Cleveland’s Kwan Reveals Game-Day Nerves Ahead of Playoffs

CLEVELAND — As the Cleveland Guardians aim for a playoff spot in the final week of the regular season, Steven Kwan, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, opens up about his pre-game nerves. Kwan, the team’s leadoff hitter, shared his mental routine during the national anthem, using it as a moment to center himself.

“I get nervous. Every game. People who say they don’t get nervous are either lying, or they’re José Ramírez,” Kwan said. Standing on the baseline, he breathes in deeply and counts silently to ten to control his thoughts before stepping up to the plate.

These nerves remind Kwan of significant moments in his career, like the All-Star Game at-bat where he faced a critical situation. Despite a sore wrist and trailing by a run in the ninth inning, Kwan stepped to the plate with a chance to tie the game.

“My heart was beating out of my chest,” Kwan recalled, drawing parallels to his Major League debut in 2022, feeling overwhelmed yet exhilarated by the atmosphere. “It was like my major-league debut all over again.”

Kwan described the surreal experience of being at the All-Star Game and the constant self-doubt he feels, a legacy from his college days. He noted how this ‘imposter syndrome’ drives him to maintain strict routines, such as meditating and journaling, to keep himself focused. “It helps me avoid complacency,” he said.

His wife, Sam, plays a crucial role in keeping him grounded. “She just got her Master’s in nursing. She’ll make in a year what we make in a week,” Kwan said, emphasizing the importance of their supportive partnership in navigating the pressures of baseball.

Kwan admitted that although his hitting numbers may reflect success, the underlying struggles, especially with his wrist injury, are often overlooked. “It’s why this game saps so much from everybody,” he explained, expressing concern that he never wants to be a rookie’s first strikeout or the last out of a big game.

Facing towering expectations, Kwan is aware of the weight that accompanies his performances, especially in high-stakes moments. “I can’t let there be a highlight reel of me striking out,” he said as he recalled his key at-bat during the All-Star Game. Ultimately, Kwan tied the game with a well-placed grounder, a testament to his resolve in high-pressure situations.