From Sparkplug to Statesman: Steven Kwan Embraces Veteran Role as Guardians Push for Postseason Glory
CLEVELAND, Ohio – A speedy glance across the outfield during Wednesday’s pivotal Game 2 against the Detroit Tigers brought a surprising realization for Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven kwan: he’s now the experienced voice in the room. Surrounded by rookies Chase DeLauter in center and George Valera in right, the 28-year-old Kwan found himself unexpectedly cast as the ”uncle” guiding a new generation of Guardians.
“It was funny,” Kwan shared before Thursday’s Game 3 at Progressive Field.”We had a pitching change and I looked around and it was me, Chase, and George. I’m like, ‘Dang, I’m the uncle now.’ It came out fast.”
The shift from promising newcomer to seasoned leader hasn’t altered kwan’s personal preparation, but it has amplified his sense of responsibility. He’s consciously focused on fostering a welcoming surroundings for Cleveland’s burgeoning young outfielders, ensuring they feel like integral parts of the team.
“The biggest thing for them is understanding they deserve to be here,” kwan explained. “Not patronizing them, not trying to be some big brother. These guys are smart. They just wont to be one of the boys. The faster they feel that way, the faster they can definitely help us win.”
Kwan’s impact was palpable in Wednesday’s 6-1 victory, were his eighth-inning double ignited a five-run rally that sealed the win. He understands the volatile nature of october baseball, recalling lessons learned during his breakout 2022 rookie season. Postseason success,he says,isn’t always about perfect execution,but about delivering when it matters most - a sentiment he playfully attributed to a key moment involving “Playoff Rocchio.”
“Momentum is a huge thing,” Kwan said. “Rocchio hits that homer, the place gets loud, and maybe I told myself their pitcher was rattled. Maybe that gave me the false confidence to tag a fastball.Sometimes you just need that one, and one hit can mean the difference in the game.”
That confidence, Kwan believes, is contagious. He highlighted DeLauter’s resilience after a challenging debut, quickly rebounding from a dropped fly ball to make a crucial play. He also pointed to the symbiotic relationship between pitcher Tanner bibee and delauter, each lifting the other up in critical moments.
“That’s what winning baseball is - picking each other up,” Kwan emphasized.
Despite the high stakes of elimination games, Kwan feels the Guardians are uniquely prepared for the pressure. Their late-season surge to secure a postseason berth has instilled a resilient mindset within the clubhouse.
As the Guardians continue their playoff journey, Steven Kwan’s leadership – both on and off the field – will be a key ingredient in their quest for October glory. He’s no longer just the sparkplug; he’s the steady hand guiding the next generation of Cleveland baseball.
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