Stephen Vogt, the former MLB catcher turned manager of the Cleveland Guardians, and his wife, Alyssa Vogt, had a friendship that blossomed into a relationship with their shared passion for sports.
The longtime married couple, Stephen and Alyssa Vogt, first crossed paths at Azusa Pacific University (APU) in Azusa, California, where both were student-athletes in the mid-2000s.
During that time, Stephen was a standout on the baseball team, earning NAIA All-American honors and setting school records, while Alyssa was a talented player on the women’s basketball team.
Born July 26, 1984, in Olympia, Wash., to Bobby Ferdaszewski and Karen Edison, Alyssa played 4 years of varsity basketball at Capital High in Olympia, Washington, averaging 14.3 points and 5.7 rebounds.
Their romance took a significant step forward during Alyssa’s senior year, when Stephen planned a heartfelt proposal that showcased his romantic side.
After Alyssa’s team dinner, they went back to her apartment while Stephen had asked his teammates to decorate the place and make it romantic.
The living room was cleared out, adorned with a zigzag path of rose petals and tealight candles leading to four art easels.
Each easel held a picture showing an important memory from their relationship, and Stephen explained why each one was special.
At the end of the path, he unveiled a blown-up image of the engagement ring, got down on one knee, and proposed. It was undoubtedly Alyssa’s easiest YES.
Later, Stephen and Alyssa married on December 30, 2007. The married couple 17 years share three kids, Payton, Clark, and Bennett.
The couple faced significant challenges early in their marriage, particularly when Stephen suffered a severe shoulder injury in 2009 while playing in the minor leagues for the Tampa Bay Rays.
The injury, a torn labrum that required season-ending surgery, led Stephen to question his baseball career.
Stephen thought about quitting baseball and becoming a coach, but Alyssa encouraged him to keep going.
Alyssa urged him to give it another year, as she didn’t want him to wonder “what if” later.
Later, her support made a difference, and he had a great season, finally reaching the MLB in 2012.
Through their college days, marriage, MLB draft, injuries, and tough times, Alyssa has remained by Stephen’s side, supporting him through every moment.
A Former Athlete Turned Coach, Alyssa Vogt, Stepped Down to Become a Home Mom!
A standout basketball player at APU, Alyssa Vogt, transitioned into coaching after her playing days. She served as the head women’s basketball coach at Tumwater High School in Washington.
She also coached at Evergreen State University; however, in 2017, Alyssa stepped down from her coaching position at Tumwater High School, citing family responsibilities, particularly after the birth of their third child.
Despite stepping away from coaching, Alyssa remains actively involved in her community. She and Stephen are patrons of the School of Imagination in Dublin, California, where they support educational initiatives for children.
Alyssa describes herself as a stay-at-home mom, Christian, and wife to a professional baseball player.
Her proactive support for Stephen extends to engaging with baseball communities, attending games, and fostering a positive atmosphere for their family.
Alyssa has described their life together as an adventure, one that requires sacrifice but is deeply rewarding.
In a 2014 interview with Azusa Pacific University, she said,
Stephen’s career is my career, his life is my life, and our family is my career. There’s no other job I’d want to do right now.
Alyssa Vogt
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Stephen comes from a family involved in sports. His father, Randy Vogt, was a baseball coach, which likely influenced his passion for the game.
- In his last MLB appearance, Stephen hit a home run against the Angels, making his retirement even more special.
