Torey Lovullo Reacts to Getting Contract Extension Through 2024

Lovullo discussed his formative years, the dark days of 2021, and his evolution as a manager

A grateful Torey Lovullo addressed the media today after the news of his one year contract extension through the end 2024, which was reported late last night by Michael McDermott

After Lovullo ticked off all the names to thank, including owners Ken Kendrick and Derrick Hall, and General Manager Mike Hazen, for putting their faith in him, he jumped into immediately acknowledging the difficulty of getting through the 2021 season. 

"My job every day is a simple one. It's to be here for the players, continue growing and learning, and give the absolute best effort that I possibly can........we've had some very lean years here, but we're trending in the right direction, and coming out the other end."

The D-backs have a 35-24 record and are tied for first place in the NL West, less than two years removed from the dark days of 2021 when the team went 52-110. The dark days of that season stick with Lovullo on a daily basis. He also credited his wife and family for encouraging him and helping him through those times. 

"I have never stopped thinking about the 21 season even as we are coming out the other end. It is extremely motivating for me. I think about standing on top of the mountain with this group and what that will feel like a lot. I will remember what 2021 felt like, it's burned into my mind,  and it will make it even sweeter." 

"It was dark, it was real dark. I never imagined sitting here saying that I was going to be guaranteed another couple of years two years ago. I didn't know where I was. I was lost, emotionally, but I couldn't show that because I had a team to be in charge of."

A sustaining factor for Lovullo through those tough times was the knowledge that better days were ahead for the team with a slew of young talent on the way. 

"I knew at the end of each day there were some really good players in the system that were still developing and I just wanted an opportunity to manage them. That's what I kept telling myself. If it works out this could be Ok, but I've got to get through 2021."

Now that he's been extended for another one year contract, Lovullo emphasized that he's not worried about the lack of a multi year deal. In fact, he believed he needs to earn it every year. 

"I want to honor my contract, I don't want to be greedy. Of course..I want to stay here for the rest of my life. I love Arizona. My family and my wife, we love Arizona. I want to be here every day for the rest of my career and honor whatever contract is thrown at me. It would be great to get a life time contract, but that just doesn't happen in sports..........I'm more grateful [to the organization for sticking with him]  than any new contract I'm getting. They stuck with me, and I owe this organization massive best effort. Of course I want as long a term deal as possible, but I'm grateful for this extension. "

It should also be noted that Mike Hazen indicated that the length of the deal was to bring him in sync with his own contract which expires at the end of 2024 as well. 

To a man, every player in the clubhouse raves about Lovullo's ability to communicate and stay positive and keep them moving in the right direction. He learned much of that ability to communicate sitting around the dinner table in his Italian family. Asked what his parents would say if asked if this came to him naturally or developed over time, he gave an introspective response.

 It was hard to participate in a loud vocal Italian household. But you had to be sharp and pay attention. I think I probably learned my communication skills from my Dad and my listening skills from my Mom, so I had the best of both worlds as I was sitting at that dinner table.  They would probably say mostly that I was an inquisitive kid. I had an affection for curious George and they'd say I was more like curious George than anything. 

That curiosity coupled with his ability to show compassion and care for his players is Lovullo's defining feature as a manager. One of Lovullo's most important mentors was Terry "Tito" Francona who managed Lovullo when he was a utility player in Cleveland.

"He was probably 15-20 years ahead of everybody else because of his ability to communicate and listen. He just cared about the player on a deeper level. I felt like he legitimately loved me. I was the 24th-25th guy on the roster and basically stunk , and for whatever reason he made me feel like I could hang my hat on the moon."

An important part of Lovullo's evolution as a manager however was learning how to push players a little harder and have the tough conversations when needed. 

"That's probably been the biggest area of my growth. When I first got here I was more about just allowing guys to perform and go out there and do what they did best, putting them in a comfortable situation. And supporting them. But I've learned over the last couple of years how important it is to hold the staff and players accountable to get better every single day. There were some push moments where I've had to learn how to be comfortable having uncomfortable conversations. I'm not good at outward confrontation. It's something I don't necessarily believe in. But every once in a while I can lose it. That's ok. I've learned that pushing the guy's and holding them accountable to getting better is my main objective." 

The Diamondbacks have an opportunity to get to the playoffs this year. Closing the deal on that, and creating sustained success well into 2024 will determine if both Hazen and Lovullo get to carry on beyond 2024. They're headed in the right direction, but will be the first to tell you there is a long way to go. 

Listen to Lovullo down below