Steve Bast M.D. '83

Damien High School breeds exceptional people and Dr. Steven C. Bast may be the high schools biggest achievement. Dr. Bast is a native Southern Californian, born and raised in Upland, California. He just recently celebrated his 23rd wedding anniversary with his wife Antoinette.  They have three children, Ryan 20, Nick 17, and Sydney 14. Ryan and Nick both attend the University of Southern California where they play baseball. Dr. Bast’s only daughter Sydney, who is a freshman at St.Lucy’s, was part of the team that won CIF in volleyball.

Dr. Bast attended Damien High School, where he was an All-American in both football and baseball. In 1983, he was drafted by the California Angels in the 3rd round, however he opted for a football scholarship to USC, where he played under Ted Tollner. While at USC he also played baseball for legendary coach Rod Dedeaux. He attended USC as a pre-med Kinesiology major from 1983-1986. While there, he earned a Rose Bowl Championship Ring in 1985, and All-Pac 10 honors in baseball in 1986. He signed a professional baseball contract in 1986 with the Boston Red Sox, after being chosen in the 5th round of the draft and played five years with the Boston Red Sox organization.  He underwent “Tommy John” elbow surgery in 1987, which sparked his interest in orthopedic surgery, and he returned to complete his undergraduate degree during his elbow rehabilitation. He applied to medical school during his last season in professional baseball, and in 1989 was featured in Sports Illustrated by Hall of Fame sports writer Peter Gammons as the “Ultimate Student- Athletes’ Dream.” 

Dr. Bast retired from professional baseball in the summer of 1990, and in the fall was accepted at USC Keck School of Medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine in 1994, and accepted an orthopedic residency position for 5 years at LA County/USC Medical Center.

While in residency, he wrote several articles on the mechanics and prevention of throwing injuries in youth, collegiate, and professional athletes.  After residency, he took a position in sports medicine at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic. While there, he took care of professional athletes from a wide variety of sports, including the Lakers, Dodgers, Ducks, Kings, Galaxy, AVP, PGA, and of course the USC Trojans. He is currently in private practice in Covina, California at Magan Medical Clinic, close to his family and friends.

For all of his success Dr. Bast has stayed level-headed. He recognizes the importance of the people behind the scenes. “I could not have gotten there without the support of my family and friends.” As modest as he might be, Dr. Bast’s achievements are nothing if not amazing. It takes a strong person, physically, mentally and spiritually to take everything that has happened to him and still come out a kind, gracious person. It is not surprising therefore that he takes his appointment to the Damien Hall of Fame with gratitude. “It’s a great honor. I am very humbled.”  Damien is proud to have Dr. Bast as a Hall of Fame inductee.