Stephen Vogt’s swift rise from player to coach and now to a celebrated managerial position has been nothing short of remarkable. Although his tenure with the Braves in 2021 was brief, his impact—both on and off the field—proved to be invaluable. In just two seasons since retiring as a player, Vogt has ascended to become the 2024 AL Manager of the Year after leading the Cleveland Guardians to the ALCS.
Vogt’s trajectory is historic; he shattered the previous record for the quickest transition from player to Manager of the Year, previously held by Joe Girardi, who achieved the feat three years after retiring. Vogt’s playing career officially ended in 2022, making his accomplishment unprecedented in its rapidity.
While Vogt’s stint with the Braves didn’t yield impressive statistics—he slashed .167/.241/.244 with just two home runs—his leadership was indispensable. Acquired midseason to address the Braves’ challenges at catcher, Vogt played a crucial role in bolstering team morale during a season when playoff hopes seemed slim. His knack for lightening the mood, highlighted by his famous referee impersonation routine, endeared him to teammates and kept spirits high. Even after suffering an injury, Vogt remained with the team, contributing to their first World Series title since 1995.
Following his playing days, Vogt transitioned seamlessly into coaching. After a season with Oakland in 2022, he served as the Mariners’ bullpen coach in 2023. By 2024, his leadership and baseball acumen had earned him the managerial role with the Guardians. Braves manager Brian Snitker wasn’t surprised by Vogt’s success, describing him as a “manager-in-waiting” during his time as a player in Atlanta.
Although Vogt’s time with the Braves was short-lived, his influence has clearly endured. The qualities that helped him shine in the clubhouse now define his managerial career, culminating in a well-earned AL Manager of the Year award.
