David Eckstein - Biography

Last Editor: gonzalezvilchis				David Eckstein Biography -   Name : David Eckstein Profession : Baseball Player Birth Details : born January 20, 1975 in Sanford, Florida Birth name : David Mark Eckstein Height : 5' 7" (1.70 m) Nickname : X-Factor Spouse : Ashley Drane (26 November 2005 - present)

David Eckstein Trivia -

Led the majors in grand slams in 2002 with 3. He hit only 8 total home runs that season. 19th-round pick of the Boston Red Sox in the 1997 draft. Engaged to actress Ashley Drane on February 4, 2005. Was a member of the 2002 World Champion Anaheim Angels Voted in as the starting shortstop for the 2005 National League All-Star team.

David Eckstein Detailed Biography -

David Eckstein (born January 20, 1975 in Sanford, Florida) is a baseball shortstop and current lead-off hitter for the St. Louis Cardinals, beginning in the 2005 season. After a college career as a walk-on at the University of Florida, he 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. Eckstein then signed a 3 year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2004. From 2001-04, Eckstein has compiled a .278 batting average with 17 home runs and 170 RBI in 567 games. He was voted to the National League All-Star team in 2005. Many consider him to be a "pesky" hitter, although his teammates and fans know him as a clutch hitter who hardly ever strikes out and nearly always puts the ball in play. He thrives in his present lineup with the St. Louis Cardinals, which features 2005 MVP Albert Pujols. At the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, Eckstein was a walk-on to the Gators baseball team in fall of 1994, later earning a scholarship. A standout in the Southeastern Conference, he was two-time All-SEC (1995-96), first team All-American in 1996 and a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection (1995-97). Eckstein was the first two-time GTE Academic All-American in Gator history. He was also a member of the 1996 College World Series team that finished third in nation. At Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida, Eckstein was a two-time All-State selection,and a member of a state championship.