Conference Player of the Year. Jim “Catfish” Hunter Award. Post-season hero.
Now continuing an outstanding fourth season in the major leagues, former Azusa Pacific standout and current Oakland A’s catcher Stephen Vogt adds to these accolades a new title—Major League Baseball All Star.
Recently selected for the 2015 All-Star team as a reserve catcher for the American League, this 30-year old, 2007 APU graduate leads all American League catchers in batting average (.263) and on-base percentage (.341). He has posted career highs in numerous offensive categories from homerun (18), runs batted in (68), and runs scored (56) among others.
Beyond the stats, Vogt is known for his passion for the game and commitment to the team. He was recently nominated by the A’s for MLB’s Roberto Clemente Award which recognizes a player who best represents the game of baseball through impactful contributions on and off the field. He also was honored with organizations Dave Stewart and Jim “Catfish” Hunter award that honors an A’s player from their contributions in the local community. A’s fans love him, chanting “We Believe in Stephen Vogt” when he steps to the plate. Yet three particular fans inspire him the most—his wife and kids.
The Facts:
- Picked in the 12th round of the 2007 MLB draft by Tampa Bay
- Made his MLB debut in 2012 at the age of 27
- Second former Azusa Pacific student-athlete to earn All-Star accolades after Christian Okoye (National Football League all-pro team in 1989 and 1991)
