Bruce Bochy Returns with High Praise for Buster Posey’s Brave Choice
Bruce Bochy has made his return to the Bay Area, stepping into a new role as a special advisor to the San Francisco Giants’ baseball operations. This move brings him back into the fold with a familiar face: Buster Posey, who has transitioned from star catcher to president of baseball operations. Although Bochy is not expected to engage in the daily grind of managing, his presence will undoubtedly be felt, especially as he interacts with the new Giants manager, Tony Vitello. Vitello marks the third individual to take on the managerial position since Bochy’s departure from the organization in 2019.
Bochy’s Take on Posey’s Bold Hiring
In a recent appearance on KNBR’s Murph and Markus Morning Show, Bochy shared his thoughts on Posey’s groundbreaking decision to hire Vitello as the new manager. Vitello, who led the University of Tennessee baseball program to remarkable heights, is making a notable leap into Major League Baseball without prior experience as a player, coach, or manager at that level.
“I love it. A lot of guys, especially starting out, wouldn’t be a risk taker like Buster is,” Bochy remarked, highlighting the courage in Posey’s choice. “But that’s how you win championships. It says a lot about who he is, and that’s part of the reason we won three championships with him catching.”
Vitello’s Unconventional Path
Tony Vitello’s ascent to the major leagues is nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past eight seasons at Tennessee, he transformed the Vols into a powerhouse in college baseball, culminating in a stunning 60-win season and a Men’s College World Series championship in 2024. This success is complemented by two journeys to the MCWS in 2021 and 2023, along with securing two SEC regular-season and tournament titles.
While Vitello’s unorthodox route to managing in the MLB might raise eyebrows, it aligns with Posey’s willingness to think outside the box. At the same time, Vitello has a considerable distance to cover to match the accomplishments of Bochy or even former Giants manager Dusty Baker, who currently serves as a special advisor to the organization following his retirement in 2023.
Bochy’s Legacy in the Game
Bruce Bochy, a former catcher himself, may not have been a regular starter in the majors, but his impact on the game is undeniable. Renowned as one of the best managers of the last 25 years, he steered the Giants to three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014. His managerial prowess extended to leading the Texas Rangers to the World Series title in 2023. With a career record of 2,252 wins against 2,266 losses, Bochy ranks sixth in all-time victories in baseball history, having surpassed legends like Baker and Sparky Anderson.
As Bochy re-establishes his connection with the Giants, the baseball world watches with anticipation to see how Posey’s bold gamble with Vitello will unfold. The fusion of Bochy’s seasoned wisdom and Posey’s innovative spirit may just set the stage for a new chapter in Giants history.
