CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians announced Monday the team hired Stephen Vogt, a former American League All-Star catcher, as its 45th manager.
Vogt's career as a player spanned 16 years, playing for multiple teams: the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves. He had his last MLB appearances with the Athletics last year.
This will be his first time in a managerial position.
"We're thrilled to welcome Stephen and his family to Northeast Ohio and to name him the next manager of the Cleveland Guardians," said Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations. "Stephen earned a reputation as one of the best teammates in the game across his 16-year career as a player, and we've greatly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know him over the last several weeks."
He will be formally introduced as the Guardians' new manager on Friday, Nov. 10 at a press conference in Progressive Field's Discount Drug Mart Club.
The Guardians are beginning a new era following 11 successful seasons with Terry Francona, the winningest manager in the club's 123-year history. Francona, who took Cleveland to the playoffs six times, recently stepped down but plans to stay with the organization in some capacity.
Vogt had an initial meeting in mid-October with the Guardians, who were so impressed that they immediately scheduled a second, in-person visit at Progressive Field.
One of the things that stood out about Vogt to Cleveland's front office was his deep baseball background. He's lived the game's highs and lows — making his big-league debut at 27, overcoming a major injury, getting cut and traded, waiting almost 15 months to get his first hit.
He was a beloved teammate in Tampa Bay, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Arizona, Atlanta and during two stints with Oakland. Vogt's warm personality made him a clubhouse leader, and his knowledge of how to handle a pitching staff was another plus during the Guardians' search.
A father of three, Vogt loves talking baseball and he has often credited many of his former managers, from Bruce Bochy and Craig Counsell to Bob Melvin, Brian Snitker and Mark Kotsay, with being role models and mentors.
Melvin called Vogt “one of the most inspiring players I’ve ever managed” and ”one of my all-time favorites."
Vogt began his playing career by going hitless in his first 32 at-bats.
He became a fan favorite on both sides of the San Francisco Bay while playing first for the A’s (2013) and later the Giants (2017). It was common for fans in both markets to chant “I believe in Stephen Vogt!”
While with Oakland in 2013, Vogt had his first career game-winning hit with a single off Detroit's Rick Porcello in the playoffs to give the A's a 1-0 win in Game 2 and even the AL Division Series.
Vogt has long wanted to become a manager, and his desire increased in 2018 while he recovered from a major shoulder injury with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.