Stephen Vogt completed a successful first season as Cleveland Goalies skipper with the highest distinction a manager can achieve. On Tuesday it was announced that Vogt won the 2024 American League Manager of the Year award price.

Shortly after receiving the award, Vogt spoke to the media and expressed his first reaction after winning the award.

One of the biggest storylines of the year was how Vogt would replace a future Hall of Fame manager, Terry Francona. The rookie skipper knew he couldn’t try to replicate anyone else; being true to himself was the only thing Vogt knew he would achieve.

“I knew I had to come in and be myself,” Vogt said. “I knew I would never replace Tito or fill his shoes. I just wanted to come in, be myself and help our players be as good as they can be and that was the goal from day one.

Even though it is an award given to managers, Vogt was keen to emphasize that seeing his players succeed every night and in big moments “are the rewarding moments”.

“I was way more excited when one of our guys hit a home run than I ever was for myself,” Vogt said.

“That’s the beauty of this role, and this job, is that it’s not about you. It’s about your players and their successes. You can’t go out and hit. You don’t “I can’t go out and throw a There’s really nothing I can do other than put people in positions where they can hopefully be successful and see our guys go out and be successful, those are the big times.”

This focus on players is what has made Vogt and the Guardians successful in 2024, and it clearly appears to be a mindset that will continue in 2025 and throughout Vogt’s managerial career.