Just over a month after legendary skipper Terry Francona announced his retirement, the Cleveland Guardians have named former All-Star catcher Stephen Vogt as their new manager, the team announced Monday.
“We believe in Stephen Vogt,” the team announced on X (formerly Twitter).
At 39 years old, Vogt becomes the American League’s youngest manager, and the second-youngest overall in MLB behind St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol, who is 37.
Cleveland plans to hold a news conference Friday to introduce Vogt, per ESPN.
We believe in Stephen Vogt.
We have hired Stephen Vogt as the 45th manager in franchise history.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/OA9WfVy0Vr
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 6, 2023
Vogt spent ten seasons as an MLB player and is most remembered for his 2013-17 stint with the Oakland Athletics when he was named an MLB All-Star in 2015 and 2016, making him the first Athletics catcher since 1993 to be named to multiple All-Star games and the first since 1948 to achieve the honor in back-to-back seasons.
A career .239 hitter, Vogt also won the 2021 World Series as a member of the Atlanta Braves.
After retiring from baseball following the 2022 season, Vogt was named the Seattle Mariners bullpen and quality control coach.
Social media had a lot to say about the announcement.
Chris Bassitt, former Athletics starting pitcher and Vogt’s teammate, said, “My heart is full. Couldn’t be happier for the Vogt family. Couldn’t be happier for Cleveland. He’s going to be incredible for the city and organization.”
My heart is full. Couldn’t be happier for the Vogt family. Couldn’t be happier for Cleveland. He’s going to be incredible for the city and organization. https://t.co/e6ECmnVwTB
— Chris Bassitt (@C_Bass419) November 6, 2023
Mariners broadcaster Aaron Goldsmith had nothing but praise for Vogt, saying, “Truly hard to find a more beloved guy in the game than Stephen Vogt. Not a surprise he landed in the manager’s seat so quickly.”
Truly hard to find a more beloved guy in the game than Stephen Vogt. Not a surprise he landed in the manager’s seat so quickly. https://t.co/2dIGoGTD2a
— Aaron Goldsmith (@heygoldy) November 6, 2023
Former Athletics starting pitcher and broadcaster Dallas Braden echoed the sentiments, tweeting, “Guards got a great one!”
Guards got a great one! https://t.co/Pczbc97a5d
— Dallas Braden (@DALLASBRADEN209) November 6, 2023
One fan said, “It’s awesome whenever former players that had successful careers become managers.”
It's awesome whenever former players that had successful careers become managers
— Marcus S., A Child of the Internet (Yankees 10-3) (@goodwillfiction) November 6, 2023
