Guardians' Manager Stephen Vogt wins AL Manager of the Year
Rookie manager wins award
Stephen Vogt was chosen as the American League's Manager of the Year tonight by voters from the Baseball Writers' of America Association.
Taking over for future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona, there were plenty of skeptics about how well Vogt would handle his first year as a manager, in only his second year removed from playing as a catcher for the Athletics. But, as the quintessential people person who understood every part of a baseball player's journey - from being unsure if he'd ever debut to being an All-Star, Vogt found a way to step in to Tito's spot seamlessly and guide the Guardians to another Central Division title. Cleveland went from 76 wins to 92 and made the ALCS, even after losing their ace, Shane Bieber, after only two games.
From the moment Vogt was rumored as an option, I started watching his impersonations and songs and I was enamored. It turns out the Cleveland front office was too, and they offered him the job on a Friday in early November while Vogt was in the middle of cleaning out a horse stable. I'm sure he cleaned up many a mess for the Guardians this season, but he was always quick to take responsibility and to give credit to his staff whenever possible. I also appreciate how often he would shout out his wife and her coaching experience in interviews. All around, he seems like a good man doing a good job and leading a good group of guys.
Whether it was challenging Tanner Bibee to get out of a tough spot against the Twins or pulling all the right levers in handling an elite bullpen during a bad season for starting pitchers or pinch-hitting David Fry and Jhonkensy Noel in the perfect spots, Vogt proved his quality over and over. He laughed and cried in interviews, he was doused with champagne when they won a playoff spot and a playoff series. He hugged Carl Willis, busted Craig Albernaz's chops, and praised JT Maguire and Kai Correa over and over. He praised his players whenever he got the chance and kept them encouraged during the inevitable low points in every season.
Vogt showed some rookie inexperience for the first notable time in the playoffs, but if his track record is any guide, he will "leave the event and learn the lesson", as he notably said. I'm looking forward to seeing him handle a postseason appearance again sometime soon. Hopefully he will be given a couple horses for his rotation before that time comes.
Stephen Vogt voted 2024 American League Manager of the Year.
— Underdog MLB (@Underdog__MLB) November 19, 2024
Vogt is the fastest manager ever to go from player to Manager of the Year, having last played in 2022. pic.twitter.com/RSWMK3OrBd
Experienced veterans like Austin Hedges raved about Vogt throughout the year:
Austin Hedges is having as much fun this year than he’s ever had playing ball. He raved about how Stephen Vogt managed this team. pic.twitter.com/5luMhW8QTo
— Brendan Gulick (@brendangulick22) September 19, 2024
Interesting to see Matthew Boyd celebrating Vogt's win... hopefully the player manager will increase Cleveland’s appeal to vets like Boyd:
Let’s go! https://t.co/wwaoHkma6r
— Matthew Boyd (@mattboyd48) November 20, 2024
After winning the award, Vogt's focus was unchanged:
Vogt wins Central title, Manager of Year in his first season in Cleveland. Asked him what he's planning for an encore:
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) November 20, 2024
“Hopefully we win the last game of the year next year," he said. "That’s the goal."
We believe in Stephen Vogt here in Cleveland, it's great to see the national media does, too.