Reasons I love David Eckstein

• The double he hit in last night’s Game 4 of the World Series to propel the Cards to a win. • Commentators say he’s too small, not strong enough, and not talented enough to be the player he is. Yet the 5-foot-7 shortstop for the Cardinals plays with all his heart! (I take offense at the “no talent” remark. The boy has talent. He could not have the success he enjoys without some skills and ability! So he’s short and not your conventional superstar! Get over it and jump on the Eckstein bandwagon!) • His obvious dedication to the fundamentals of the game. So he’s not the biggest hitter out there. He knows how to play the game in all its intricacies and loves it. • It’s about team with David, not making a name for himself. (And we all know that of all the sports our there, baseball really is a TEAM sport.) • He’s so cute and huggable. • That double in last night’s game. • He doesn’t shoot his mouth off. Actually, he doesn’t talk much at all. He has a quiet, reserved integrity about him. • He makes things happen on the field. • The boy can bunt! • He loves his family. • He plays with all his heart in every game. He’s never half-hearted or distracted. When he’s in the game, he’s entirely in the game. He runs for first even if it’s clear he’ll be thrown out. • He’s generally able to move the runners around the bases, even if it means sacrificing himself to advance the runner. • The old world charm he adds back into the game of baseball. In an era of salary caps and steroids, it’s refreshing to see somebody out there who so obviously reveres the sport and its history. • His double in last night’s game. • His shy smile. • His skill as shortstop. • The way he respects Tony LaRussa. • His skill as a lead-off batter. • That double in last night’s game! All that said, GO CARDS! Tonight’s the night! Win me a World Series ring! I’ve been a dedicated fan through thick and a whole lot of thin. I doubted my team this year and they’ve proved me wrong over and over. I hope they prove me doubts wrong again tonight! 🙂