PHOENIX – With Spring Training underway, the Arizona Diamondbacks are preparing for its ninth season with manager Torey Lovullo in the captain seat. Lovullo, during spring training, likes to bring in guest speakers to speak with the team before the start of the season to motivate his group for a grueling 162-game season. This year’s choice as the guest speaker was Arizona State head football coach Kenny Dillingham, who left Lovullo and the Dbacks amazed.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham visited the Diamondbacks on Monday and left an impression on Arizona manager Torey Lovullo and the team.
"To finally get him in the building, I see what makes him special," Lovullo said. "There's a ton of energy, there's a ton of passion, there's… pic.twitter.com/h6n8KPZnlP
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 24, 2025
Dillingham’s message severely impacted Lovullo, calling his visit one of the best since he started the tradition. While the two Arizona coaches exchanged texts, today was the first time the duo had met in person. While understanding from afar how outstanding Dillingham was as a coach, up close, Luvollo truly understood how infectious his energy was in person.
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham calls out to his players against Wyoming during a game at Sun Devil Stadium. Syndication: Austin American-Statesman
Lovullo wanted to keep Dillingham’s words close to his chest but saw outlines of the ASU’s coach teachings with this current Dbacks team. The 34-year-old brought a whole new perspective to the veteran manager and understands how valuable it is to keep the leadership of Arizona sports programs close-knit.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo signs autographs during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Feb. 20, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Last year, the Diamondbacks barely missed the playoffs but have retooled and are motivated to right those wrongs. Having a coach like Dillingham, who battled harsh expectations and smashed them by getting ASU its first College Football Playoff appearance, will help set the tone early for what Lovullo and his squad need to do to win.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
