Baseball Talk

As the Spanish-language interpreter for the Chicago Cubs, Fredy Quevedo Jr. steps in front of cameras and reporters, knowing his role is far more than translating words. He’s translating trust. Culture. Confidence. As a media relations specialist, Quevedo helps players share their stories authentically, ensuring language is never a barrier to being heard.

It’s a role that feels tailor-made, even if the path there was anything but linear. 

Born and raised in Elgin, Quevedo grew up deeply connected to his community. Long before he enrolled at Elgin Community College (ECC), he was already familiar with the campus through the Youth Leadership Academy program, attending sessions as early as middle school. “I came here all the time, so I already knew the buildings and the campus.”

After high school, Quevedo’s journey took a few turns. He attended college, took time away to work a variety of jobs, and even headed to Minnesota to briefly pursue college football. But by 2019, he found himself back home — and back at ECC, ready to reset and rebuild his confidence.

“I was everywhere, and then I came back home, which is ironic, but it’s the thing I’m most grateful for. You never know where the journey might take you, but you always come back home.”

At ECC, Quevedo completed his Associate in Arts in just one year, graduating in 2020. His time at ECC had a profound impact, as he found support through TRIO and worked closely with mentors who helped him map out clear, achievable next steps. “Being here helped me get right mentally for when I would transfer,” he said, adding that he initially pursued political science out of high school. “I [now] knew what I wanted to go after.” 

That sense of care and support mattered. As a first-generation college student and the son of immigrants from Mexico, Quevedo had spent much of his life navigating systems that weren’t built with language access in mind. Growing up, he often translated for his mother at appointments, in offices, and in everyday moments. At the time, it was simply what needed to be done. In hindsight, it was the foundation of a future career.

After ECC, Quevedo transferred to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation, sport and tourism with a concentration in sport management. It was there that his vision sharpened: he wanted to work in sports and use his language and culture as strengths — not side notes.

“I grew up watching sports and playing sports, and I didn’t even know jobs like this existed,” he said.

That clarity led him to take a leap and start applying for roles even when he felt underqualified. His first break came with the San Francisco 49ers, where he worked in marketing while finishing his final semester at U of I. When that role ended, he explored his options in the Bay Area. Then came the call from the Cubs in May of 2023, followed by a second move back home.

Today, Quevedo is one of just 30 Spanish interpreters across Major League Baseball — one per team — helping Spanish-speaking players navigate interviews, media obligations, and public life. But to him, the job is about more than words.

“My goal is to help players find their voices so their stories are told, they are heard, and they feel comfortable being themselves,” he said.  

That responsibility feels personal. Quevedo knows how powerful it is to see someone who looks like you, sounds like you, thriving in a visible space. He carries that awareness into every interview and every interaction, hoping young people, especially ECC students, see possibility reflected back at them.

“Don’t ever be afraid to pursue an opportunity. Always be yourself and trust yourself.”

Looking back, Quevedo credits ECC with helping him build that willingness, along with humility, gratitude, and confidence. “ECC showed me the importance of community,” he said. “Of asking for help … of believing that where you start doesn’t limit where you can go.”

From Elgin classrooms to one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks, his journey has come full circle. He’s grounded in home, fueled by purpose, and driven by a belief that language access isn’t just a service. It’s a bridge that breaks down barriers and creates broader connections.

And thanks to Fredy Quevedo Jr., more voices are crossing it every day.

This article is part of ECC's Spring 2026 edition of Impact Magazine.

Impact Magazine is a bi-annual publication featuring news and information on alumni, student success stories, Elgin Community College Foundation updates, and articles about how ECC is making a difference in our communities.