Torey Lovullo Found Comfort from Odd Sources in the Offseason

Before yesterday, the last time we heard from Torey Lovullo was after the Diamondbacks dropped Game 5 of the World Series. A magical playoff run that exceeded almost everyone's expectations came to a bitter end. Asked then about how he was going to process the series, he gave out a refreshingly honest answer.

"I want to run away and hide for a few days. I want to go camping and just sit in the tent and suck my thumb (laughter) and eat ice cream. Is that the weirdest answer you guys have ever had? And just let it run its course the way it's supposed to."

While the D-backs manager did not suck his thumb or go camping during the offseason, he ate a ton ice cream. He spent much of the time alone, dissecting what went well and what didn't during the 2023 season. Fans showed their support by sending him ice cream. He's not sure how the fans figured out his address or his favorite flavor, chocolate peanut butter, but it kept showing up at his door. Lovullo admitted he put on 10 pounds, calling it his "winter coat", that he'll need to work off this spring.

Another source of comfort came from watching the Super Bowl on Sunday. At the end of the game, Lovullo watched San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan walk off the field after his team lost in overtime. Being in that situation just months ago, it hit differently for the D-backs manager than it otherwise would have.

"I felt his pain, I felt what he was feeling. I've lived that. I know the heartache that he had. By watching him, it told me a story. At the end of it, when I walked out of the room I'm like 'That was a pretty cool year, he was a Super Bowl runner up. He got there, that's awesome, he should be really proud of himself'. I told myself the same way, and maybe that was the last thing that I needed before coming here so I can turn the page and be ready for today."

Read more about Lovullo's thoughts about starting the new season by clicking on the card down below!

Lovullo Thrilled to Be Back, Play With Clean Slate in 2024