The Cream Always Rises

There is an old saying in athletics, "The Cream always rises to the top." This saying has been used to describe how the best players always rise to meet the challenge of the moment. They play up a level when the pressure is on, thus rising to the top of their game. They believe in themselves against all odds and lead by example. They are full of enthusiasm and positive energy, pulling others to a higher level as well. Never taking a play or a pitch off, never giving up, always focused on the moment and what is needed to get the job done.

David Eckstein always comes to mind when thinking of this type of player. Throwing his body around, diving, knocking down balls, taking hard line drives off his chest (or any other part of his body), fouling off 10 pitches before getting a line drive base hit. He has been described as a Pest, a Nat, a tough out, a spark plug, solid on defense, a leader, a team player and a great club house guy. He is a confident, infectious player with NO FEAR........I'll take 9 please.....and beat anybody.