CLEVELAND — The Guardians have found their man, announcing Stephen Vogt as the 45th manager in club history on Monday.
Vogt's name had long been rumored as a possible option for Cleveland, and while the 39-year-old has never before managed at any level, he brings with him a wealth of experience in baseball. However, he also faces the task of helping the organization recover from its worst season (76-86) in more than a decade, along with the added pressure of replacing a legendary skipper in Terry Francona.
So, just who is Stephen Vogt? Here are three things to know about the new leader in the Progressive Field dugout.
1. EXCELLENT PLAYING CAREER
Though an unheralded prospect out of Azusa Pacific University in California, Vogt worked his way through the minors before breaking in with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 at age 27. It was the start of a 10-year big league career as a catcher, with his most notable tenure coming with the Oakland Athletics just a few hours from where he grew up.
A's fans quickly took to their new cult hero, spurring the chant "I believe in Stephen Vogt!" that has followed him ever since. The belief paid off when Vogt earned back-to-back American League All-Star nods in 2015 and '16, averaging 16 homers and a .745 OPS in those two seasons while throwing out just under 30% of would-be base-stealers from behind the plate.
Vogt then bounced around with four additional teams (even earning a World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves in 2021) before returning to Oakland in 2022. In the final at-bat of his career, and with his children announcing his name from the public address system, he homered into the right field stands at Oakland Coliseum.
During his time with the A's, Vogt was also a beloved teammate and member of the community, earning awards for his charity efforts and "inspirational" presence. One other interesting note: He wore the No. 21 for the majority of his career, something he will not be able to do in Cleveland as it is retired in honor of Hall of Famer Bob Lemon.
2. PRAISE FROM HIS PEERS
Immediately after his playing days ended, Vogt took a job with the Seattle Mariners as bullpen and quality control coach under manager Scott Servais. Now with the Guards, he becomes not only the second-youngest manager in the game today, but also replaces a man in Francona who skippered and won more games than anyone else in franchise history. To the naked eye, the shift is quite jarring.
So how did someone as young and as inexperienced as Vogt (at least on paper) get the job? Well, look no further than what those around the majors say about him.
"He's a baseball guy," future Hall of Famer Bruce Bochy, who just led the Texas Rangers to a World Series title, told The Mercury News when he was managing Vogt in San Francisco. "I could see him managing. I love watching him play. ... He's a guy who has really persevered and made himself into a nice player and had a nice career."
Bob Melvin, Vogt's boss with the Athletics who himself just took the Giants' opening, agreed.
"Vogter is one of the most inspiring players I've ever managed," Melvin said after Vogt's retirement. "What he means to a clubhouse is immeasurable — two-time All-Star, beloved in Oakland. One of my all-time favorites. Definitely has a future in managing."
For his part, Vogt has always expressed an interest in managing, often working to learn from the greats when he was around them. Like Bochy, Melvin, and others, him being a former catcher likely only helped his résumé, as the position is demanding not only from a physical but also a mental standpoint.
"I've learned so much from all of them," Vogt said last year of the seven managers he played for, three of whom have won world championships. "I appreciate them for what they taught me. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve been able to observe them and watch them work."
Prior to being hired in Cleveland, Vogt also interviewed for the San Francisco job before it eventually went to Melvin.
3. WICKED SENSE OF HUMOR
While he hasn't been around as long as Tito, Vogt can certainly match his predecessor's laid back attitude, and it's part of what made him such a fan favorite in the first place. Specifically, his impressions have gained attention throughout the sport, especially his 2015 interview as Chris Farley's Matt Foley character from "Saturday Night Live."
He also appointed himself (we can only assume?) as the Oakland Athletics' own personal NBA referee, prompting fans to later show up to the Coliseum wearing their own zebra stripes and the team to even unveil a special bobblehead.
And what about his nickname, "Everything Bagel"? It came from an A's commercial where he bestowed the moniker on himself "because I'm so versatile." Later, a woman showed up at the stadium asking Vogt to autograph her bagel.
Want more? Vogt can also sing and played the trumpet in his youth. He credits his love for the arts to his parents, whom he says wanted him to be "well-rounded."
"I think some people are born with presence. Some are born to be comfortable in front of people," Vogt told ESPN in 2017. "For me, it was all about commanding the room."
Long story short, Vogt loves to have fun. That type of personality should help him fit right in in Cleveland.