Stephen Vogt, take a bow.
The Oakland Athletics‘ veteran utility player enjoyed one of the feel-good moments of the season Wednesday, homering in the final at-bat of his career. Vogt then ran around the bases with all the unabashed enthusiasm of a six-year-old playing his first youth baseball game.
Vogt’s shot off Los Angeles Angels reliever Zack Weiss was the 82nd and final home run of his 11-season career, and he couldn’t contain his excitement.
How can you not be romantic about baseball? pic.twitter.com/uJbZztRhbM
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) October 5, 2022
If that’s not enough to give you goosebumps, Vogt’s children were on hand to announce an earlier plate appearance to the crowd at RingCentral Coliseum.
In his final MLB game, Stephen Vogt's kids announced his name as he came up to bat ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rxtLvtHXVY
— MLB (@MLB) October 5, 2022
Baseball fans celebrated the 37-year-old Vogt’s epic swan song.
“This is so awesome … last game, likely his last at bat and his kids announced him. Great guy. Thrilled for this storybook ending,” tweeted Root Sports Northwest’s Angie Mentink.
This is so awesome… last game, likely his last at bat and his kids announced him. Great guy. Thrilled for this storybook ending. He lives in the NW, so really he is ours. https://t.co/fQ0iB5B88y
— Angie Mentink (@AngieMentink) October 5, 2022
“His kids intro earlier … then this? See you at the top of the show,” tweeted ESPN host Scott Van Pelt.
His kids intro earlier…then this? See you at the top of the show.#BestThingISawToday https://t.co/tPxkHr4Ixc
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) October 5, 2022
Stephen Vogt homered in his final big league game and ran around the bases like a little kid. One of the very best guys in this sport. https://t.co/LcD06KqWo0
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) October 5, 2022
That's World Series champ, Stephen Vogt. What a cool moment as he homers in what could be his final Big League at bat. https://t.co/XCIDh8Vnhz
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) October 5, 2022
Ted Williams famously did not tip his cap after hitting a HR in the last at-bat of his career, prompting John Updike to write: "Gods do not answer letters."
But this is OK, too. https://t.co/N6VVwI2MmD
— Daniel Brown (@BrownieAthletic) October 5, 2022
As many fans pointed out, Vogt had an unconventional career, which somehow makes this storybook ending even more poignant.
“Stephen Vogt didn’t get a major league hit until he was 28 years old. He then became a 2x All-Star and in his final big-league game, hits a home run. Persistence personified. Take your trot,” tweeted FanSided’s Matt Verderame.
Stephen Vogt didn't get a major league hit until he was 28 years old.
He then became a 2x All-Star and in his final big-league game, hits a home run.
Persistence personified. Take your trot. https://t.co/jVZ2koy8QY
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) October 5, 2022