A player who hit a home run in a big league at-bat just a year ago is now the manager of a major league club.

The Cleveland Indians have made an unconventional choice. “Cleveland has named Stephen Vogt, 39, as its new manager,” MLB.com reported on Sunday.토토사이트

Vogt was a player until just last year. As a player, he played catcher. Vogt made his major league debut in 2012 at the age of 27 with the Tampa Bay Rays, then moved to the Oakland Athletics in 2013, where he hit .261 with 18 home runs and 71 RBIs in 2015, earning his first All-Star honors. In 2016, Vogt hit .251 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs to earn his second consecutive All-Star honor, and he went on to play for the Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Atlanta Braves before returning to Oakland last year for his final season.

In 70 games with Oakland last year, Vogt hit .161 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs, including a grand slam against the Los Angeles Angels on Oct. 5 in his final at-bat. In 794 career major league games, Vogt hit .239 with 82 home runs and 313 RBIs.

Vogt retired from baseball after last season and took his first steps into coaching this year with the Seattle Mariners, where he served as the bullpen coach and quality control coach, but after just one year in the game, there’s already a lot of interest in what he’ll do as Cleveland’s new manager.

“We are pleased to announce Vogt as Cleveland’s next manager,” said Cleveland President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti. “Throughout his 16-year career as a player, Vogt earned a reputation as one of the best teammates in baseball. His deep concern for others, his ability to form meaningful relationships with those around him, and his open-mindedness and curiosity make him the ideal person to lead our organization moving forward. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Vogt,” said Vogt on his appointment.

“Vogt has been a favorite of coaching staffs at every team he has played for,” said MLB.com. As a former catcher, he had a great ‘baseball IQ’ and was a leader in the clubhouse. He has a sense of humor that connects with players of all ages and could be the perfect fit for a young team like Cleveland.” Vogt and Cleveland are a great fit.

Cleveland went 76-86 last year, finishing third in the American League Central. The previous manager, Terry Francona, left after 11 seasons in Cleveland. Cleveland made the postseason six times between 2013 and this year during Francona’s tenure, but failed to win the World Series. Most notably, they reached the World Series in 2016, but had to settle for runner-up honors after falling to the Chicago Cubs in four games to three. Cleveland’s last championship came in 1948.