Stephen Vogt head coach of the Cleveland Guardians, recently declared that he would shortly be retiring due to
Oakland: Stephen Vogt was retired with the most perfect arrangement. It was made possible for him to ride off into the sunset by winning the World Series with the Braves at the end of the 2021 season. Vogt, however, understood in his heart that there could only be one real, ideal conclusion, and he found it.
Despite spending ten seasons in the major leagues, Vogt played for six different clubs, but the A’s are the team he most closely identifies with. He received offers from other clubs, but he decided to sign back with Oakland this spring for that reason. Ahead of the Mariners game on Thursday, the 37-year-old catcher declared his intention to retire at the conclusion of the season.
Regarding his choice to declare his retirement, Vogt remarked, “It was something I wanted to do while we were in Oakland.” “I decided that this would be the last one in late July. In order to give myself time to reflect and appreciate the final few weeks of the year, I wanted to share it with Oakland residents. It seemed appropriate to carry it out in Oakland. This seemed like the perfect moment, for some reason.
Vogt, who embodies the spirit of endurance, started his Major League career 0-for-32. He played with the Rays for the first 25 at-bats before being designated for assignment and then dealt to the A’s for financial considerations. Vogt eventually got his first hit on June 28, 2013, when he went solo off Joe Kelly in a Coliseum game against the Cardinals.
Vogt, then a 28-year-old rookie, struggled to establish himself in the big leagues during the 2013 season. However, during the following several seasons, he established himself as a standout player with the A’s, becoming an All-Star twice and helping the team to the playoffs twice in a row from 2013 to 2014. Vogt’s 2013 postseason run will always be remembered in particular since he caught every game in the American League Division Series against the Tigers and ignited the Coliseum crowd with a game-winning walk-off single in Game 2.Vogt stated, “I tell these young men [on the squad] to go back and watch some of those highlights.” “When this space is filled, you see what it is like. It’s a cathedral. It still means the world to me that I was able to see those five playoff games for this company that night in 2013. That night was extremely Oakland A’s, with Sonny Gray defeating Justin Verlander and hitting the game-winning hit. I’m honored to have been a part of it.
Vogt is at bat right now.168 with 22 RBIs and six home runs this season. His biggest impact, though, has been inside the A’s clubhouse, where he leads a young team that is rebuilding and mentors two excellent catchers, Oakland’s top prospect Shea Langeliers and Gold Glover Sean Murphy.
The manager of the A’s, Mark Kotsay, stated of the player’s leadership during the season, “I couldn’t be more thankful for how he’s carried this group and helped lead this culture that’s in the clubhouse.” These younger athletes will be affected by that alone for years to come. He declared his intentions and assumed the role of the room’s leader.
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Numerous coaches and players see Vogt as a future manager because of his leadership abilities. When asked on Thursday what his plans were going forward, Vogt was very clear.
“To manage is my ultimate objective,” Vogt declared. “I’d like to be a major league manager.” I have had seven incredible managers during my playing career: Torey Lovullo, Brian Snitker, Craig Counsell, Joe Maddon, Bob Melvin, Bruce Bochy, and now Mark Kotsay. Every single one of them has taught me so much. For what they taught me, I am grateful. I now know a great deal more. I’ve had the opportunity to watch them in action. I’d be delighted to do it. How am I going to get there? I’m not sure. However, I really want to continue playing.
Vogt still has a few weeks to play, naturally, with six more games at the Coliseum. The beloved veteran backstop anticipates experiencing intense emotions during his last home games. He intends to bask in the admiration of the Oakland faithful, especially when the cries “I believe in Stephen Vogt” begin to erupt before each of his at-bats.
It’s difficult to find better support for this club than what the Oakland A’s supporters provide, according to Vogt. “I take seriously the way they’ve chanted, ‘I believe in Stephen Vogt.'” For me, it holds great significance, as I have always been the underdog. Overachievers like me have been. When you watch me play, you think to yourself, “Dude, that guy could be playing softball in a beer league somewhere.” I am going to spend these final home games soaking up [the chorus]. I sincerely appreciate the fans’ support and encouragement.
