Baseball's David Eckstein, St. Louis Cardinals Shortstop, Releases Children's Book

David Eckstein, St. Louis Cardinal and Most Valuable Player of the 2006 World Series, released an updated version of his children's book, Have Heart at the end of December, 2006. Have Heart is co-written by David Eckstein and Greg Brown at a 6th grade reading level, telling the story of David Eckstein's life, from birth through winning the 2006 World Series.

Although most professional athletes are not generally considered role models, after reading Have Heart, one would argue that Major League Baseball has found its squeaky clean example of a player that children can look up to. Have Heart includes the story of how David Eckstein came from a large family that was riddled with health problems. Specifically, two of his siblings and his father suffered from kidney disease and eventually were fortunate to be the recipients of donated kidneys. Growing up seeing the kinds of challenges that life could throw at you made David Eckstein a high achiever, both academically and athletically.

Have Heart goes on to describe David Eckstein's pursuing his education. After graduating high school in Seminole County, Florida, he was accepted to the University of Florida with an academic scholarship. Although he had played baseball throughout his school years, Eckstein was smaller than the other players and was not offered a position on the team. But he never gave up on baseball. Five days a week he asked to use the batting cages and continued to practice everyday, while maintaining an outstanding average academically. His brother, Rick, was also a student at UF and encouraged and coached him. He got a lucky break when a member of the Gators baseball team was sick and he was asked to play as a walk-on. He played so well that he was offered a spot on the team.

David Eckstein graduated college and was picked up by a minor league team, later being signed by the Anaheim Angels where he won his first World Series ring in 2002. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals and won his second World Series ring. Being the shortest player in history to be named MVP of a World Series, Eckstein has shown that hard work and practice can outweigh a person's physical size.

Have Heart tells his entire story, including his marriage in 2005 to actress Ashley Drane. David Eckstein is no dummy. He has worked hard to achieve his place in the spotlight and now he is using that fame to further a very personl cause, specifically to encourage people to become organ donors. His book is inspiring, motivational, and makes a good gift for any young person or ball player who aspires to pursuing his dreams, whatever they may be.

Perhaps one of the most telling anecdotes that defines David Eckstein's integrity and values is the fact that he has never owned a new car. When he was awarded the title of MVP of the World Series last year, he was given a brand new, yellow Chevy Corvette. It would have been his first new car. However, as he told Jay Leno on The Tonight Show, he is not very coordinated off the ball field and he never learned how to drive a stick shift. Knowing his background, there was no question in my mind that he wouldn't keep the Corvette. I later asked him, "David, who did you give the Corvette to?" He replied with a smile, "That's the first question my wife asked me: Who are you going to give the car to? I gave it to my brother, Rick."

Drane didn't object to him giving the car away. She just made him promise to get a second car so that they don't have to continue to share the one they have, which used to belong to his mother. Together this couple looks like Alice in Wonderland and her prince, which was the theme of their wedding at a Disney World Hotel.