Tony Vitello, the new manager of the San Francisco Giants, officially stepped into his role in October of last year. However, it was not until a recent trip to Seoul that he had the opportunity to meet his Korean outfielder, Lee Jung-hoo, in his hometown.
During their time together, Vitello and Lee explored a traditional market, prepared Korean cuisine, and engaged in classic Korean games. Reflecting on the experience, Vitello expressed his satisfaction with the beginning of their relationship. “It”s been a lot of fun. Everyone here is very welcoming to us. Obviously, we”ve got a good host that”s a teammate of ours,” he stated during a press conference after a series of cultural activities.
Vitello elaborated on the importance of building bonds within the team, noting, “To me, it”s part of why you work out, you make sacrifices, you compete, you take tough losses, you do all these things as an athlete. And part of the reason is you want to be a part of a group that you love, a family away from your family. The only way for it to be like that is if you spend time around one another.” He emphasized that while this was just the beginning, it has laid a positive foundation for their future collaboration.
Joining Vitello on this trip were Giants shortstop Willy Adames, club CEO Larry Baer, baseball operations chief Buster Posey, and general manager Zack Minasian. The team has additional events planned, including a clinic for local high school students and a joint press conference to conclude their visit.
Adames shared his motivation for visiting Korea, expressing a desire to immerse himself in the culture and witness Lee in his familiar environment. “I know it”s different in the States for Lee because it”s a different country, different culture. I wanted to come here to see him where he grew up and see him along his people,” Adames remarked. He was visibly moved by the affection the local community has for Lee, noting how he remains the same person regardless of his location.
Having joined the Giants prior to the 2025 season, Adames only had one season with Lee, who began his MLB career in 2024 after a successful tenure in Korea. Adames quickly developed admiration for Lee, stating, “That I am here tells you how much I care about him and how I see him as a person. I left my country, my people, my time to come to see him in his element, to get to know him a little bit. He”s an amazing person, an amazing human being.”
Lee, on his part, expressed delight in hosting his new manager and teammate. “The team brought up ideas for this trip around July and August, but back then, I didn”t think it would really come to fruition,” he mentioned. “I am really happy to be here with them. It”s great that fans get to see a different side of us here.”
Additionally, Lee valued the opportunity to connect with Vitello in his own country, commenting, “He exudes so much positive energy. I”ve been having a great time with him. I am looking forward to talking to him even more throughout his stay here, and hopefully, we will have fun spring training in Arizona.”
As a coach who transitioned from college baseball to the major leagues without prior professional experience, Vitello is eager for his inaugural spring training with the Giants. “If there is any pressure at all, it”s to prepare for spring training and make spring training as good, if not better, than last year”s,” he said. “When the season starts, we”ll take care of the things that come along. For me, it”s more about a standard of doing a good job that is a part of my family. And so I just want to make sure I do a good job, but also I”m very big into being a good teammate.”
