The often play-it-safe San Francisco Giants took a big roll of the dice on Wednesday, dipping into the college ranks to hire a new manager.

In fact, the Giants went where no big-league team had gone before. They hired Tennessee’s Tony Vitello, who has never coached in professional baseball.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tony to the Giants family,” said Buster Posey, San Francisco’s president of baseball operations. “Tony is one of the brightest, most innovative, and most respected coaches in college baseball today.

“Throughout our research, Tony’s leadership, competitiveness, and commitment to developing players stood out. … We look forward to the energy and direction he will bring, along with the memories to be made, as we focus on the future of Giants baseball.”

Vitello, 47, compiled a

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