You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Live Chat With Former MLB Hitting Coach Rick Eckstein
powered byJotCast
5.5 hole
3:23
What’s the biggest fight you and David got into and who won?
Rick Eckstein
3:26
Haha!!! I can't say we fought, but we did compete at everything we did.  It would get heated!!!
Derek
3:29
Hi Rick,
Rick Eckstein
3:29
Hi Derek!
Ant-Man
3:29
Which player was your greatest success as a hitting coach?
Gloria
3:30
What type of player could Ryan Zimmerman have been without all the injuries?
Rick Eckstein
3:32
Zim was a force at the plate!!!  When he was healthy he produced at elite levels. I have so many fond memories of being with him.
Daniel
3:33
Im a big pirates fan and I was sad when you got fired
Rick Eckstein
3:33
Thanks Daniel!
Am I the only one
3:33
Am I the only one, tired of the all or nothing hitters?
Rick Eckstein
3:34
NO. There are teams that have come out and have said we are preaching CONTACT.
Willy
3:35
Thoughts on the new rule changes?
Rick Eckstein
3:36
It will be interesting.  Some holes will be open that were previously filled with the shift.
3:37
Fans want to see range/athleticism this might help in that regard
Guest
3:37
Where were you when David won Game 7 of the 02 World Series??
Rick Eckstein
3:38
Banging the THUNDERSTICKS for the X-FACTOR!
Anthony
3:38
What was it like having a pitcher you coached in Strasburg win a silver slugger? Any different than a position player?
Rick Eckstein
3:39
Stras could handle the bat!  I had a few Silver Sluggers and no its not a ton different.  Conversations and work!
Adam
3:40
Thanks for doing this Rick! Out of all the guys you’ve coached, are there any who stand out that were “okay” hitters than made an adjustments or put in work and suddenly surpassed your expectations? In other words whos you’re favorite success story?
Rick Eckstein
3:44
All I ever tried to do was give each hitter my best.  I always saw their upside even if they were not showing it.  Recently Ryan Ludwick spoke to me and had some nice things to say for what I assisted him with when he was in AAA Memphis with me.  He became a force for the Cards for several years and that was exciting.
Rick Ankiel was another!
Connor⚾️
3:45
What was your favorite part of your job Rick? Thanks for doing this!⚾️
Rick Eckstein
3:46
The relationships you form with the hitters and working to help them reach their fullest potential
Mendy
3:48
When hitters do well the hitting coach gets a lot of credit. When they go into a slump they get fired. How much credit/Blame does a hitting coach deserve?
Rick Eckstein
3:49
I have been on both ends of that! Some where in the middle?!!!
Matt
3:49
This is a tough question, but what are your thoughts when teams use either hitting coaches or pitching coaches as scape goats if players don't develop as projected? I realize those roles are highly valuable but at the end of the day they aren't the ones in the box.
Rick Eckstein
3:55
It happens.  Teams might value the player based on tools.  But do those tools play in the game under pressure? A coaches job is to try and unlock potential...
Swarley
3:55
Who do you think has a better year at the plate, Gallo or Bellinger?
Rick Eckstein
3:55
Belli
Rob A
3:56
Hey Rick! Thanks for taking some time to talk with us. What is your thoughts on alot of the youtube/tic tok/twitter drills and posts that everyone is seeing, and they are starting infultrate youth baseball? Good for the game? Confusing for others? Stick to the basics?
Rick Eckstein
3:58
Everyone is posting content  I think filtering it is imperative.  There are so many factors that go into what might help you become better as a hitter.  What might be great for one might not be great foe another.
Ian
3:59
What do you think of the recent shift to front offices having more influence in the dugout? Has this or would this effect your role as an MLB hitting coach? Thanks Rick!
Rick Eckstein
3:59
Shifts will be fun to watch and see how it plays out.
4:02
All Front offices now have their own internal analytics department.  They create data and information to aid in decision making for the dugout.  You hope the manager gets some input into how to apply for the ball club in game. I think a blend between the dugout and the front offie is best.
Ahsoka Tano
4:02
What's it like having Ashley as your sister-in-law? Gotta be pretty interesting haha
Rick Eckstein
4:05
Ashley, the original "AHSOKA TANO", has my brother David working hard.  HerUniverse keeps them both very busy and she is wonderful!
T.S.
4:05
How much interaction did you have with the late Ted Lerner during your time in Washington? And, what were those encounters like?
Rick Eckstein
4:08
I did. I was getting on the team bus after a game and he stopped me, grabbed my arm and asked me a question.....I answered his question with a written letter at his request.  Ted treated me with so much respect.  It was an honor working for him. I was saddened to learn of his passing.
Marvin
4:08
How do you tolerate all the travel over a full season? Do you (and the players) like it or is it a drag?
Rick Eckstein
4:10
I liked it.  It's a part of the job  I got to see many cities, stadiums and travel the world when I was with Team USA (Cuba, Beijing Olympics, Taiwan world cup etc)
Load More Messages
Connecting…