Jnunn
Cautiously Pessimistic
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2013
- Messages
- 571
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I'll be honest, I wasn't a baseball fan for years. I grew up only caring about Football and Basketball. I only came to baseball when my son started playing tee ball, around the time we hired Coach Vitello. Watching my son learn the game, and learning it with him, I now realize I've missed out on a beautiful game for years. Baseball has a real power to bring people together. Anyone can play. Anyone can coach, at least at the youth level, with a willingness to learn and a good work ethic. Baseball ultimately brings us together in a totally different way than any other sport, and I only now see that after sharing it with my son. Having that time coincide with the greatest run in baseball in Tennessee history has only made it that much sweeter.
We've been so lucky to have Coach Vitello. He has represented Tennessee with nothing but passion, energy and love since he stepped foot on campus. He brings that energy with him everywhere he goes. My son played all-star ball in the Dizzy Dean organization in Chattanooga in 2024. At the end of the year, Dizzy Dean had a small banquet at a local church. Who came to speak? Tony Vitello. Here's a guy who was fresh off a national championship coming down to Chattanooga to speak to a bunch of 6-12 year old kids and their parents. And everything he said was humble, honest, and full of emotion. Just the same as he has been over his time with us on and off the field. There is no BS with this guy.
I believe every word he has said about agonizing over this decision. I believe every word in his statement about his love for the University and the people of Tennessee. No matter where Coach Vitello's career takes him, I hope our fans can realize how lucky we have been to have such a special leader at our University.
We've been so lucky to have Coach Vitello. He has represented Tennessee with nothing but passion, energy and love since he stepped foot on campus. He brings that energy with him everywhere he goes. My son played all-star ball in the Dizzy Dean organization in Chattanooga in 2024. At the end of the year, Dizzy Dean had a small banquet at a local church. Who came to speak? Tony Vitello. Here's a guy who was fresh off a national championship coming down to Chattanooga to speak to a bunch of 6-12 year old kids and their parents. And everything he said was humble, honest, and full of emotion. Just the same as he has been over his time with us on and off the field. There is no BS with this guy.
I believe every word he has said about agonizing over this decision. I believe every word in his statement about his love for the University and the people of Tennessee. No matter where Coach Vitello's career takes him, I hope our fans can realize how lucky we have been to have such a special leader at our University.
