What They're Saying: Tony Vitello

J.P. Arencibia

Tennessee baseball All-American, first-round draft pick and former MLB catcher

J.P. Arencibia, Tennessee baseball All-American, first-round draft pick and former MLB catcher

"I hear great things about Tony from people I trust. I've also heard he's a superstar with an energy, hunger, and work ethic second to none. I am positive Tennessee baseball will be a force again."

Andrew Benintendi

Former player and current Boston Red Sox outfielder

Andrew Benintendi, Former player and current Boston Red Sox outfielder

"Coach Vitello is one of the hardest working coaches I have ever been around. He doesn't care what he needs to do to help you become a better player. He would come to practice early for guys who wanted to hit and he'd stay after to do the same thing. He is extremely unselfish and is all about the team and winning. He wants to know you as a person and not just a player and cares about how you are doing regardless of the kind of player you are. I'm positive Tennessee is going to enjoy having him there."

Jheremy Brown

Perfect Game

Jheremy Brown, Perfect Game

"Vitello is a tireless recruiter who not only can land the blue-chip prospects, but also uncover those diamonds in the rough, polish them up, and turn them into the highest level performers on college baseball's biggest scale."

Teddy Cahill

Baseball America

Teddy Cahill, Baseball America

"Tony's work throughout his career has prepared him well to be the head coach at Tennessee. He's worked with some of the best coaches in the country in Tim Jamieson, Jim Schlossnagle and Dave Van Horn, and coached many exceptional players over the years. He has a strong eye for talent and his hard work on the recruiting trail has paid off on the diamond."

Kyle Gibson

Former Mizzou player and current Minnesota Twins pitcher

Kyle Gibson, former Mizzou player and current Minnesota Twins pitcher

"Coach V was one of the big reasons I went to Mizzou. He and the coaches created an atmosphere that made sure we paid attention to all of the small details every day. An attitude of competing to the best of your ability is something I expect to be a staple of a program run by Vito. He helped me in so many ways over my three years at Mizzou, and he will do the same for the guys at Tennessee. Thanks a lot Vito! Congrats and good luck!"

Tim Jamieson

Former Mizzou head coach

Tim Jamieson, former Mizzou head coach

"Tony Vitello has the skill set and drive to make the Tennessee baseball program a consistent winner. I'm proud of what Tony has accomplished during his coaching career and the true benefactors of this hire are the current and future Tennessee baseball players. He will recruit the right people and help them develop in to the best they are capable of being. You can expect high-energy baseball that will make you proud."

Kendall Rogers

D1Baseball.com

Kendall Rogers, D1Baseball.com

"Tony has learned under some outstanding coaches in Tim Jamieson, Jim Schlossnagle and Dave Van Horn, so he has strong pedigree. Additionally, he's earned a strong reputation as an excellent recruiter, which I believe will help him succeed at Tennessee. Tony is an energetic, hard-working guy, who goes the extra mile."

Max Scherzer

Former Mizzou player and current Washington National pitcher (four-time MLB All-Star, two-time Cy Young Award winner)

Max Scherzer, former Mizzou player and current Washington National pitcher (four-time MLB All-Star, two-time Cy Young Award winner)

"I'm really happy for him to get this opportunity in the SEC. He's one of my favorite coaches I've ever had, and his attitude is contagious. He has done amazing things at every place he has been, and Tennessee should be thrilled to have him on board. It's fair to expect the best out of him, because he will get the best out of his players."

Nick Tepesch

Former Mizzou player and current Minnesota Twins pitcher

Nick Tepesch, former Mizzou player and current Minnesota Twins pitcher

"Coach Vitello is one of hardest working people I've ever been around. He knows how to get the best out you. He makes everyone around him better. I am very happy for him and the the opportunity he has to lead."

Dave Van Horn

Arkansas Baseball Head Coach

Dave Van Horn, Arkansas Baseball Head Coach

"Tony has done an incredible job during his time here at Arkansas as a recruiter and a coach. He has poured his heart and soul into our program. He's elevated our recruiting. I knew when I hired him that I would probably only have him for three or four years. I couldn't be more happy or pleased with Tony and his future going forward."