Stephen Vogt got a shaving cream pie in the face and a Gatorade shower while being interviewed at the Oakland Coliseum moments after his walk-off single propelled the A’s to a victory in Game 2 of the ALDS. To casual fans he looked like every other Major Leaguer, but Vogt’s path to that moment is a unique one. His journey to the majors is the epitome of perseverance. 

Vogt’s relationship with Baseball Factory began in April of 2002 during his junior year in high school at Central Valley Christian in Visalia, California. Despite being a solid catcher and outstanding left-handed hitter, he was not being heavily recruited. Becoming part of Baseball Factory’s Exclusive Program gave Vogt and his family the opportunity to work with a team of recruiting experts including Kelly Kulina and Jeff Brazier.

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Shortly after joining the program, Stephen was in contact with a growing list of schools. Most were in-state programs like Cal Poly, St. Mary’s, Fresno State, Chico State and Pomona Pitzer, among others. Eventually interest grew across the country from programs like UVA, Coastal Carolina and Richmond. As the recruiting process continued on, several schools preferred Vogt at 1B instead of catching or “wanted more of an immediate impact guy.”  Eventually Vogt selected Azusa Pacific University, an NAIA program in Southern California that was not high on his list when the process began. However, after meeting with newly appointed coach Paul Svagdis, visiting the campus and hearing their scholarship offer, Vogt chose APU knowing it was the right fit.

Vogt had a tremendous career at APU, leading the Cougars to an NAIA World Series while earning All-American honors twice and leaving his name all over their record book. Despite his collegiate success, Stephen was passed over in the MLB Draft after his junior season. It was a huge disappointment but he persevered, returned to Azusa and put up numbers during his senior campaign that led to a 12^th round selection by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2007 draft.

In professional baseball, Vogt hit well at every level of the minor leagues but was never considered a top prospect. He overcame shoulder surgery, played winter ball in Colombia and Venezuela, and worked hard to prove his defensive worth each step of the way. Finally his bat combined with his ability to catch, play 1B and LF earned him a spot on the 2012 Opening Day Roster for the Tampa Bay Rays. Although he reached the pinnacle of his profession, more struggles were ahead. After being designated for assignment following a 0-for-25 showing, Vogt did not know what his future in the game held.

The Oakland A’s eventually acquired Vogt for cash, giving him a fresh start with an organization that appreciates the type of player his is. He was called up by the A’s in June and went hitless in his first seven at-bats, pushing his Major League stat line to 0-for-32.  In his 33^rd at-bat, Vogt homered off Joe Kelly for his first Major League hit and continued producing the rest of the season. His .252 average with 4 HRs and 16 RBIs combined with injuries to other players made him the starting catcher for the A’s as they entered the postseason. Next up, Game 2 of the ALDS, score tied in the 9^th inning and Stephen Vogt did what he has always done; he hit. His single through the hole between short and third sent the Coliseum into a frenzy and made a hero out of a guy who had made it there the hard way. His perseverance paid off. 

While every Baseball Factory player takes a different path, the ultimate goal is to develop your skills for future success.  Whether that path leads to post-season glory or a spot on the varsity roster, Vogt continues to demonstrate how work ethic and perseverance can truly pay off and help you achieve your goals.