Growing up in the Bay Area, Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan spent his summers immersed in Japanese culture, a routine that invariably included watching NHK broadcasts and segments dedicated to a towering figure: Ichiro Suzuki.

Ichiro’s influence transcended the baseball field, captivating Kwan not just as an exceptional player but as a cultural and “fashion icon.” Kwan vividly recalls Ichiro’s distinctive style—the backward hat, glasses, and Mariners turtleneck—which solidified his idol’s image as someone cool and “swagged out,” proving that excellence in sports could be paired with a unique persona.

For Kwan, a left-handed outfielder of Asian descent, witnessing Ichiro’s consistent performance at the Major League Baseball level was profoundly impactful. It offered a powerful visual affirmation, seeing someone who mirrored his own appearance achieving immense success, fostering a personal connection that went beyond mere fandom.

Ichiro’s profound legacy extends beyond Kwan, touching other rising baseball stars like Cleveland’s left fielder Kwan himself, Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll, and even former teammate Christian Yelich. These players represent the continuing ripple effect of Ichiro’s groundbreaking career.

Corbin Carroll, for instance, cherishes a childhood photograph taken with Ichiro’s iconic first-base pose, a memory that adorned his room for years. Christian Yelich, who played alongside Ichiro in Miami, recounts the unique experience of playing catch with the legend the day after his monumental 3,000th career hit.

The consistent approach Ichiro embodied also resonated deeply, particularly with Carroll. Ichiro’s philosophy, emphasizing disciplined daily routines to ensure consistency and understand the impact of actions, became a guiding principle for Carroll throughout his minor league journey and ascent to the major leagues.

Despite being in the same ballpark as his idol at T-Mobile Park, Kwan chose to maintain a respectful distance, preferring to preserve the “sparkling image” of his hero. He feels that Ichiro has already provided immeasurable inspiration and believes a meeting will naturally occur at the right time, rather than a forced fan interaction.

Kwan was present in the Guardians dugout when Ichiro was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame in 2022, observing with deep reverence as baseball luminaries like Ken Griffey Jr., Alvin Davis, and Edgar Martinez spoke of Ichiro’s greatness. This moment underscored the universal respect for Ichiro, not just as a baseball phenomenon, but as a person who played the game and treated others “the right way,” solidifying his indelible mark on baseball and its culture.