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Just Enough
In JUST ENOUGH, two-time World Series Champion and 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein shares the valleys and mountaintops that shaped him—years defined not by trophies, but by perseverance, faith, family, and the belief that purpose is found in how you rise when life tells you no.
You don’t need to be the biggest. You don’t need to be the strongest. You just need to keep going.
David Eckstein was never supposed to make it. Too small, too unlikely, too easy to overlook. From a fragile newborn fighting for his life to a young ballplayer told he’d never be good enough, the odds were stacked against him long before he reached a major league field.
But what he lacked in size, he made up for in heart.
Through intimate stories of his Florida upbringing, the challenges that forged his family’s bond, and the failures that taught him to fight back, David reveals the truth he learned long before he became a a person isn’t measured in inches…they’re measured in feats.
More than a baseball memoir, this is a story about the people who carried him, the coaches who pushed him, the moments that nearly broke him, and the love that grounded him.
Honest and deeply human, JUST ENOUGH reminds us that if you’ve ever been doubted, dismissed, or underestimated, you can still win.
Contains a heartfelt introduction by actor Sean Astin, who calls Eckstein’s mastery of the game “just a thing of beauty.”
You don’t need to be the biggest. You don’t need to be the strongest. You just need to keep going.
David Eckstein was never supposed to make it. Too small, too unlikely, too easy to overlook. From a fragile newborn fighting for his life to a young ballplayer told he’d never be good enough, the odds were stacked against him long before he reached a major league field.
But what he lacked in size, he made up for in heart.
Through intimate stories of his Florida upbringing, the challenges that forged his family’s bond, and the failures that taught him to fight back, David reveals the truth he learned long before he became a a person isn’t measured in inches…they’re measured in feats.
More than a baseball memoir, this is a story about the people who carried him, the coaches who pushed him, the moments that nearly broke him, and the love that grounded him.
Honest and deeply human, JUST ENOUGH reminds us that if you’ve ever been doubted, dismissed, or underestimated, you can still win.
Contains a heartfelt introduction by actor Sean Astin, who calls Eckstein’s mastery of the game “just a thing of beauty.”
- GenresBaseball
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2026
About the author
David Eckstein
6 books5 followersDavid Eckstein is a former Major League Baseball player known for his Just Enough style of play. The youngest of five in a family affected by kidney disease, David learned early on that life is precious and should never be taken for granted.
He made his major league debut with the Anaheim Angels in 2001, and despite always being considered an underdog, led the league in grand slams while contributing to the Angels’ 2002 World Series victory.
In 2006, with the St. Louis Cardinals, Eckstein helped lead the team to his second World Series championship and was named the World Series MVP.
Over Eckstein’s ten-year career, he was a two-time All-Star, the 2006 Babe Ruth Award winner, and the first-ever recipient of the Heart & Hustle Award.
Off the field, David has dedicated himself to advocating for organ donation and, since 2007, has partnered with Mid-America Transplant. Post-career, he can still be found on the baseball field, mentoring young players. He has earned three gold medals as part of the 18U Team USA Baseball coaching staff, and also works with MLB International, coaching kids from all over the world.
He lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Ashley, who is the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars. Together, they can often be found at Walt Disney World.
He made his major league debut with the Anaheim Angels in 2001, and despite always being considered an underdog, led the league in grand slams while contributing to the Angels’ 2002 World Series victory.
In 2006, with the St. Louis Cardinals, Eckstein helped lead the team to his second World Series championship and was named the World Series MVP.
Over Eckstein’s ten-year career, he was a two-time All-Star, the 2006 Babe Ruth Award winner, and the first-ever recipient of the Heart & Hustle Award.
Off the field, David has dedicated himself to advocating for organ donation and, since 2007, has partnered with Mid-America Transplant. Post-career, he can still be found on the baseball field, mentoring young players. He has earned three gold medals as part of the 18U Team USA Baseball coaching staff, and also works with MLB International, coaching kids from all over the world.
He lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Ashley, who is the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars. Together, they can often be found at Walt Disney World.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 28, 2026
I love baseball stories, and I was particularly excited about this book because I remember watching David Eckstein play ball, voting for him on All-Star ballots, and then years later discovered that he was married to Ashley Eckstein, merging my nerdy baseball and Star Wars worlds. I preordered this copy and was so excited when it arrived at my house!
This book was everything that I love about a baseball memoir. I knew about David's playing career, at least the high points, but I love finding out the story behind the story. This book makes everything click into place, and man I was along for the ride. I appreciated the straightforward way that he spoke about the hard things in his life (I had no idea about any of them going in to this story so I won't even mention because it feels like real-life spoilers) and the way that those circumstances shaped him and actually benefitted him as a baseball player.
His college years and entry into the big leagues were my favorite parts and I found myself choking back tears several times as I journeyed with him through his underdog story. My jaw dropped several times when a coach (never named) treated David with such blatant vitriol; I was amazed at how he relayed those stories and was rooting for him so hard. He was full of liabilities, some being part asset and part flaw, and often bordering on obsession. I totally get that, and in the same moment I wanted more for him.
I also didn't know how David and Ashely met and wow! Again, no notes because I don't want to spoil a thing. Needless to say it was not what I expected but I loved it. A few years ago we ran into Ashley and David in Disney World and it was 100% a highlight of the trip. It was amazing to hear Ashley's "I am no Jedi!" in person, but to shake David's hand and (ever so briefly) talk baseball was just as cool for me.
I appreciated how this ended. This was a memoir of being an underdog, and so in many ways it ended when the world saw David as more than his size or what they expected from him. I loved being back in the baseball late 90s and early 00s with so many of the players I grew up watching. I could see their faces, remembered moments, and enjoyed every minute. Finishing this book on the day between the end of the regular season and the start of the post season was bittersweet. I loved it.
This book was everything that I love about a baseball memoir. I knew about David's playing career, at least the high points, but I love finding out the story behind the story. This book makes everything click into place, and man I was along for the ride. I appreciated the straightforward way that he spoke about the hard things in his life (I had no idea about any of them going in to this story so I won't even mention because it feels like real-life spoilers) and the way that those circumstances shaped him and actually benefitted him as a baseball player.
His college years and entry into the big leagues were my favorite parts and I found myself choking back tears several times as I journeyed with him through his underdog story. My jaw dropped several times when a coach (never named) treated David with such blatant vitriol; I was amazed at how he relayed those stories and was rooting for him so hard. He was full of liabilities, some being part asset and part flaw, and often bordering on obsession. I totally get that, and in the same moment I wanted more for him.
I also didn't know how David and Ashely met and wow! Again, no notes because I don't want to spoil a thing. Needless to say it was not what I expected but I loved it. A few years ago we ran into Ashley and David in Disney World and it was 100% a highlight of the trip. It was amazing to hear Ashley's "I am no Jedi!" in person, but to shake David's hand and (ever so briefly) talk baseball was just as cool for me.
I appreciated how this ended. This was a memoir of being an underdog, and so in many ways it ended when the world saw David as more than his size or what they expected from him. I loved being back in the baseball late 90s and early 00s with so many of the players I grew up watching. I could see their faces, remembered moments, and enjoyed every minute. Finishing this book on the day between the end of the regular season and the start of the post season was bittersweet. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Just Enough. Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, there's so much to take away from David Eckstein's story. His honesty and humility shine through on every page, and it's easy to see why so many people admire him.
As a fan, this book was especially meaningful because I got to watch my team win the World Series with David Eckstein playing such an important role. Reliving that incredible season through his perspective made the story even more special. It brought back great memories while giving me a deeper appreciation for everything he overcame to get there.
What stayed with me most was the reminder that determination, hard work, and character can take you further than anyone expects. David's journey is proof that you don't have to fit the mold or be the biggest or most naturally gifted person to make a lasting impact.
I finished this book feeling encouraged and motivated. It reminded me that setbacks don't have to define you and that persistence and believing in yourself can make all the difference. This is the kind of book that leaves you feeling hopeful and ready to tackle your own challenges.
I highly recommend Just Enough to anyone looking for an uplifting, inspiring read. It's a story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
As a fan, this book was especially meaningful because I got to watch my team win the World Series with David Eckstein playing such an important role. Reliving that incredible season through his perspective made the story even more special. It brought back great memories while giving me a deeper appreciation for everything he overcame to get there.
What stayed with me most was the reminder that determination, hard work, and character can take you further than anyone expects. David's journey is proof that you don't have to fit the mold or be the biggest or most naturally gifted person to make a lasting impact.
I finished this book feeling encouraged and motivated. It reminded me that setbacks don't have to define you and that persistence and believing in yourself can make all the difference. This is the kind of book that leaves you feeling hopeful and ready to tackle your own challenges.
I highly recommend Just Enough to anyone looking for an uplifting, inspiring read. It's a story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
September 13, 2026
I started David Eckstein’s Just Enough with my coffee on the patio before sunrise, thinking I’d read a few chapters before getting on with my morning…and we all know how that usually works out. Thank you to Blue Box Press for the gifted copy. Have you ever picked up someone’s story expecting one thing and ended up taking something completely different away from it?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ll admit I don’t read a lot of memoirs, and while I enjoy baseball, I wasn’t picking this up because I wanted 329 pages of stats, games, and World Series highlights. Thankfully, that isn’t what David gives us.
This is really the story of a guy who was told over and over that he wasn’t big enough, strong enough, or quite enough to make it—and apparently David took that as a personal challenge. 😂
Of course, I loved getting the behind-the-scenes look at his baseball career, especially his road to the majors and the 2006 World Series. But the parts that stayed with me most happened away from the field. His family went through some incredibly difficult seasons, and the way they showed up for one another gave this story so much heart. His faith, his relationship with his family, and eventually meeting and falling in love with Ashley made me feel like I was getting to know the person behind the uniform instead of simply reading about an athlete’s accomplishments.
And David’s determination? Good grief. Every time someone essentially told him, “You can’t,” I wanted to say, “You might want to rethink that.” He kept showing up, kept working, and kept finding a way forward without losing the humility that seems to be such a huge part of who he is.
By the time I finished, my coffee had definitely gone cold, but I also understood the title in a completely different way. Just Enough isn’t really about proving everyone else wrong. It’s about refusing to let someone else decide what you’re capable of.
You definitely don’t need to love baseball to find something meaningful here. Sometimes the person everyone overlooks is exactly the person you should be watching.
What’s a book you’ve read that reminded you not to underestimate yourself—or someone else?
#JustEnough #DavidEckstein #BlueBoxPress #Bookstagram #BookReview #BaseballBooks #Memoir #NonfictionBooks #BooksCoffeeBrews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ll admit I don’t read a lot of memoirs, and while I enjoy baseball, I wasn’t picking this up because I wanted 329 pages of stats, games, and World Series highlights. Thankfully, that isn’t what David gives us.
This is really the story of a guy who was told over and over that he wasn’t big enough, strong enough, or quite enough to make it—and apparently David took that as a personal challenge. 😂
Of course, I loved getting the behind-the-scenes look at his baseball career, especially his road to the majors and the 2006 World Series. But the parts that stayed with me most happened away from the field. His family went through some incredibly difficult seasons, and the way they showed up for one another gave this story so much heart. His faith, his relationship with his family, and eventually meeting and falling in love with Ashley made me feel like I was getting to know the person behind the uniform instead of simply reading about an athlete’s accomplishments.
And David’s determination? Good grief. Every time someone essentially told him, “You can’t,” I wanted to say, “You might want to rethink that.” He kept showing up, kept working, and kept finding a way forward without losing the humility that seems to be such a huge part of who he is.
By the time I finished, my coffee had definitely gone cold, but I also understood the title in a completely different way. Just Enough isn’t really about proving everyone else wrong. It’s about refusing to let someone else decide what you’re capable of.
You definitely don’t need to love baseball to find something meaningful here. Sometimes the person everyone overlooks is exactly the person you should be watching.
What’s a book you’ve read that reminded you not to underestimate yourself—or someone else?
#JustEnough #DavidEckstein #BlueBoxPress #Bookstagram #BookReview #BaseballBooks #Memoir #NonfictionBooks #BooksCoffeeBrews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
David Eckstein is a former major league baseball player who was the member of two World Series winning teams and the World Series MVP in 2006 when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals. It's the 20th anniversary of that win and as a lifelong Cardinals fan, I enjoyed reliving the 2006 series and learning new things about those games from this engaging memoir. All baseball fans will appreciate the inside look at college and professional baseball, and the harsh realities of the business side of the game.
David overcame many obstacles through hard work and dedication to achieve all that he did. He didn't listen to the people who said he wasn't tall enough, wasn't strong enough to be a successful college baseball player, much less a successful professional player. You really don't have to be a sports fan at all to appreciate his underdog story. Through everything, David remained kind, generous, confident in his abilities but still modest, and determined to be the best player he could be. The book also has background information about his family and how the tough times they faced bonded them to be even closer. There is also a romantic love story of how David met his wife, actress Ashley Drane Eckstein.
I remember David as a player both before and after that memorable 2006 series win, but I enjoyed the insider's details about the game as well as learning more about David the person, not just the ballplayer. I'm glad I had the chance to read this interesting, informative, and inspiring memoir.
Thank you @blueboxpress and @netgalley for the advance copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
David Eckstein is a former major league baseball player who was the member of two World Series winning teams and the World Series MVP in 2006 when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals. It's the 20th anniversary of that win and as a lifelong Cardinals fan, I enjoyed reliving the 2006 series and learning new things about those games from this engaging memoir. All baseball fans will appreciate the inside look at college and professional baseball, and the harsh realities of the business side of the game.
David overcame many obstacles through hard work and dedication to achieve all that he did. He didn't listen to the people who said he wasn't tall enough, wasn't strong enough to be a successful college baseball player, much less a successful professional player. You really don't have to be a sports fan at all to appreciate his underdog story. Through everything, David remained kind, generous, confident in his abilities but still modest, and determined to be the best player he could be. The book also has background information about his family and how the tough times they faced bonded them to be even closer. There is also a romantic love story of how David met his wife, actress Ashley Drane Eckstein.
I remember David as a player both before and after that memorable 2006 series win, but I enjoyed the insider's details about the game as well as learning more about David the person, not just the ballplayer. I'm glad I had the chance to read this interesting, informative, and inspiring memoir.
Thank you @blueboxpress and @netgalley for the advance copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just Enough is one of those books that you don't have to be a sports fan of any kind, let alone baseball, to enjoy. I am sports fan and remember David Eckstein from when he was playing professionally so I found myself enjoying this right from the start.
All professional athletes work hard, but there are some who have more drive, determination and character than others and David is absolutely one of those people. Learning about how he got his start in baseball and how he had to persevere through many times of being told he wasn't what they were looking for made his story that much sweeter. He was exactly who he needed to be and that was someone who contributed to the teams he was on and did everything in his power to be the best player he could be.
Not only was his on field story one of inspiration, so was the story of his family and how close they all are, but also what they had to go through given the health challenges they had to face. The support they had for one another through all of the ups and downs was very moving.
David's journey both on and off the field goes to show that if you focus, work hard and believe in yourself you can be successful even while overcoming what some might believe are insurmountable odds. This book left me feeling encouraged and inspired. I would highly recommend picking it up!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
All professional athletes work hard, but there are some who have more drive, determination and character than others and David is absolutely one of those people. Learning about how he got his start in baseball and how he had to persevere through many times of being told he wasn't what they were looking for made his story that much sweeter. He was exactly who he needed to be and that was someone who contributed to the teams he was on and did everything in his power to be the best player he could be.
Not only was his on field story one of inspiration, so was the story of his family and how close they all are, but also what they had to go through given the health challenges they had to face. The support they had for one another through all of the ups and downs was very moving.
David's journey both on and off the field goes to show that if you focus, work hard and believe in yourself you can be successful even while overcoming what some might believe are insurmountable odds. This book left me feeling encouraged and inspired. I would highly recommend picking it up!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
September 14, 2026
I received a free copy of this book for review.
This brand new memoir captures the journey of David Eckstein through all the highs and lows of his life and baseball career. Last week I shared a contemporary romance based on the love story of David and his wife Ashley. This book was released on the same day as hers as a really fun joint release of their stories. I loved reading both of their stories so close together. My oldest son is a massive Cardinals fan and will be reading this one after me!
I love how this book emphasized the determination and perseverance it took for David to make it. He wasn’t the biggest, the fastest, or the most impressive and he was constantly underestimated, but he wasn’t afraid to fight for what we wanted and give his all. This line in the prologue encompassed so much of his character: “My style of play wasn't pretty. It wasn't smooth or flashy. It was just enough. But I always got the job done and did whatever I could to help my team win.”
It was really interesting to explore some behind the scenes of life as a professional baseball player and I learned some new things! But this was also a universal story of deciding what’s important to you and leaning into your inner strength, faith, and family to do the work necessary to make it happen.
This brand new memoir captures the journey of David Eckstein through all the highs and lows of his life and baseball career. Last week I shared a contemporary romance based on the love story of David and his wife Ashley. This book was released on the same day as hers as a really fun joint release of their stories. I loved reading both of their stories so close together. My oldest son is a massive Cardinals fan and will be reading this one after me!
I love how this book emphasized the determination and perseverance it took for David to make it. He wasn’t the biggest, the fastest, or the most impressive and he was constantly underestimated, but he wasn’t afraid to fight for what we wanted and give his all. This line in the prologue encompassed so much of his character: “My style of play wasn't pretty. It wasn't smooth or flashy. It was just enough. But I always got the job done and did whatever I could to help my team win.”
It was really interesting to explore some behind the scenes of life as a professional baseball player and I learned some new things! But this was also a universal story of deciding what’s important to you and leaning into your inner strength, faith, and family to do the work necessary to make it happen.
September 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve always admired David Eckstein, not only as a player but also as a person. He’s such a class act.
I remember watching him as a Cardinal, and he’d always been one of my mom’s favorite players. And she doesn’t like just anyone. So I always knew he had to be extra special.
This book just made all of those feelings explode and just showed even more how true, honest, and genuine of a person he is. I really don’t think I can give him enough praise. He deserves all of the accolades he’s been given. He’s so incredibly hardworking.
And now that I’ve grown up, knowing that he’s a Gator makes everything better hahaha!
I’ve been lucky enough to have a chance encounter with him. And it’s always nerve-wracking to meet someone you’ve looked up to, and wow, he’s the nicest person ever. So kind, so down-to-earth, it’s truly like we were talking to an old friend.
I really think that anyone could and should read this book and enjoy it!
I’ve always admired David Eckstein, not only as a player but also as a person. He’s such a class act.
I remember watching him as a Cardinal, and he’d always been one of my mom’s favorite players. And she doesn’t like just anyone. So I always knew he had to be extra special.
This book just made all of those feelings explode and just showed even more how true, honest, and genuine of a person he is. I really don’t think I can give him enough praise. He deserves all of the accolades he’s been given. He’s so incredibly hardworking.
And now that I’ve grown up, knowing that he’s a Gator makes everything better hahaha!
I’ve been lucky enough to have a chance encounter with him. And it’s always nerve-wracking to meet someone you’ve looked up to, and wow, he’s the nicest person ever. So kind, so down-to-earth, it’s truly like we were talking to an old friend.
I really think that anyone could and should read this book and enjoy it!
September 8, 2026
I’m not typically a non-fiction reader, but Just Enough by David Eckstein is a bit more than just a biography, it’s a story of grit, determination and an unwillingness to give up that goes beyond being an elite athlete. It’s the story of a young man who wanted to prove to himself, his family and anyone else that said ‘you can’t,’ that he actually could and it reads like a good novel.
David’s story is inspiring and heartfelt. I loved that he never gave up, even in the face of so much outside negativity and personally difficult times within his own family. Throw in how he met, courted and married his lovely wife and I was hooked. A truly great read.
David’s story is inspiring and heartfelt. I loved that he never gave up, even in the face of so much outside negativity and personally difficult times within his own family. Throw in how he met, courted and married his lovely wife and I was hooked. A truly great read.
August 31, 2026
“Just Enough”
David Eckstein was my idle growing up. I LOVE his passion, his intensity, and his scrappiness. From his on deck routine to his sprint to first after a walk, he epitomized what it meant to hustle. This book took me back to his playing days and also gave such great behind the scenes insight into the man known as “Just Enough.” Thank you David Eckstein for being a role model, a standup citizen, and an overall champion of life.
David Eckstein was my idle growing up. I LOVE his passion, his intensity, and his scrappiness. From his on deck routine to his sprint to first after a walk, he epitomized what it meant to hustle. This book took me back to his playing days and also gave such great behind the scenes insight into the man known as “Just Enough.” Thank you David Eckstein for being a role model, a standup citizen, and an overall champion of life.
September 18, 2026
This book is amazing, and I could hardly put it down. It became a page-turner that kept me up past my bedtime, and I couldn’t see the words in the last chapter because I was crying. It was beautiful. When I finished, my mind was blown, and my heart was full.
I’ve had a dozen favorite baseball players over the years, but now my favorite has to be David Eckstein!! ❤️
I’ve had a dozen favorite baseball players over the years, but now my favorite has to be David Eckstein!! ❤️
September 13, 2026
As a huge baseball fan (and an Angels fan) I loved reading this book! This is not just a book about baseball but a book about perseverance, following your dreams, and never giving up
I was also excited to read how he and Ashley Eckstein met from his perspective.
I was also excited to read how he and Ashley Eckstein met from his perspective.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews