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Eckersley’s journey into the spotlight began in 1954. As a child mesmerized by the heroes of the game, he idolized figures like Willie Mays and Juan Marichal, envisioning himself on the mound one day. His dreams materialized when he was picked by the Cleveland Indians in the third round of the 1972 draft, days after graduating high school. However, with newfound freedom came an early marriage, and eventually, the heavy burden of personal and professional turbulence.