Julio Rodriguez may have been the man of the hour at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Friday night as he sported a massive new contract extension, but Steven Kwan made sure he was the most valuable rookie on the field.
Chasing what looked like a routine fly ball hit by the Mariners’ Cal Raleigh, the Guardians left fielder launched himself into the stands on a dead sprint and fell into the first row to make one of the best catches of the season. In an incredible display of awareness (and an impressive lack of self-preservation), Kwan popped out of the stands to throw the ball back to the infield and prevent Mariners baserunners from possibly scoring.
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After the play, Kwan clutched his chest — he appeared to hurt his ribs on a seat — and rolled to the ground.
Steven Kwan stayed in the game following this catch and singled the next inning.
Give him the Gold Glove now.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/BPuRXDbRno
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 27, 2022
Guardians manager Terry Francona came out to check on Kwan, who did indeed stay in the game. And not only did he stay in, he also singled and scored the go-ahead run the next inning.
The catch evokes a certain grab made in July 2004, when Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter caught a foul pop and took himself into the stands at a full sprint. Kwan was arguably more neglectful of his health, as he had no time to brace himself.
Kwan’s play will be tough to top as Catch of the Year. For anyone planning on recreating it, be sure to put down a pillow.
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