From Fremont to Cleveland: Steven Kwan’s dance to the majors
FREMONT, Calif. (BVM) — Among the rolling hills of Northern California lies arguably the hottest talent bed in the country: the Bay Area. This region is known for the myriad accomplishments of the people who abide there, especially its athletes: Tom Brady, Barry Bonds, Joe DiMaggio, and Kristi Yamaguchi, to name a few.
Another name may join the seemingly never-ending list of accomplished leading Bay Area-fostered professional athletes: Cleveland Guardians outfielder, Steven Kwan.
Roughly 20 years ago on a bright spring day, 4-year-old Steven Kwan made his first-ever appearance on a baseball diamond. His parents, Jane and Raymond Kwan cheered on their son as he reached first base after a successful at-bat (some things never change).
What he did when he got on first not only caught his parents and others in attendance by surprise, but it laid the groundwork for how he would approach his baseball career going forward: he began to dance. This playful element to Steven’s vocation as a baseball player continues to inspire people today in the same way he did two decades ago.
Although his seemingly perpetual joy on the diamond has been a large contributor to his success, his ability to integrate punctilious work and confidence with said effervescence has allowed him to reach some of the highest heights in baseball.
When Steven began his high school career in 2011, he dominated competition. The outfielder was a four-year letter winner, and his remarkable production earned him a scholarship to the renowned baseball program at Oregon State University.
Notwithstanding his scholarship, Steven’s transition to the powerhouse Beavers baseball team was intimidating. During his freshman year donning the Oregon State orange and black, he struggled with his confidence in his ability.
His coaches picked up on his self-doubt and were there to support him.
“[Head coach] Pat Casey and [pitching coach] Nate Yeskie were the first people to believe in me, but I could not give them my confidence in return,” Steven said.
Upon seeking out Pat Casey for advice on how to crack the starting lineup for his sophomore season, the legendary head coach’s advice did not involve any physical adjustments—rather the simple, yet powerful words, “you have all the tools you need, you just have to believe in yourself.”
This conversation propelled Steven to understand that his conviction with regard to his ability and work ethic would allow him to play every day for the Beavers. It is no coincidence that Steven’s sophomore year was a coming-out party for the outfielder — one that earned him to be regarded as one of the best lead-off hitters in college baseball.
Steven integrated his newfound confidence with his vivacious personality, as he walked up to the plate with playful and crowd-favorite walk-up songs including iLoveMemphis’ “Hit the Quan” and ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.”
Steven excelled in this way on a team stacked with blue chip professional prospects. The biblical axiom that “iron sharpens iron” precisely outlines the symbiosis that Steven shared with his teammates and coaches — especially in Steven’s third and final year as a Beaver in which he was All-Pac-12, hitting .353 and earning a fifth-round selection by the then-Cleveland Indians. Shortly after his draft selection, Steven and the Beavers stormed through Omaha to win the program’s third national title.
Since, Steven has continued to excel, moving quickly up the now-Guardians’ system, finishing the 2021 season in AAA. His work, belief in himself, and dedication to playing the game with the same personality as he did as a tee-baller earned him an addition to the Guardians’ 40-man roster this offseason.
Guardians prospect, Will Benson, articulated Steven’s influence impeccably through his experience as his teammate.
“When I roomed with Kwan in Spring Training, my life grew exponentially, he taught me the importance of mindfulness [and] quiet confidence,” Benson said. “It shows when he plays the game… he gives 110% every game.”
Giving 110% is what Steven Kwan continues to do in all aspects in baseball as he — quite literally — dances his way to the Major Leagues. He danced on first base after his first tee-ball at-bat, and he danced with his Beaver teammates in Omaha — so when he dances on the diamond at Progressive Field when the Guardians win their first MLB World Series since 1948, expect him to break out some moves. After all, he has practice.
