Tony Vitello delivers tear-jerker message on being a VFL after leaving Tennessee

For Tennessee baseball fans, saying goodbye to Tony Vitello is a lot easier said than done. On the flip side of things, you know this is incredibly tough for Vitello too. He has meant so much to the university and he is no question a Vols legend after winning the 2024 College Baseball World Series title.

That's why the decision to leave Knoxville was so difficult for him. While on paper it may have seemed like a no-brainer to make the jump to the bigs to take over as manager for the Giants, it was a call that Vitello struggled with.

Tennessee baseball has obvious move to make with Tony Vitello joining the Giants

While speaking to the media on Friday morning, he called it a 'selfish' decision, but one he had to make. He also had a special message for Tennessee as a whole and to say it was emotional doesn't appropriately describe things:

Tony Vitello was overcome with emotion saying goodbye to Tennessee baseball

"I feel like I made a selfish decision that was one I needed to make," Vitello said via GoVols247. "It's the right decision and I just hope it doesn't give me  status around here, because I feel like I'm a VFL. I think if someone truly invests in being a VFL for any amount of time, they're just that — a Vol For Life. That's what I am in my mind."

Anyone else get a little sad seeing those words from Tony V? It was only a small part of his statement, which you can read in full via Ben McKee at this link. Again, this was not an easy decision for Vitello, who was a rockstar and beloved all over town.

He had an ideal situation with the Vols and with the way he's been able to recruit, all signs are pointing to Tennessee having a huge year in 2026. Could Tennessee push for another natty? That's the hope, but the Vols are going to have to get things done without the man who has meant so much to the program.

Vitello called this move a selfish one, but can anyone blame him for it? He has probably dreamed of coaching in the majors for years and San Francisco put an offer on the table he couldn't refuse. Vitello knows he let some people down, but no one is going to forget about what he was able to get done while donning a Tennessee jersey. His accomplishments and impact on the community have no question cemented his status as a Vol for Life.