Keston Hiura Bio
Keston Wee Hing Natsuo Hiura is an American professional baseball first baseman and second baseman who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, and Colorado Rockies. Born in Valencia, California, Hiura attended Valencia High School and later played three seasons of college baseball at the University of California, Irvine, where he earned conference accolades and spent time with the United States collegiate national team during the offseason. Hiura forwent his final year of college eligibility and signed with the Brewers after they selected him in the first round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.
Early Life and Background
Keston Hiura was born on August 2, 1996, in Valencia, California. He grew up in a family with a diverse heritage, having a Chinese-American mother and a Japanese-American father. Hiura attended Valencia High School, where he played for the school’s baseball team. In his senior year, he achieved an impressive batting average of .500, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 30 runs batted in, helping his team win the Foothill League championship. His outstanding performance in high school laid the foundation for his future in baseball. After high school, Hiura went undrafted but continued his baseball career at the University of California, Irvine, playing for the Anteaters.
Path to Baseball
During his time at the University of California, Irvine, Keston Hiura made a significant impact on the college baseball scene. As a freshman in 2015, he recorded a batting average of .330, showcasing his potential as a player. His performance improved in his sophomore year, where he hit .358 with seven home runs and 41 runs batted in. After the 2016 season, he played for the United States collegiate national team, further enhancing his skills and experience. In his junior year, Hiura excelled with a batting average of .442, earning the title of Big West Conference Player of the Year. His impressive college career caught the attention of Major League scouts, leading to his selection by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft.
Keston Hiura Career
Early Career (2019-2022)
Keston Hiura made his Major League Baseball debut on May 14, 2019, after spending three seasons in the Brewers’ farm system. He was recognized as Milwaukee’s top prospect heading into the 2018 season, which set the stage for his successful entry into the major leagues. In his debut season, Hiura played 84 games and posted an impressive batting average of .303. However, in the following seasons, his statistics regressed, including leading the National League in strikeouts in 2020 and struggling with a .168 batting average in 2021. Despite these challenges, Hiura continued to demonstrate his potential as a player.
Breakthrough (2019)
Keston Hiura’s breakthrough moment came during his first season with the Milwaukee Brewers. After being called up to the majors, he quickly made an impact, showcasing his hitting ability and power. His first career walk-off hit came on July 28, 2019, when he homered against the Chicago Cubs. Hiura’s performance in 2019 established him as a promising young talent in Major League Baseball, despite leading all major league second basemen in errors that season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hiura’s signature work includes his debut season with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he made a notable impression with a .303 batting average and 19 home runs. His achievements in the minor leagues, including being named the Arizona Fall League MVP in 2018, further solidified his reputation as a rising star in baseball.
Keston Hiura Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Keston Hiura has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his time in the minor leagues and his early years in the majors.
Keston Hiura Awards Won
Keston Hiura has achieved several accolades during his career, including being named the Big West Conference Player of the Year and the Arizona Fall League MVP.
Keston Hiura Family
Keston Hiura was born to a Chinese-American mother and a Japanese-American father, reflecting a rich cultural background.
Personal Life
Hiura grew up a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which influenced his early love for baseball. As a professional athlete, he continues to focus on his career while navigating the challenges of being a free agent.
