World Series MVP David Eckstein and 'Star Wars' Actress Ashley Eckstein Share Love Story

Ashley Eckstein, known for her voice work as Ahsoka Tano in "Star Wars" and Jan Brady in "The Brady Bunch in the White House," describes her love story with World Series MVP David Eckstein as something out of a Hallmark movie. The couple is approaching 21 years of marriage, a relationship that began with a memorable encounter.

David Eckstein, who stood at 5 feet, 6 inches, carved out a successful 10-year Major League Baseball career through meticulous attention to detail and a relentless work ethic. During a game, while celebrating a run, he was momentarily distracted by a fan in the stands. He later learned this fan was Ashley, who coincidentally wore his jersey number, 22, that day.

A few weeks later, Eckstein received a call from his team's publicist about an actress interested in attending a movie premiere with him. Initially hesitant, he was persuaded to meet her beforehand. Their first meeting was scheduled for Ashley's 22nd birthday on September 22nd – her golden birthday. David, having learned it was her birthday, brought a gift.

Their first date solidified their connection, with David appreciating Ashley's down-to-earth nature, exemplified by her duct-taped Toyota Corolla. Ashley, in turn, found David to be genuine. A few months into their relationship, Ashley revealed she was the fan who had broken David's concentration at the baseball game.

Building a Team

Eckstein described their relationship as a partnership from the outset. He emphasized that they would be a team, with each other's actions reflecting on both of them. Ashley embraced this philosophy, which guided their approach to navigating their demanding careers – his in baseball and hers in acting.

David noted that finding one's best friend is key to overcoming challenges. He explained to Ashley early on that during baseball season, he would be intensely focused, but this did not diminish his feelings for her. He also understood her acting commitments, recognizing the parallels between their professions.

Ashley shared that romance in their relationship often looks different than depicted in media. It involves consistent support and showing up for each other, even during difficult times. She recalled making fried chicken for David after a bad game, a gesture of support that meant a lot to him.

Sacrifices and Support

The couple faced significant challenges, particularly in 2008 when David experienced a difficult season with the Toronto Blue Jays. Ashley described it as a period of despair for both of them, finding solace in their shared faith. During this time, Ashley made substantial sacrifices for their relationship, including stepping away from her acting career when she moved to Toronto to be with David. She recalled losing her agents and managers, who deemed her unable to work consistently from afar.

After playing two more seasons, David retired from baseball. Although he had received multiple contract offers, he chose to prioritize supporting Ashley as she began building her company, "Her Universe." This decision allowed Ashley to focus on her entrepreneurial endeavors, which eventually led to her role as Ahsoka Tano in "Star Wars."

New Chapters as Authors

In September, the couple released his-and-hers books on the same day. David's memoir, "Just Enough," details his journey as an underdog, while Ashley's fictional novel, "Lucky 22," is inspired by their true love story. Ashley noted that their story is often compared to a Hallmark movie and that her book, while fictional, is largely based on their real experiences.

David found reading Ashley's book insightful, offering a new perspective on his past self and the intensity of his focus on baseball. Ashley described David's story as a powerful underdog narrative that transcends the sport itself, emphasizing themes of family, faith, perseverance, and self-belief.

Together, they believe they may have achieved a unique milestone as a husband and wife releasing books on the same day.