David Eckstein

Toronto Blue Jays — No. 11
Shortstop
Born: January 20, 1975 (1975-01-20) (age 33)
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
Major League Baseball debut
April 3, 2001 for the Anaheim Angels
Selected MLB statistics (through 2007)
Batting average	.286
Hits	1,079
Doubles	161
Runs	556
Walks	279
OBP	.351
Teams
Anaheim Angels (2001-2004) St. Louis Cardinals (2005-2007) Toronto Blue Jays (2008-present)

David Mark Eckstein, (born January 20, 1975 in Sanford, Florida), is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays. He is noted for his size, as he is a small (for professional sports) 5' 7", but weighs 175 pounds. Eckstein's name is pronounced (ECK-styne) and means "cornerstone" in German. His "entrance music" is Ludacris's "Number One Spot" (appropriate since Eckstein usually bats as the leadoff hitter) and Crystal Method's "Busy Child". Image File history File links Download high resolution version (750x714, 307 KB)David Eckstein at bat, wearing a retro 1982 jersey. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball measuring the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters, respectively. ... In Major League Baseball history, Ty Cobb had a record 4,191 hits (later revised to 4,189) by 1928; Pete Rose would surpass it 57 years later, and finish with 4,256 career hits. ... In baseball, a double is the act of a batter safely reaching second base by striking the ball and getting to second before being made out, without the benefit of a fielders misplay (see error) or another runner being put out on a fielders choice. ... Bengie Molina of the Anaheim Angels (in gray and red) scores a run by touching home plate after rounding all the bases. ... Rashad Eldridge of the Oklahoma Redhawks walks to first base after drawing a base on balls. ... In baseball statistics, on base percentage (OBP) (sometimes referred to as on base average (OBA)) is a measure of how often a batter gets to first base for any reason other than a fielding error or a fielders choice. ... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Other nicknames The Halos, The Wings, The Seraphs... The following are the baseball events of the year 2001 throughout the world. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2004 throughout the world. ... Major league affiliations National League (1892–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 2, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 42, 42, 45, 85 Name St. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2005 throughout the world. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2007 throughout the world. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) East Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Toronto Blue Jays (1977–present) Other nicknames The Jays Ballpark Rogers Centre (1989–present) a. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2008 throughout the world. ... is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Sanford is a city in and the county seatGR6 of Seminole County, Florida, USA. The population was 38,291 at the 2000 census. ... Major Leagues redirects here. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) East Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Toronto Blue Jays (1977–present) Other nicknames The Jays Ballpark Rogers Centre (1989–present) a. ... Professional sports began at North Panola High School in the early 1600s. ... Entrance music may refer to: The music that accompanies a baseball player when he bats or pitches: List of baseball entrance music. ... Luda redirects here. ... Number One Spot is a 2005 hit off rapper Ludacris 2004 album The Red Light District. ... In baseball, a leadoff hitter is a batter who bats first in the lineup. ... The Crystal Method is an Electronic music duo, comprising Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland. ...

High school career

Eckstein played baseball all four years at Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida. He was a two-time All-State athletic selection, and a prominent member of a state championship team. Seminole High School is a public high school located in Sanford, Florida operated by the Seminole County School District. ... Sanford is a city in and the county seatGR6 of Seminole County, Florida, USA. The population was 38,291 at the 2000 census. ... For other uses, see State (disambiguation). ... Championship is a term used to refer to various forms of sports competitions in which the aim is to decide which individual or team is the champion; that is, the best competitor. ...

He was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. David was voted "Most Helpful",n the Class of 1993. Established in 1921, the National Honor Society (NHS) is recognition program for middle and high school students who show achievement in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. ... Mission The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a not-for-profit organization that has been based in Kansas City, Missouri since 1956. ...

Eckstein also is commemorated on the 2006-07 Seminole High baseball squad's T-shirt with the recognition at the bottom of the shirt as follows: "22.DE.WS.MVP.06". 22 is Eckstein's number, DE are his initials, and he was the World Series MVP!

College career

At the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, Eckstein was a walk-on player to the Gators baseball team in season of 1994, later earning a scholarship. A standout in the Southeastern Conference, he was a two-time All-SEC (1995-1996) first team sports in 1996 and a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection (1995-1997). Eckstein was the first two-time corporation Academic All-American in Gator history. He was also a member of the 1996 baseball team that finished third in the country. The University of Florida (Florida, UFL, or UF) is a public land-grant, research university located in Gainesville, Florida. ... Location in Alachua County and the state of Florida Coordinates: , Country State County Incorporated (city) 15 April 1869 Government  - Type Council-manager  - Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan  - City Manager Russ Blackburn Area [1]  - City 49. ... For other uses, see Walk On (disambiguation). ... Gator can mean: A short form of alligator. ... Autumn colours at Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire, England. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) The year 1994 was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by the United Nations. ... The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is a college athletic conference headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, which operates in the southeastern part of the United States. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... All-American, a Broadway musical with book by Mel Brooks, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams, opened in New York on March 19, 1962, and played 80 performances. ... Plato is credited with the inception of academia: the body of knowledge, its development and transmission across generations. ... This article is in need of attention. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... General Telephone and Electronics (GTE) was the largest of the independent US telephone companies during the days of the Bell System. ... All-American, a Broadway musical with book by Mel Brooks, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams, opened in New York on March 19, 1962, and played 80 performances. ... This article is about the study of the past in human terms. ... The College World Series is the tournament which determines the NCAA Division I collegiate baseball champion. ... For other uses, see Nation (disambiguation). ...

Eckstein was also selected to the Jewish All-American team, despite the fact he is Catholic, and not Jewish [1].

MLB career

Eckstein signing autographs before a May 30th game against the Astros in 2006

Eckstein was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 19th round of the 1997 amateur draft, and selected off waivers by the Anaheim Angels on August 16, 2000. He was a member of the 2002 World Series champion Anaheim Angels (now the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim), as well as the 2006 Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was selected 2006 World Series MVP. However, in several post-Series interviews, Eckstein said that he cannot use his prize, a Chevrolet Corvette Z06, because he does not know how to drive a manual transmission. He gave the car to his brother Rick. During his 2002 championship year, he led the major leagues with three grand slams, including two back-to-back walk-off grand slams against the Toronto Blue Jays. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1536 × 2048 pixel, file size: 750 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1536 × 2048 pixel, file size: 750 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Here are things that start with the name Astros: Major League Baseball Houston Astros Astros Field A place in Arcadia, Greece Astros, Greece See also: Astro This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 4, 8, 9, 27, 42 Name Boston Red Sox (1908–present) Boston Americans (1901-1907) Other nicknames The BoSox, The Olde Towne Team, The Sox Ballpark Fenway Park (1912–present) Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds... The following are the events of the year 1997 that happened world-wide throughout the sport of baseball. ... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Other nicknames The Halos, The Wings, The Seraphs... is the 228th day of the year (229th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2000 throughout the world. ... Dates October 19, 2002–October 27, 2002 MVP Troy Glaus (Anaheim) Television network FOX Announcers Joe Buck and Tim McCarver Umpires Jerry Crawford, Mike Reilly, Tim McClelland, Tim Tschida, Mike Winters, Angel Hernandez The 2002 World Series featured the Anaheim Angels (American League) and the San Francisco Giants (National League... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Other nicknames The Halos, The Wings, The Seraphs... Dates October 21, 2006–October 27, 2006 MVP David Eckstein Television network FOX Announcers Joe Buck and Tim McCarver[1] Umpires Randy Marsh, Alfonso Márquez, Wally Bell, Mike Winters, John Hirschbeck, Tim McClelland The 2006 World Series, the 102nd edition of Major League Baseballs championship series, began on... Major league affiliations National League (1892–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 2, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 42, 42, 45, 85 Name St. ... The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car that has been manufactured by Chevrolet since 1953. ... A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift, straight drive, or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in automotive applications. ... This year in baseball: 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 Events January-March January 8 - Ozzie Smith is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) East Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Toronto Blue Jays (1977–present) Other nicknames The Jays Ballpark Rogers Centre (1989–present) a. ...

At the end of the 2004 season, Eckstein was part of a "shortstop merry-go-round," in which three free agent shortstops swapped teams: Edgar Rentería went from the Cardinals to the Red Sox, Orlando Cabrera went from the Red Sox to the Angels, and Eckstein went from the Angels to the Cardinals. The following are the baseball events of the year 2004 throughout the world. ... This article is about the fairground ride. ... In North American professional sports, particularly baseball, football, and basketball, a free agent is a team player whose contract with a team has expired, and the player is able to sign a contract with another team. ... Edgar Enrique Rentería (pronounced as IPA: ) (born August 7, 1975 in Barranquilla, Colombia) is a shortstop in Major League Baseball who plays for the Atlanta Braves (as of 2006). ... Major league affiliations National League (1892–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 2, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 42, 42, 45, 85 Name St. ... The Boston Red Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Boston, Massachusetts. ... Orlando Luis Cabrera (born November 2, 1974 in Cartagena, Colombia) is a Major League Baseball shortstop who plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. ... The Boston Red Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Boston, Massachusetts. ... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Other nicknames The Halos, The Wings, The Seraphs... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Other nicknames The Halos, The Wings, The Seraphs... Major league affiliations National League (1892–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 2, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 42, 42, 45, 85 Name St. ...

In seven seasons, he has amassed 1,079 hits while batting .286. He was voted to the National League All-Star team in 2005, along with teammates Chris Carpenter, Albert Pujols, Jason Isringhausen and Jim Edmonds. He was a late addition to the 2006 All-Star team. In 3,772 regular season at-bats, Eckstein has struck out only 305 times, with a total of 22 in 2007. For other uses, see National League (disambiguation). ... The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also popularly known as the Midsummer Classic, is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by fan vote for the starting position players and by the respective managers (from the previous years World... The following are the baseball events of the year 2005 throughout the world. ... Christopher John (Chris) Carpenter (born April 27, 1975 in Exeter, New Hampshire) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who has played for the St. ... “Pujols” redirects here. ... Jason Derik Isringhausen (born September 7, 1972 in Brighton, Illinois) is a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, and is currently the closer for the St. ... James Patrick Jim Edmonds (born June 27, 1970 in Fullerton, California) is a left-handed batter who plays for the St. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2006 throughout the world. ...

Eckstein was a fan favorite in St. Louis, who considered him to be a "pesky" hitter (he chokes up on the bat about 2 inches).^{[citation needed]} He is often pointed out for his resemblance (as a hitter) to former New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Lenny Dykstra.^{[citation needed]} Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 14, 37, 41, 42 Name New York Mets (1962–present) Other nicknames The Amazin Mets, The Amazins, The Metropolitans, The Kings of Queens Ballpark Shea Stadium (current) (1964–present) Polo Grounds (1962–1963) Major... Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 14, 20, 32, 36, 42 Name Philadelphia Phillies (1884–present) Philadelphia Quakers (1883-1889) (Also referred to as Blue Jays 1943-1945 despite formal name remaining Phillies) Other nicknames The Phils, The Phightin Phils... Austin Kearns, an outfielder, catches a fly ball. ... Leonard Kyle (Lenny) Dykstra (born February 10, 1963 in Santa Ana, California, also known as Nails[1]) is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. ...

One of Eckstein's more surprising feats, given his low home run numbers (30), is the fact that he hit grand slams in back-to-back games. On Mother's Day, May 14, 2006, Eckstein was one of more than 50 hitters who brandished a pink bat to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation. In the sport of baseball, a grand slam (or just slam for short) is a home run hit with all the bases occupied by baserunners, thereby scoring 4 runs - the most possible on a single play. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Mothers Day. ... May 14 is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Starting in 2006, the Louisville Slugger Company produced a limited supply of more than 400 pink baseball bats for use by more than 50 professional baseball players on Mothers Day. ...

As a member of the 2006 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals, Eckstein was named the World Series MVP. Following a 1-11 start in the first 2 games of the World Series, Eckstein went 8 for 22 with 4 RBI and scored 3 runs in the series, including going 4-for-5 with three doubles in game 4. Major league affiliations National League (1892–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 2, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 42, 42, 45, 85 Name St. ... The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his teams success in the World Series. ...

Among collectors of baseball trading cards, Eckstein is known for his 2004 Topps baseball trading card. The card mistakenly features a picture of Adam Kennedy, not Eckstein, on the front, although all other aspects of the card are correct.^{[citation needed]} Baseball cards from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s A baseball card is a small card printed on heavy paper stock, featuring one or more baseball players. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the meat company, see Topps Meat Company. ... Adam Thomas Kennedy (born January 10, 1976 in Riverside, California) is a Major League Baseball player. ...

On November 5, 2007, David Eckstein became a free agent along with Kip Wells, Troy Percival, and Miguel Cairo. is the 309th day of the year (310th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Robert Kip Wells (born April 21, 1977 in Houston, Texas) is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher, currently with the St. ... Troy Eugene Percival (born August 9, 1969 in Fontana, California) is a Major League Baseball closer who is under contract with the Detroit Tigers. ... Miguel Jesús Cairo ˈkaiɾo (born May 4, 1974 in Anzoátegui State, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball utility infielder for the St. ...

On December 13, 2007, he signed a 1-year, $4.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[2] (See [John McDonald 2008 season] is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) East Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Toronto Blue Jays (1977–present) Other nicknames The Jays Ballpark Rogers Centre (1989–present) a. ...

Personal life

David married actress Ashley Drane on November 26, 2005, at his family church in Sanford, Florida, followed by a reception at Walt Disney World. He is also a big fan of professional wrestling, having made public appearances with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling during the 2006 World Series and on February 11, 2007, he co-managed (along with New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon) TNA wrestler Lance Hoyt for his match with current White Sox conditioning coach Dale Torborg, managed by Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski at TNA's Against All Odds pay-per-view. David Eckstein is not Jewish, even though people often believe he is, due to his last name.[3] David was featured in the movie "Champions of Faith" which featured MLB players and coaches that talked about their Catholic faith. His former teammates Jeff Suppan and Mike Piazza were also among others who were in "Champions of Faith". Maria Ashley Drane (born September 22, 1981 in Louisville, Kentucky, United States and raised in Orlando, Florida) is a TV actress best known to audiences of Blue Collar TV. To younger audiences, she plays as a minor character named Muffy on Disney Channels Thats So Raven. ... is the 330th day of the year (331st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Cinderella Castle, at the center of the Magic Kingdom, is Walt Disney World Resorts most recognizable icon Introduction Owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, USA is home to four theme parks, two water parks, several resort hotels and golf courses... For the video game, see Pro Wrestling (video game). ... Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) is an American professional wrestling promotion founded by Jeff Jarrett and his father Jerry Jarrett in May 2002. ... is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. ... Dale the Demon Torborg (born October 24, 1971) is an American baseball trainer and former professional wrestler. ... Anthony John A.J. Pierzynski [peer-ZIN-skee] (born December 30, 1976) is an American Major League Baseball catcher who has played for the Chicago White Sox since 2005. ... Against All Odds is a neo-noir 1984 film, a remake of Out of the Past. ... The word Jew ( Hebrew: יהודי) is used in a wide number of ways, but generally refers to a follower of the Jewish faith, a child of a Jewish mother, or someone of Jewish descent with a connection to Jewish culture or ethnicity and often a combination of these attributes. ... Jeffrey Scot Suppan (born January 2, 1975, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. ... Michael Joseph Piazza (born September 4, 1968 in Norristown, Pennsylvania) is an American Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent. ...

In December 2006, David released the second edition of his inspirational children's autobiography, "Have Heart."

Career highlights

• 2006 Holiday Inn Look Again Player of the Year
• 2-time World Series Champion (2002 Anaheim Angels, 2006 St. Louis Cardinals)
• 2006 World Series MVP
• 2-time All-Star (2005, 2006)
• Babe Ruth Award winner (2002)
• Inaugural winner of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association's Heart & Hustle Award in 2005.

The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his teams success in the World Series. ... The Babe Ruth Award was an annual award given to the Major League Baseball player with the best performance in the World Series, similar to the World Series MVP Award. ... The Heart & Hustle Award is given out annually by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association to the player who a current player who not only excels on the field, but also best embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game. ...

External links

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference
• David Eckstein page at stlcardinals.scout.com
• Article mentioning his winning of the MLBPAA Heart & Hustle Award
• [4]