‘It’s Definitely Unique’: Examining Keston Hiura’s Swing

Image credit: Keston Hiura (Photo by Bill Mitchell)

Keston Hiura is known for many things. 

He is currently the Brewers’ top prospect and the No. 17 prospect in baseball. He was the ninth pick in the 2017 draft, one of the best prep and collegiate hitters of his class, just recently picked up an Arizona Fall League MVP and even graced the front of a Baseball America cover this winter, where we proclaimed Hiura “is the best hitter the Brewers have developed since Ryan Braun.

He is also known for having one of the more unique swings in baseball. So Arizona State student Blaine McCormick asked him about it. 

You can see the full video here: 

Among the answers from both Hiura, teammate Lucas Erceg and Brewers manager Craig Counsell: 

Keston Hiura on his swing: 

“I’m happy that over the years I’ve been able to keep the same swing and face better talent and challenge myself at the plate. It’s definitely a unique swing — different from others — but I take pride in it.”

On recommending it to others: 

“I don’t necessarily think my swing is for everyone. It’s definitely different in a unique way where it’s comfortable for my body. I’ve always been a big preacher where one swing isn’t for every person.

Lucas Erceg on first seeing Hiura’s swing in college:

“I remember the toe tap and then the leg kick. I think that’s what surprises everyone. Usually it’s one or the other. I remember him running around the bases, and he’s not, you know, the biggest guy.”

Craig Counsell on Hiura’s timing:

“It’s still the holy grail of hitting — hitters who possess great timing. Keston possesses it. That’s probably the first thing that I thought of when I saw Keston, that this guy must have incredible timing.”

Blaine McCormick is a senior majoring in sports journalism at Arizona State University. This story is part of a partnership between Baseball America and Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.