In 2002, a dashing 27-year-old shortstop named David Eckstein received a special invitation dinner at the White House with President George W. Bush. He did what any single, all-American guy would do; he took his mother, Patricia, as his date. In a private conversation, the President told the mother,” I will always hold up the integrity of this office; that’s why I like your son so much. David plays the game with such integrity.”
From his early days as a Harrisonburg Turk in 1995-96 to a member of the 2002 World Series Champion Anaheim Angels, David Eckstein has based his life on integrity and determination. As a walk on at the University of Florida, David became a fixture at second base, as the team captured 3rd place in the 1996 College World Series. Signed by the Boston Red Sox in the 19th round of the 1997 draft for a mere $1,000.00, he played flawless defense at second base in his first three minor league stops. Batting better than .300, Eckstein worked his way onto Bostons 40-man roster in 2000. Following spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, he was assigned to Triple A Pawtucket. Continue reading “The Ecks Factor: David Eckstein”
