Stephen Vogt writes perfect script for final major league game

The Oakland A’s gave Stephen Vogt the opportunity to have a memorable end to his career. He took advantage of the opportunity.

The A’s made sure that the day got off on the right foot. Vogt was celebrated at every turn, the A’s making certain that his place in franchise history was honored as much as possible. His family was with him to see him off, celebrating his career with him.

Stephen Vogt wrote perfect final chapter

Then the game started. Vogt came up to bat for his first plate appearance of the day, with the A’s surprising Vogt by having his kids announce his name as he stepped to the plate. That alone would have been a nice moment, something that he would have remembered for the rest of his life.

But Vogt had his own script in mind. In his final plate appearance in his final game, he blasted a solo homer to right, ending his career in the perfect way. His joy, and the joy of his teammates, were wonderful to see.

That home run gave Vogt his own place in major league history as well. He became just the tenth player since the Expansion Era to homer for the first and last hits of his major league career with at least a ten year gap between them. To make it even more amazing, that first career homer sailed into the same section of seats.

Vogt easily became a fan favorite with his hard work and perseverance. That first hit did not come until he was 28 years old; he did not even make his major league debut until he was 27. And yet, he became a two time All Star and a veteran leader, a perfect mentor for a young team.

This may not be the last time that Vogt suits up in an A’s uniform even if his playing days are over. He has stated a desire to remain in the game in some capacity and has been regarded as a possible manager in the future. His commitment, to the point where he was working on blocking balls in the dirt on Tuesday, even though he was retiring one day later, can never be questioned. A player like that is the perfect mentor and someone who would seemingly be a natural as a coach. Hopefully, Vogt will be just that for the A’s.

Stephen Vogt wrote a storybook ending to his career. On the way, he gave Oakland A’s fans one last reason to say “I believe in Stephen Vogt.”