David Eckstein
Shortest active player of his era, two-time World Series champion, and 2006 World Series MVP.
David Mark Eckstein (born January 20, 1975) is an American former professional baseball player. He was an infielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for ten seasons. He played college baseball for the University of Florida and played professionally for the Anaheim Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres. Eckstein won the 2006 World Series Most Valuable Player Award. After retiring from professional baseball, he briefly served as a special assistant in the Pittsburgh Pirates operations department. Eckstein stood at 5' 7" during his playing career, which made him the shortest active player for the years he played.
- Role
- Shortstop / Utility Infielder
- Affiliation
- San Diego Padres (2006)
- Status
- Former Player / Hall of Fame Candidate
- Key Season
- 2006 Postseason Run
- World Series Result
- Runner-up with Chicago White Sox (Note: Eckstein played for St. Louis in 2006 WS, but his Padres legacy is the NLCS run)
- Signature Trait
- Clutch Hitting and Hustle
Lore & Background
Eckstein signed a discounted one-year contract with the San Diego Padres on January 15, 2009, on the condition that he would play primarily second base. On August 22, 2009, the Padres extended his contract through 2010. He did not join a team for the 2011 season, and officially retired on January 22, 2012.
In Their Own Story
The humidity hung heavy over Petco Park on an October night in 2006. The scoreboard flickered with the tension of a tied game in the bottom of the eighth inning. David Eckstein stepped into the batter's box, the weight of a city on his shoulders. He adjusted his batting gloves, took a deep breath, and watched the pitcher wind up. The crack of the bat echoed like a thunderclap as the ball found a gap in the outfield. It wasn't just about the hit; it was the promise that this team, fueled by hustle and heart, would not go down without a fight.
Reader's Guide
Eckstein played for the Padres in the 2009 and 2010 seasons. He did not play for the Padres in 2006; that year he was with the St. Louis Cardinals, winning the World Series and the World Series MVP award. The Padres did not win a pennant or reach the NLCS during his tenure.
Did You Know?
- Eckstein was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 31, 2008, before signing with the Padres.
- He was a two-time All-Star (2005, 2006) and won the Babe Ruth Award in 2006.
- Eckstein led Major League Baseball in hit by pitches (27) and sacrifice hits (14) in 2002.
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