that a segment of Vols fans will jump on board.
It wouldn’t be unprecedented. Giants fans rallied behind Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers when Bochy led them to a World Series title in 2023.
Loyalty often follows the people, not just the laundry.
Right now, Vitello is focused on the fundamentals-literally. He’s out in Scottsdale for spring training, taking ground balls, bringing energy, and trying to establish a new tone in the clubhouse. His reputation for charisma and infectious enthusiasm preceded him, and early signs suggest he’s bringing that same spark to the Giants.
Sure, the Dodgers might have an international following thanks to Shohei Ohtani and their deep ties to Japan. But if the Giants can rally an entire state like Tennessee behind them? That’s a win in its own right.
Time will tell if Vitello’s prediction comes true. For now, he’s laying the groundwork-on the field and off-for what he hopes will be a new era of Giants baseball. And maybe, just maybe, a new wave of orange and black in the heart of SEC country.