Former baseball star David Eckstein is still a big name in the state of Missouri. The Southeast Missourian announced the ex-St. Louis Cardinals shortstop as this year's keynote speaker for the Semoball Awards. 

The speaker reveal took place Tuesday at a press conference at HealthPoint Fitness. The Semoball Awards recognizes local student-athletes and it will be held this year on July 8th at the Bedell Performance Hall on the campus of Southeast Missouri State. 

Tickets for the fourth annual event are currently on sale. Area athletic directors and awards finalists get in for free while general admission is $40. 

Eckstein played ten major league seasons, collected 1,414 hits and hit .280. He broke onto the scene with the Anaheim Angels and during his second season, he helped lead the franchise to their first World Series title. 

Eckstein has the best seasons of his career with the Cardinals, making back-to-back All-Star teams in 2005 and 2006. He was World Series MVP in 2006 after the franchise's improbable run to a championship. 

Eckstein went on to play for three other teams and officially retired from baseball in 2012. He currently helps his wife Ashley with her business, Her Universe, and has spent time coaching with USA Baseball. 

To inquire about David Eckstein's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.

David Eckstein Talks About his Career with the Cardinals: