David Eckstein
The shortest player in MLB history who led his team with grit, winning a World Series MVP title.
David Eckstein, born January 20, 1975, is an American former professional baseball player who played ten seasons in Major League Baseball. Standing at just 5'7", he was the shortest active player during his career. After starting with the Boston Red Sox organization, he joined the Anaheim Angels in August 2000 via waivers. He made his major league debut on April 3, 2001, against the Texas Rangers and quickly secured a spot as the team's full-time shortstop. Eckstein led the American League in grand slams during the Angels' 2002 championship season and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting the prior year. His tenure in Anaheim was defined by resilience and clutch hitting before he moved to St. Louis later in his career.
- Affiliation
- Anaheim Angels
- Role
- Shortstop / Second Baseman
- Status
- Retired
- Jersey Number
- 18
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Eckstein's journey to the majors began as a walk-on at the University of Florida, where he earned an athletic scholarship and became a two-time first-team All-SEC selection. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 19th round of the 1997 draft, he spent four years in their minor league system before being designated for assignment on August 14, 2000. Two days later, the Anaheim Angels selected him off waivers. He finished his rookie campaign with a .285 batting average and 41 RBIs, placing fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind Ichiro Suzuki. During the 2002 championship season, Eckstein led all of Major League Baseball with three grand slams, including back-to-back game-winners against the Toronto Blue Jays that sparked a 20-3 run for the Angels. He also led the league in hit by pitches (27) and sacrifice hits (14), embodying a style of play that maximized every opportunity.
In Their Own Story
The 2002 season marked Eckstein's arrival as a central figure for the Anaheim Angels. Entering spring training, he fought his way onto the Opening Day roster, making his debut against the Texas Rangers on April 3, 2001, where he went 1-for-3 with his first hit off Kenny Rogers. By May, he had established himself as the permanent starting shortstop. The turning point came in 2002 when the Angels sat at a disappointing 7–14 record. Eckstein delivered grand slams in back-to-back games against the Toronto Blue Jays, including one that secured a sweep and ignited a 20-win surge in their next 23 games. He finished that year with eight home runs and 63 RBIs while leading the league in being hit by pitches. Although he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals after the 2004 season, his time in Anaheim laid the foundation for a career that would eventually include a World Series MVP award.
Reader's Guide
David Eckstein played for the Anaheim Angels from August 14, 2000, through the end of the 2004 season. He was acquired off waivers just two days after being designated by the Boston Red Sox. During his five seasons in Anaheim, he transitioned from a rookie shortstop to an All-Star caliber player. Key moments include his 2001 debut where he hit .318 in his first month and his record-setting 2002 campaign with three grand slams. His time with the club ended when he signed a three-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals on December 23, 2004, joining the "shortstop merry-go-round" that saw him replace Orlando Cabrera.
Did You Know?
- At 5'7", David Eckstein was the shortest active player in Major League Baseball throughout his entire career.
- He led all of Major League Baseball in hit by pitches (27) and sacrifice hits (14) during the 2002 season.
- Eckstein was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 19th round of the 1997 draft but reached the majors with the Anaheim Angels just three years later.
- He hit grand slams in back-to-back games against the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002, helping the Angels go from a 7–14 record to winning 20 of their next 23 games.
- Eckstein made his major league debut on April 3, 2001, getting his first hit off pitcher Kenny Rogers.