Effort+Energy+Ethusiasm=ECKSTEIN!

First of all, just so you know, it’s pronounced Eckstein, like Einstein. As in Albert Einstein.

Padres second baseman David Eckstein might not be a physicist but he is a smart, warm, personable guy. And as soon as I heard San Diego signed him in January, I knew he would be a great One on One show. At first, it was just because I had heard his name and remembered his play. He seemed feisty and fun. But then, I learned his wife Ashley is an actress. It just kept getting better.

The Padres media folks checked with their agent and the show was a go! So, at spring training I introduced myself to David and he was so nice and even excited about it. He gave me Ashley’s cel and email to be in touch for all the details and the ball was rolling. She gathered pictures and videos and we set a date for the interview. He prefers to do it on an off-day, so the first one that would work was May 18th (my mom’s birthday!)

The crew and I arrived at their rented condo near the beach a little before 10 that Monday morning. They were both casual still, which was great, because it takes an hour or so to set up. By the time we had everything in place, I started by interviewing David. He is so open and expressive, it was fun from the start. Then when Ashley came in, well these two are so cute together. As they say, “two peas in a pod.”

But what I was most impressed with was how honest and accommodating they were. Making sure we had what we needed at the condo and for the production. We needed an “activity” to see him/them in action. A walk on the beach was out. But Ashley suggested -- how about seeing David play Nintendo? He turned it on and started playing. It’s so old-school, which really fits him. You’ll see what I mean when you watch the show.

The other thing that you should know about is that his family has a history of kidney disease and three people in his family have had to have transplants. It’s impacted his life and perspective a lot. He’d love for people to learn more about it by going to www.donatelife.net

Thanks again for your support… and for watching One on One. Enjoy!

4ALS - How You Can Help

Hi -- Major League Baseball is honoring Lou Gehrig on the 4th of July -- the 70th anniversary of when he gave his farewell speech. He had to leave the game due to his being diagnosed with the fatal disease ALS which later came to be known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. This is what my father died of too. So, a cause close to my heart.
There will be lots of special moments in pre-game and during the game.
If you go to the Padres-Dodgers game on the 4th, and you haven't bought your tickets, there's still time to help the Greater San Diego Chapter of the ALS Association. When you buy your tickets on line, it will ask for a promo code. Input "ALS" and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the chapter. For more on ALS, visit the chapter's website at www.alsasd.org
Thanks so much! Jane