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| The 33-Year-Old Rookie: How I Finally Made it to the Big Leagues After Eleven Years in the Minors | 
 enlarge | Author: Chris Coste
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Category: Book
List Price: $25.00
Buy New: $14.07
You Save: $10.93 (44%)
New (26) Used (7) from $14.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  23 reviews
Sales Rank: 27639
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6 x 1.1
ISBN: 1400066867
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.357092
EAN: 9781400066865
ASIN: 1400066867
Publication Date: March 18, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Chris Coste dreamed of playing major-league baseball from the age of seven. But after eleven grueling years in the minors, a spot on a major-league roster still seemed just out of his reach–until that fateful call came from the Philadelphia Phillies in May 2006. At age thirty-three (“going on eighty”), Coste was finally heading to the big time.
The 33-Year-Old Rookie is like a real-life Rocky, an unforgettable and inspirational story of one man’s unwavering pursuit of a lifelong goal. Beginning in a single-parent home in Fargo, North Dakota, and ending behind home plate on the flawless diamond of the Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park–where fans and teammates call him “Chris Clutch” because of his knack for getting timely hits–this intimate account of Coste’s baseball odyssey is a powerful story of determination, perseverance, and passion.
For eleven seasons, Coste hustled, fought, and gritted his way to his breakthrough–and never lost faith in his abilities. Along the way, he gained the affection and admiration of baseball fans from Ottawa and Scranton to various Mexican and Venezuelan cities. Battered by years spent behind a catcher’s mask, and faced with bracing realities–there were bills to pay, and his young daughter was entering first grade–Coste decided to give it one last shot in 2006. But that year, during the Phillies’ major-league spring training, Coste was demoted to the minors at the last minute to make room for a utility outfielder, despite having hit a blistering .463 and earning the trust of the team’s pitchers. Later that season, though, Coste finally got the call-up, and he hit .364 during the Phillies’ furious battle to nail down the final postseason berth.
Coste takes us through the 2006 spring training season–with its pulse-quickening moments and close calls–and into his first season as a major-league catcher with the Phillies. From tense stretch-run games that kept Phillies’ fans on the edge of their seats to moments of intimate personal reflection, Coste’s saga offers baseball aficionados an inside look at a remarkable life and career. In this stirring, wry, and candid look at the life of a professional baseball nomad who never surrendered his dream, we savor the sometimes bittersweet fruits of victory against seemingly insurmountable odds.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 18 more reviews...
 must-read for phillies fans!! March 18, 2008
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
Chris Coste's story is about as inspirational as they come. This book is a must-read for all Phillies fans -- and for anyone interested in how one extraordinarily determined individual did everything in his power to make his dream come true. Coste may never rack up as many homers as Mike Schmidt, but he sure hit one out of the park with this memoir!
Rookie No More March 26, 2008
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
Having read Chris' first autobiography "Hey... I'm Just the Catcher" (1997, limited print run in Fargo) which was OK, this is definitely his major league effort. His story is the definition of perseverance and really matched the title of the book this would have been had he not made it to the show: "Rollercoster."
His story, especially with his current success is a fun and quick read (it took me less than 5 hours). The beginning (preface & Chapter 1) are particularly well written and enjoyable. The middle portion covering his childhood and time in indy ball through '97 (largely excerpted from his first autobio that ends) now part of a great story arc. With more, and more interesting characters (players & family) to include in his story it flows better.
If there's any real problem with the book IMO it's that after all the drama leading, preparing you for his debut, that portion seems somewhat short. Then again, I'm sure that's pretty much how he experienced it --years of disappointments and rejections with a sudden surprise call-up and quick trip onto the field. Maybe a future edition will end with an even higher achievement like making the World Series.
As others have suggested in other reviews, this book seems ready for a movie (or TV) adaptation. Some of the moments (especially quotes from his daughter Casey) are tailor-made for the large (or small) screen. I for one hope that someone will see this as an even better story than "The Rookie." Chris put more into his career and has done more with it after finally making it.
Who is this book for?
This book is also written for a pretty wide audience with little to offend. Unlike many current baseball books, there are only a handful of expletives (which you can count on one hand with no F-bombs), no stories of sexual exploits, illicit drugs (including steroids) or drinking. If it were a movie it would be no worse than PG-13. Its focuses on Chris' love of baseball and his (and his wife's) determination to follow his dream all the way to the show.
The 33 Year-Old Rookie March 19, 2008
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This is the most down-to-earth baseball memoir I've ever read. I was totally engrossed in this honest and inspirational story, and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read what a real-life Rocky is all about. And every baseball fan will love the behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Be prepared to do nothing else, because you won't be able to put it down.
What a Roller"Coster" Ride to the Majors! March 31, 2008
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This is a story about a nice guy finishing first. Surrounded by a great support system and through patience and determination -- his dream of becoming a major league baseball player is realized. Chris takes you through his college and minor league days. His thought process is examined in detail as he deals with the adversity. The 33-Year Old Rookie is a refreshing story -- not once is steroids mentioned or whining about not being paid enough. Chris Coste is clearly grounded and humbled by the opportunity of living dream that so many dream about. If you looking for a "feel good" story then I highly recommend this book.
Disney movie waiting to happen March 19, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I received this book today and I am about halfway through it. It is extraordinarily inspiring. I also admire Chris' wife, Marcia, for her unending support and unwaivering faith in Chris. What a testament to her and also to Chris' "Gramps", who inspired in him the love of baseball. Very well written and moving!
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