Orioles Bench Coach Donnie Ecker Talks Building Championship Culture

Ecker discusses his role with manager Craig Albernaz and how veteran additions like Pete Alonso are reinforcing a winning standard.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In an interview, new Orioles bench coach Donnie Ecker discussed his role alongside manager Craig Albernaz and how their partnership is focused on loyalty, preparation, and covering blind spots throughout the 162-game season. Ecker reflected on his World Series experience with the Texas Rangers, the importance of daily discipline, and how veteran players like Pete Alonso are helping to reinforce a winning culture in the clubhouse. He also broke down the behind-the-scenes preparation that goes into high-pressure situational drills, blending analytics with communication, and how the team's new $23 million performance facility represents a deeper organizational commitment to building a sustainable championship culture.

Why it matters

As the Orioles look to build on their recent success and compete for a playoff spot, Ecker's leadership and championship pedigree will be crucial in helping to establish a winning mentality throughout the organization. His emphasis on preparation, communication, and leveraging veteran talent to set the tone will be key factors in the team's development.

The details

Ecker, who previously served as a coach with the Texas Rangers, discussed the importance of daily discipline and preparation over dwelling on past successes or failures. He highlighted the role that veteran players like Pete Alonso will play in reinforcing a "seen-not-said" standard of winning within the clubhouse. Ecker also broke down the team's focus on high-pressure situational drills, blending analytics with clear communication, and how the new $23 million performance facility represents the organization's deeper commitment to building a sustainable championship culture.

  • Ecker was recently hired as the Orioles' new bench coach for the 2026 season.

The players

Donnie Ecker

The new bench coach for the Baltimore Orioles, Ecker previously served in a similar role with the Texas Rangers and brings championship experience to the organization.

Craig Albernaz

The manager of the Baltimore Orioles, Ecker's partner in building the team's championship culture.

Pete Alonso

A veteran player recently added to the Orioles' roster, who Ecker says will help reinforce a winning standard in the clubhouse.

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What they’re saying

“Ecker reflects on his World Series experience with Texas, the importance of daily discipline over dwelling on the past, and how veteran additions like Pete Alonso are reinforcing a seen-not-said standard of winning inside the clubhouse.”

— Donnie Ecker, Orioles Bench Coach (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Orioles will look to put Ecker's championship experience and focus on preparation into practice as they aim to build on their recent success and compete for a playoff spot in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ecker's hiring as the Orioles' new bench coach represents the organization's commitment to building a sustainable championship culture. His emphasis on daily discipline, leveraging veteran talent, and blending analytics with clear communication will be crucial in helping the team take the next step towards contention.