From a Clippers press release
The Columbus Clippers have named Rick Eckstein as their hitting coach for the 2008 season. Eckstein begins his first season with the Clippers, though he is no stranger to the organization. Rick spent three seasons in the Nationals organization, most recently in 2006 as hitting coach for the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs.
Last season, Eckstein was the hitting coach of the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds ( PCL) in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He also served as bullpen coach for Team USA during the inaugural World Baseball Classic prior to the 2006 season. Rick was a coach with short-season Single-A Vermont in 2005 and coached the final month of the 2004 season with Harrisburg, spelling Rob Ducey, who participated in Athens Summer Olympics for Team Canada.
He has enjoyed coaching stints in the Minnesota and Tampa Bay organizations and has also coached at the collegiate level at the University of Georgia and University of Florida.
During his coaching career, Eckstein has served in a variety of roles, including hitting coach, as well as strength and conditioning coach. He played college ball at the University of Florida, where he graduated in 1997 with a BA in Exercise Sport Science.
His brother, David, is the Cardinals shortstop and Rick was invited to the 2005 All-Star Game to assist Manager Tony La Russa’s staff.
Andrew S | 30-Jan-08 at 1:34 pm | Permalink
Wow, Cardinals SS????
16 more days | 30-Jan-08 at 3:01 pm | Permalink
Brian-
Where do you think Jesus Flores ends up playing this year? It seems it would be good for him to catch for our best pitchers on the way up, and then again, it seems good for him to play for former catcher John Stearns.
Brian Oliver | 30-Jan-08 at 3:10 pm | Permalink
I think Harrisburg makes the most sense for him. Combining the fact Stearns is there with the presence of some of the top arms like Detwiler, Zimmermann, Martis, etc
VladiHondo | 30-Jan-08 at 4:53 pm | Permalink
David “was” Cardinal SS, is now with Blue Jays, I believe a free agent signee.
pahou | 30-Jan-08 at 5:31 pm | Permalink
Rick Eickstein, what a real class act. And he brings lots of enthusiaum with him. He was one of the few bright spots when he spent the end of the summer here in Harrisburg, a few years ago.
jflansburgh | 31-Jan-08 at 1:48 pm | Permalink
I’m sure his coaching style will focus alot on heart and scrappiness