David Eckstein is a two-time National League All-Star shortstop and current leadoff hitter for the world champion St. Louis Cardinals. Eckstein was named the 2006 World Series Most Valuable Player after hitting .364 with four RBIs, including going 4-for-5 with three doubles in game four.

During the 2006 regular season, Eckstein batted .292 with 18 doubles. In 2005, he established career highs with a .294 batting average, 185 hits and 58 walks in his first season with St. Louis. Eckstein was also a starter for the 2002 World Series champion Anaheim Angels and is a .283 career hitter heading into the 2007 campaign. 

Eckstein was a member of the National League All-Star team in both 2005 and 2006. He has been a fan favorite wherever he has played and at just 5 feet 7, is considered to be the toughest “little guy” in baseball.

Originally a baseball walk-on at University of Florida in 1994, Eckstein earned a scholarship and became the first two-time Academic All American in Gators history. He overcame great odds to make it to the Major Leagues after being taken by the Boston Red Sox in the 19th round of the Major League draft. In August 2000, he was selected off waivers by the Angels.

Eckstein calls himself a typical Catholic and does not push his faith on anyone. He married actress Ashley Drane, the former star of the WB’s Blue Collar television show, on Nov. 26, 2005 at Walt Disney World.