The will of the Force brought Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein together with “Her” Prince Charming David Eckstein.
Her Universe, Ashley Eckstein’s new book It’s Your Universe: You Have the Power to Make it Happen recently dropped, revealing some amazing stories of inspiration along the way.
Landing the gig of Ahsoka Tano for Star Wars: The Clone Wars was undoubtedly the will of the Force, but there is another moment which takes the take in that arena. Unlike Ahsoka, who only had a boyfriend for a hot minute in Lux Bonteri, Ashley Eckstein was able to find lasting, true love — finding “Her” own Prince Charming along the way.
How she met her now husband David Eckstein; former Major League Baseball player, two-time World Series Champion, and 2006 World Series MVP, is indeed the will of the Force.
Both Ashley Eckstein and David Eckstein grew up about 30 minutes away from one another, yet never met. Imagine the person you love the most living near you, yet never reaching them? Tragic, I know!
The story doesn’t end there, thank the Maker, with fate and a little help from “Her” friends. One of Ashley Eckstein’s closest friends knew someone who knew David Eckstein — it’s not what you know, but who you know, right? — and thought they would be a perfect match.
At the time, David Eckstein was playing for the Los Angeles Angels, and Ashley Eckstein was living/working in the Los Angeles area, also. But, Ashley Eckstein knew the odds of meeting a famous baseball player was slim to none, so she “brushed off the idea and thought, maybe one day…”
Never tell “Her” the odds!
Sometime later, Ashley Eckstein went to an Angels game and had killer seats next to the team’s dugout. She was wearing David’s No. 22 jersey that a friend gave her to the game, and rooted for him because she remembered they were from the same hometown.
At one point during the game, David Eckstein happened to glance into the crowd and make eye-contact with his future bride. Ashley Eckstein would later find out that he never, I mean NEVER looked into the stands during games — it broke his concentration.
The two made eye-contact for about five seconds. Ashley Eckstein says in the book that:
"“… We stared at each other for about five seconds. It wasn’t romantic. it was more awkward than anything, but I couldn’t believe it.”"
I’m curious to know what game that was. It wouldn’t surprise me if he wore the collar and made numerous uncharacteristic errors on the field. Or perhaps, the opposite. We’ll find out for ya’ll!
The duo didn’t meet after the game, and both went along their merry ways — until the Force intervened once again.
Ashley Eckstein was looking for a date for a film premiere sometime later, and her same friend suggested that she bring David Eckstein as her hot date. She decided to ask him in an unconventional way — it’s not easy landing a date with a famous baseball player, you know.
Photo Credit: Reddit
But as Anakin Skywalker taught Ahsoka in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, it’s okay to bend the rules (of dating in this case) to achieve your goal.
A little backstory on Ashley Eckstein and the No. 22. Unknown to David Eckstein at the time, that is her most favorite number in the entire Universe.
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The Force aligned it that when they went on their first date, it was her 22nd birthday, which happens to fall on the 22nd of her birthday month. It’s what she calls one of the “golden” birthdays.
Remember, David Eckstein wore No. 22 during his MLB career. You can’t make this stuff up! Fate or the Force is at work here!
The two hit it off, ended up getting married, and just a month after their wedding, Ashley Eckstein was cast as Ahsoka Tano for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Coincidence?! I think not!
The Force is strong, especially with these two.
Ashley Ekstein’s acknowledgments at the end of her books It’s Your Universe says it at:
"“To my husband, David, for being more than my rock; you are my cornerstone.”"
Next: Ahsoka was the hero of The Clone Wars, not Anakin
If you haven’t yet, be sure to get a copy of Her Universe, Ashley Eckstein’s new book It’s Your Universe. Make sure to follow Ashley Eckstein/ Her Universe on:
Be sure to join Her Universe on “Her” current book tour — you can find locations and times here.
Shop at the online store of Her Universe, for all your fangirl (and fanboy) clothing needs.