Talk about a real out-of-your-5-foot-6-or-7-body experience.

David Eckstein is sitting in a White House ballroom, dining with the likes of George Will and Curt Schilling, and President Bush leans over to the Anaheim shortstop's mother, Patricia, and says, "I like your son. He plays the game with integrity."

"The whole thing was (surreal)," Eckstein said Monday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. "When I was told about the invitation, I thought, 'Are you sure it's me you want?' "

The dinner, set up by political commentator Will, was one of several off-season highlights for the 28-year-old following the Angels' World Series run and title. The team's success transformed the gritty player into a national fan favorite and thrust him under an unlikely microscope for the 2003 season.

How do you follow that act?

"I'm going to play like I always play," he said. "There's pressure here day in and day out, but I'm not going to let (the added attention) make a difference. It's when you take it beyond pressure that it's a problem."

With a night game against the San Diego Padres in Peoria looming, the baseball part of this day for Eckstein doesn't begin until 2 p.m. He mingles with his teammates in the clubhouse and, although unfailingly polite, seems uncomfortable with the media attention.

"I'll talk to you after batting practice, if that's OK," he tells a reporter.

"Don't worry," another reporter says. "If he says he'll talk to you then, he will."

He does, between taking cuts and a lengthy autograph session.

He did a card show once but felt so awkward he doesn't do any more. "Why would I charge for something if, when you see me walking to my car, I'd do it for free?" he told the Los Angeles Times.

That's the type of trait that has allowed Eckstein to make a connection with fans. He led the league last year in sacrifice hits and hit by pitch, which tells you something about his team-comes- first mentality. His throw to first isn't traditional, but it gets there, and he has managed to stand tall among the great athletes that play his position.

"You look around . . . (Derek) Jeter, (Miguel) Tejada, Omar (Vizquel). I don't have what they have," Eckstein said. "But you've got to understand your own body and try to make the most of what you have."

Manager Mike Scioscia said: "A lot of people can relate to Eck. His skills may not be as electrifying as some players', but his incredible work ethic has allowed him to achieve at the level of those players."

It's true. He finished 11th in 2002 MVP voting, ahead of Nomar Garciaparra and Barry Zito. His .293 average tied the Angels record for highest by a shortstop. The Angels were 59-17 when he scored a run.

Until a player enters his fourth season, teams can pay what they choose, and some teams find the new minimum of $300,000 sufficient. Eckstein agreed to a $425,000 deal - although some argued he deserved more - and isn't about to ruffle feathers.

Eckstein is still riding the wave of 2002, more than willing to try to follow that act.