Torey Lovullo's journey in professional baseball began when he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fifth round of the 1987 MLB Draft. As an infielder, Lovullo made his Major League debut with the Tigers on September 10, 1988. Over the course of his playing career, he spent time with several teams, including the New York Yankees, California Angels, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, and Montreal Expos. His playing career spanned parts of eight seasons in the majors, during which he played primarily as a second baseman and third baseman.
Lovullo's playing career was characterized by his role as a utility infielder, often serving as a backup and filling in various infield positions as needed. His versatility allowed him to adapt to different team needs, although he never secured a long-term starting position. Throughout his time in the majors, Lovullo compiled a batting average of .224, with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs.
After retiring as a player, Lovullo transitioned into coaching and management, where he found a new avenue to contribute to the sport. He began his coaching career in the Cleveland Indians organization, managing their minor league affiliates. His managerial skills were honed during this period, and he eventually became a bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011.
Lovullo's coaching career took a significant step forward when he joined the Boston Red Sox as a bench coach in 2013. Working under manager John Farrell, Lovullo was part of the coaching staff that led the Red Sox to a World Series championship in 2013. His time with the Red Sox further established his reputation as a knowledgeable and effective coach.
In 2016, Lovullo was appointed as the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his first season at the helm, he guided the team to a 93-69 record and a playoff berth, earning him the National League Manager of the Year award. Under his leadership, the Diamondbacks continued to compete in the challenging National League West division.
Lovullo's managerial style is often described as player-friendly, with an emphasis on communication and building strong relationships with his players. His approach has been credited with fostering a positive team environment and helping players perform to their potential.
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