USA coach David Eckstein: "Every game is a challenge and you play the game, not the opponent"

Former Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series two-time champion David Eckstein, the USA U-18 National Team's first base coach at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS, is aware that his players were not born when he played shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals and earned World Series MVP honours in 2006.

"Well, they need to google me, if they want to find out about my career as a player," Eckstein said with a smile. "When they see the resume, that kind of builds the credibility. When I get out, and I show the kids, I want to give my best to them. When they see I'm out there to help, they buy in."

Born in 1975 in Sanford, Florida, David Eckstein played baseball at the University of Florida. The Boston Red Sox drafted him in 1997. Eckstein reached the Triple-A level in the Red Sox's farm system, but Boston designated him for assignment in August 2000, and the Anaheim Angels selected him off waivers a few days later.

He made his MLB debut on October 3, 2001, for the Angels and played the last of his 1,311 MLB games on October 3, 2010, for the San Diego Padres. Eckstein helped two teams to World Series titles, the Anaheim Angels in 2002 and the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006. He earned World Series MVP honours in 2006 and was a two-time All-Star.

David Eckstein is the USA's first base coach and serves on the staff under his brother Rick, the USA U-18 National Team manager. He is trying to share his baseball knowledge with the players.

"I was the kind of player who had to do everything right. I had the fundamentals, so having the opportunity to be around the up-and-coming and teach our game has been fun. I liked working with them, and hopefully I can teach them the fundamentals of the game."

What's the best quality of this USA National Team? "The versatility [is our best quality]. We've got a lot of guys out there who, on their regular team, play shortstop. They come here and have the versatility to go to different positions. We've got some two-way players. Our best attribute is this versatility that we bring."

On Sunday, September 14, USA will face Japan in the World Championship Final. Is Japan the strongest opponent you have faced so far? "They are all very tough. Every opponent is the strongest opponent. You never look past any opponent. You always play the game. The model is that you never play an opponent; you play the game. The game will challenge you. When I made it to the Big Leagues, I was never facing Roger Clemens; I was facing myself. These boys are not facing an opponent. They are facing themselves. Every game is a challenge, and you play the game."

The WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup has been, for decades, the tournament in which future stars get their feet wet in international baseball. Do you foresee any stars on the current 20-player roster? "It's a long road from this point, but we definitely have some very talented players. They all show glimpses of a promising Big League future, but this is just the beginning. The work doesn't stop here. You haven't made it yet. They need to use it as a learning experience."

On a final note, David Eckstein shared his feelings about international baseball. "I love international baseball. It's almost back to the game in its purest form. You see teams that know how to play all aspects of the game. You see bunt plays, hit-and-runs, and I've even seen slash-and-runs. I've seen it all. I love international play."