"When I was three years old, they threw me on" - Guardians star Steven Kwan credits dad's pinball love for his MLB success
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan is enjoying a breakthrough season in his third year with the team. However, the two-time Gold Glove winner had an interesting story behind his MLB success.
Kwan received his first All-Star nod this year and is on pace for his first season batting above .300. He has already registered his career best in home runs.
In an interview with MLB.com Kwan shed light on his affinity to pinball and how his parents think it affected his hitting ability.
"I think my dad will say there's definitely some hand-eye coordination," Kwan said.
Steven Kwan revealed that he was introduced to pinball when he was three years old, saying:
"My dad and my mom love playing pinball. When I was like three years old they threw me on. I think they were surprised that I was making any kind of contact. But my dad swears I'm a contact hitter because of that. I'll ride that legacy out, there's probably some hand-eye coordination in there."
Steven Kwan scores in Guardians series finale against Rangers
The Cleveland Guardians are flying high in the American League Central and boast one of the best records (75-55) this season. Steven Kwan was on hand to deliver a 1-0 lead to the Guardians after reaching home on Jose Ramirez's sacrifice fly in the rubber game of the series against defending World Series winner Texas Rangers on Saturday.
Guardians first baseman Jhonkensy Noel extended the team's lead with a solo home run in the second inning. Kwan ensured the team maintained their 2-0 lead with an acrobatic play in the third inning.
However, the Rangers fought back in the game with catcher Jonah Heim's RBI double in the top of the fifth. Two-time World Series MVP Corey Seager provided another scare to Cleaveland with a solo home run, his 29th in the eight inning.
However, David Fry's solo home run in the bottom eighth provided some breathing space as the Guardians won the game with former Rangers closer Emmanuel Clase registering his 39th save of the season.
Guardians will host the Kansas City Royals in the first of a three-game series starting Monday at Progressive Field.