Stephen Vogt had the perfect storybook ending to his career, as he homered in his final MLB at-bat at the Oakland Coliseum.
Thus, Vogt retired in style.
But his time in baseball is far from over.
Shortly after retiring as a player, the veteran catcher went straight into coaching and became the quality control and bullpen coach of the young, upstart Seattle Mariners, who tasted postseason success for the first time since 2001 this past October.
On Tuesday, Vogt stopped by MLB Network to discuss his new role with the Mariners, reflect on his final at-bat, and discuss what made him decide to go straight into coaching.
.@SVogt1229 reflects on homering in his last MLB at-bat and shares what went into his decision to go straight into coaching as the Quality Control & Bullpen Coach for the @Mariners.
#HighHeat | @alannarizzo pic.twitter.com/nUjVuu70R5— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 17, 2023
Of course, one of the most special parts of Vogt’s finale was that his children announced his name as he stepped to the plate for a final time.
Vogt talked about how he began to tear up as his kids announced, “our dad.”
He also talked about some of the biggest takeaways from his career, with the main one being the fact that whatever role a team gave him, he took it and made the most of it.
The 38-year-old was then asked about why he chose to go straight into coaching and what made him want to continue his work in the game.
Vogt discussed how he always wanted to remain in the game in some capacity after his playing career was over, but that when he was discussing jobs with other teams, he realized he wanted to stay in uniform and around a Major League clubhouse.
His playing career may be over, but Vogt is just getting started in his new role.
NEXT: Julio Rodriguez Gets The Fan Vote For A Top Honor