The 33-Year-Old Rookie: My 13-Year Journey from the Minor Leagues to the World Series [Paperback]

Chris Coste (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 2009

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 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.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Coste just turned 35 and has played 113 regular season games for the Philadelphia Phillies as a backup catcher—hardly a Hall of Fame résumé. So why has he written an autobiography? Because, despite a career filled with disappointment, he believed in himself and doggedly pursued his dream of playing in the major leagues. He is the archetype of the underdog. Born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota, he played junior-college baseball—not usually a ticket to the big time—then in independent leagues, minor leagues, winter ball in Mexico, and in any other venue that would have him. He also switched along the way from pitcher to catcher. The life he chose wasn’t easy for himself or his wife and daughter. They scuffled by living with in-laws and minor-league “host” families, out of suitcases, and in Holiday Inns. But eventually he made it, and it looks as though he’ll be around a while. Sometimes nice things happen to good people, even in sports. Expect considerable interest; in these scandalized, performance-enhancing times, baseball needs all the feel-good stories it can muster. --Wes Lukowsky --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

“Anyone who has played in the minors can respect what Chris went through to reach his goal. He endured eleven minor league seasons and should be applauded for never giving up. We have all fought through difficulties to achieve our dreams and Chris’s story speaks volumes about determination, drive, and perseverance.”
–Cal Ripken, Jr., baseball’s all-time “Iron Man”

“If baseball gave out awards for fortitude or stubbornness, the biggest trophy would go to catcher Chris Coste. . . . Wives less patient than Marcia Coste may want to hide this book from aging husbands who have dreams of their own.”
–USA Today

“[Coste] has a wide-eyed affection for the game that is contagious.”
–Sports Illustrated

“Remarkable . . . may inspire young readers to follow their dreams.”
–The Boston Globe

“What’s not to love? A hardworking, dedicated man overcomes odds and obstacles to fulfill his dream.”
–The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Highly recommended . . . [an] intriguing rags-to-not-quite-riches tale.”
–Library Journal

“Uplifting . . . Don’t give up on a dream.”
–The San Diego Union-Tribune


“What amazes me most about Chris Coste’s unlikely career is that he did it playing the hardest position on the field, enduring the daily barrage of nicks, bruises, and head-on collisions that are the life of a catcher. The 33-Year-Old Rookie is a great story of a man’s triumph over adversity, but it’s also a fascinating account of the view from behind home plate.”
–Tim McCarver, broadcaster, Fox Sports

“The 33-Year-Old Rookie is the best of Rocky, Rudy, and The Rookie–it brought out all the emotions . . . especially when Chris made the team, and the tears started flowing. If you have an impossible dream, and want to see a man and family who paid the price to make theirs come true, you have to read this book.”
–Vince Papale, subject of the Disney movie Invincible


“Chris Coste’s story inspires us because he is a man driven not only by his loyalty to team over self, but also by his love for his family, strong morals, and passion for the great game of baseball. The 33-Year-Old Rookie will remind everyone who’s ever had a dream to keep fighting for it.”
–Mike Schmidt, Hall of Fame third baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies

“Chris Coste is the epitome of the phrase ‘never give up hope.’ His dream was to be a major-league baseball player, and at the age of thirty-three, Chris not only reached the majors but showed that he belonged.”
–Harry Kalas, Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; Reprint edition (March 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345507037
• ISBN-13: 978-0345507037
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #186,817 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Roller"Coster" Ride to the Majors!, March 31, 2008

By 

L. Charles Wimer III (Coatesville, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 33-Year-Old Rookie: How I Finally Made it to the Big Leagues After Eleven Years in the Minors (Hardcover)

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.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rookie No More, March 26, 2008

By 

...Bill (St. Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 33-Year-Old Rookie: How I Finally Made it to the Big Leagues After Eleven Years in the Minors (Hardcover)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Disney movie waiting to happen, March 18, 2008

By 

J. Wagner "Philly fan" (Green Valley, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 33-Year-Old Rookie: How I Finally Made it to the Big Leagues After Eleven Years in the Minors (Hardcover)

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!