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Live Chat With Former MLB Hitting Coach Rick Eckstein
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Matt
4:10
What was it like to be the hitting coach in the Olympics?
Rick Eckstein
4:12
I loved coaching in the Olympics!  Representing the United States was an honor I will always cherish.
Guest
4:12
From your perspective, how much should a hitter focus on launch angle? I think it’s something that’ll come if you hit the ball hard consistently, I just would love to hear your opinion on it
Rick Eckstein
4:15
Launch angle is a measurement (angle of flight) If you are on time with your contact point it usually allows the ball flight to have an upward trajectory.
Big Bopper
4:15
Best piece of advice you got from Davey Johnson? Any funny stories? What was it like to work with a managing legend?
Rick Eckstein
4:18
Davey is the best!!!! He has so much insight and wisdom.  I have visited him several times and love to just listen.  He was the first to create a lineup based on statistical analysis and that happened while he was still playing.  He would tell me the story of how he came up with it and gave it to Earl Weaver to see.
Fascinating man
Melissa
4:19
We hear much about the player's story from the minors to the majors, but what is it like for a coach? Is it all about relationships and who you know, or can coaches grind to get to the big leagues from the minors?
Rick Eckstein
4:22
Great question Melissa.  I had to grind  I went from my high school classroom in 2000 to 3 days later being the major league bullpen catcher for the Minnesota Twins throwing batting practice to David Ortiz and Torii Hunter.  Going from High school to MLB back to college back to MLB back to college back to MLB has been a fun ride!
The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh
4:23
How much of your job involves psychology vs. bio-mechanics?
Rick Eckstein
4:24
It takes both and it depends on where the hitter currently is
Kirk
4:24
As a coach how rewarding was it to help the Nationals transition from a franchise at the bottom of the league into a contender?
Rick Eckstein
4:24
It was very rewarding.  Davey Johnson coming in got us there.  He is amazing.
The big stick
4:25
Hey Rick did you ever get heckled from opposing fans? If so funniest thing you heard?
Rick Eckstein
4:26
I was the bullpen catcher in 2000 with the Twins.......Yankee stadium.....Hey #75....you suck!
Tim
4:26
Hi Rick! Appreciate your time in doing this chat. How involved are coaches in the free agent signing process, meaning does ownership ever say we are thinking of going after a certain player and the. getting your thoughts on the player?
Rick Eckstein
4:27
Yes, some front offices do ask for the opinions of the coaching staff
Tim
4:29
Your favorite part of spring training?
Rick Eckstein
4:29
the weatherjoy
MLB
4:30
What was your favorite ballpark? Which oppossing club provided the best amenities?
Rick Eckstein
4:31
Yankee Stadium.  My dad was a big fan of the Yankees so going there as a young boy and then returning as a coach was special.
4:32
a lot of clubs have created nice visiting locker rooms and amenities.
Rob Manfred
4:33
Are you a fan of me or nah? In your experience do the players like me?
Rick Eckstein
4:34
Hey Rob!!! If this is really you....when we spoke you'd know that answer!
4:36
Everyone!  Thanks for the chat.  Be well.
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