David Eckstein
At 5'6" and 170 pounds, babyfaced David Eckstein never looked the part of a ballplayer. But he squeezed every bit of talent from his small frame and became an All-Star shortstop. A throwback to the era when shortstops were light-hitting sparkplugs, Eckstein batted leadoff for the 2002 World Champion Angels, scoring 107 runs, while leading the league in sacrifice hits and being hit by pitches. He signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Cardinals after the 2004 season.
Quotes About Eckstein
"He's the toughest guy I've ever seen in a uniform." — Tony LaRussa
Best Season: 2002
Eckstein finished 11th in American League Most Valuable Player voting, as he batted .293 with 107 runs scored, six triples, eight homers, 63 RBI, and 21 stolen bases.
Most Game-Ending Grand Slams
Alex Rodriguez... 3
Vern Stephens... 3
Cy Williams... 3
Bob Aspromonte... 2
Albert Belle... 2
Bobby Bonds... 2
Steve Finley... 2
Ruppert Jones... 2
Ralph Kiner... 2
Davey Lopes... 2
Mark McGwire... 2
Jim Presley... 2
Nomar Garciaparra... 2
David Eckstein... 2
Description
Short, slight, and boyish, with a bouncing stride, Eckstein is sort of like Opey Taylor in cleats.
Where He Played
Shortstop almost exclusively, though he played 14 games at second in his rookie season.
Born
Eckstein was born on January 20, 1975, in Sanford, FL.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: SS
Primary Team: ANA
College: Florida
Nicknames
X-Factor, Just Enough
Family Tree
His twin brother, Rick, is a hitting coach in the Nationals organization. Several members of Eckstein's family, including his brother, have suffered from kidney failure.
Similar Players
He's a reminder of the days, as recent as the 1970s, when shortstops could be little guys who hit 5-10 homers. Guys like Larry Bowa, Rick Burleson, Freddie Patek, and Chris Speier.
Post-Season Appearances
2002 American League Championship Series
2002 American League Divisional Series
2002 World Series
2004 American League Divisional Series
2005 National League Championship Series
2005 National League Divisional Series
Post-Season Notes
Eckstein collected nine hits and scored six runs in the Halos' 2002 World Series victory... Eckstein was 4-for-5 with three doubles and two RBI in Game Four of the 2006 World Series. His eighth-inning double provided the winning run... He was named MVP of the 2006 World Series, after the Cardinals defeated the Tigers in five games.
Transactions
June 3, 1997: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 19th round of the 1997 amateur draft.
August 16, 2000: Selected off waivers by the Anaheim Angels from the Boston Red Sox.
December 21, 2004: Granted Free Agency.
December 23, 2004: Signed as a Free Agent with the St. Louis Cardinals.
All-Star Selections
2005 NL
Best Strength as a Player
Determination and grit.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Arm strength, but that doesn't hamper im because he makes up for it by positioning himself well and getting rid of the ball quickly.
Learn More about David Eckstein
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