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...
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Oct 10, 2010
Daniel
rated it: 
Chris Coste
The 33-Year-Old-Rookie
New York: Ballantine Books, 2008-2009
221 pp. $15.00
978-0-345-50703-7
"Hard work pays off!" is what a coach once said to me. That quote reminded me of so many things while I was reading this book. The author Chris Coste tells he story. His childhood was not what every kid would want. He lived in a small town in North Dakota, never met his father, and his small family was not one of the wealthiest families around. More...
The 33-Year-Old-Rookie
New York: Ballantine Books, 2008-2009
221 pp. $15.00
978-0-345-50703-7
"Hard work pays off!" is what a coach once said to me. That quote reminded me of so many things while I was reading this book. The author Chris Coste tells he story. His childhood was not what every kid would want. He lived in a small town in North Dakota, never met his father, and his small family was not one of the wealthiest families around. More...
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Sep 16, 2009
Valerie
rated it: 
I listened to the audio version and finished it over one weekend. I don't usually read books about sports figures. They have a mentality I just don't get. I'm not quite sure why I chose this book (maybe it was just the memory of Dennis Quaid in the movie--he has the absolutely best smile!). The movie is terrific, no question, but the book is even better. While the movie is about a man's dream and about baseball, the book is about a man's life as he learns to live without the dream and with reali
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Dec 28, 2008
Simone
rated it:
The 33-year-old Rookie vs. The Dog Killer
I love sports. I love the possibilities, the dreams, the striving. Athletes manifest determination, grit, and desire on a mental, spiritual, and physical level unmatched in any other arena. More than anything, I'm thankful for the inspiration, and many times, the absolute wonder of some athletes' accomplishments. And sometimes I'm crestfallen and/or disgusted by their downfalls.
This year, we were blessed with witnessing Michael Phe More...
I love sports. I love the possibilities, the dreams, the striving. Athletes manifest determination, grit, and desire on a mental, spiritual, and physical level unmatched in any other arena. More than anything, I'm thankful for the inspiration, and many times, the absolute wonder of some athletes' accomplishments. And sometimes I'm crestfallen and/or disgusted by their downfalls.
This year, we were blessed with witnessing Michael Phe More...
Dec 27, 2008
Evannn
rated it:
If you like baseball, if you like stories of overcoming long-shot odds, this is a great book. Well-written in a casual style, Chris details his baseball-obsessed youth and the long, long time it took him to finally bust into the major leagues. I learned a lot about how the system works, and how sad and frustrating it can be. You have to be pulling hard for Chris after only a couple chapters. And even knowing what happens in the end doesn't diminish the suspense and joy when his dedication finall
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Aug 01, 2008
Desiree
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There are many things to respect about Chris Coste. First, he slogged and sustained through 11 years in the minors before making it to the big show. Secondly, that he actually wrote this book himself sans ghost writer. That's like lugging your own catcher's gear around rather than leaving it in the dugout for the equipment manager. It's symbolic of the philosophy Coste has applied to his baseball career since he started by tossing tennis balls as a kid.
Which means it's not a well-wri More...
Which means it's not a well-wri More...
Mar 23, 2008
jeremy
rated it:
in a time of quick fixes and instant gratification, tales of perseverance and triumph are easily overlooked, but this story exemplifies tenacity at its finest. chris coste knows well the dividends paid by resolve and determination, and his autobiography is a testament to the benevolent power of will and self-confidence.
an all-american in college, coste spent eleven years in the minor leagues (including seasons in the international and mexican pacific leagues), before his debut i More...
an all-american in college, coste spent eleven years in the minor leagues (including seasons in the international and mexican pacific leagues), before his debut i More...
Mar 18, 2011
Kyle
rated it: 
Sorry I forgot my book review and read this about two weeks ago:
I liked this book in many ways. First, I like it cause it is about baseball and I play Baseball. Also, the book has the theme that its never to late to fufill your dreams. Although, this book angers me that Chris didn't go to the Mets (haha) and instead was in thwe Phillies farm System. This book is a good read for those who believe in comeback stories and love baseball.
I liked this book in many ways. First, I like it cause it is about baseball and I play Baseball. Also, the book has the theme that its never to late to fufill your dreams. Although, this book angers me that Chris didn't go to the Mets (haha) and instead was in thwe Phillies farm System. This book is a good read for those who believe in comeback stories and love baseball.
May 09, 2010
Mary
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I enjoyed this a lot - a Cinderella story about a guy who seems quite likable and well-grounded - his story of his baseball career, starting in college, independent league ball, minor leagues, and finally making it as a major league player with the Phillies in 2006, at the age of 33. He is now on the Nationals roster, although on the disabled list, and I am hoping that he will come back at some point and I can get the book signed at a fanfest event. Aside from the personal story, this book is
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May 01, 2011
Mike
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I recall some months ago when I saw a blurb about this book, about a 33 year old Rookie in the Major Leagues. As I am in this age group, this kind of story intrigued me so I decided to get this book.
Chris's story does not disappoint. The phase that comes to mind when I hear his name is "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again". Here is a man who tried unsuccessfully for 13 years to break into the major leagues from every possible angle and finally when he got cal More...
Chris's story does not disappoint. The phase that comes to mind when I hear his name is "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again". Here is a man who tried unsuccessfully for 13 years to break into the major leagues from every possible angle and finally when he got cal More...
May 01, 2011
William
rated it:
This i a hartworming story, a grate story about a 33 year old guy that when he was small dreamed about bcoming a proffesinol baseball player. But one injury cost him that privalage!He had a leuge that never won onces. And when he managed the team they started to win more and actually made it to the world serious. Also after the team started to realized that he throws 98 mhp, the team and him made a promise, that if they make it to the playoffs, he has to start looking to play baseball again. So
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Jun 01, 2011
Lisa
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I am not a Phillies fan by any means, but this was a really good book. As a baseball fan I found it interesting to read about life in the minor leagues.
Jun 25, 2008
Tim
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Coste is a real life version of Roy Hobbs in "the Natural". Inspiring story about living your dreams and never giving up hope, no matter how many doors are closed in your face. Really impressed with the quality of writing from the first time author, full time athlete, as well. I was riveted. At 35 the "old timer's" still impressing philly fans every night he plays too. I find myself fanatically cheering for the guy every time he steps on the field, and angrily muttering "
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Apr 27, 2011
Rachel
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How can you not love Chris Coste and his rise to the majors? He is such a humble athlete and this book was telling of that.
Dec 20, 2008
Kevin "El Liso Grande"
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a good story but he really brags himself up for a book about someone who couldn't make it to the bigs for so long
Oct 25, 2009
Anthony
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Pretty good book about Chris Coste's career. He had a really interesting path to the majors and it includes stints as marketing director of an independent league team and talk show host. It was a little bittersweet to be reading it since it concludes after the 2007 season. I do not have the book with the 2008 addendum about winning the world series. And I felt bad that such a good guy is not on the 2009 Phillies that are trying to repeat. I think the book also captured Chris Coste's voice.
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Nov 02, 2008
arterialturns
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An inside look at the convoluted path from a childhood dream to reality, and some of the many obstacles towards becoming a major league ball player. This is well-written, and a fast read. It reads almost conversationally, with great insights. This guy's motivation and determination are amazing. I'm biased, but I think that it's a good read for baseball fans and non-fans alike. [Update, 11/2/08: Now Mr. Coste is a world Series ring holder! Happily rooted for him, Jamie Moyer, et al, although Cost
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Aug 12, 2009
JulieK
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Fargo boy (eventually) makes the majors. Informally written, but an interesting look inside the life of a minor leaguer.
May 18, 2008
Brian
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This is a well-written true story of how Chris Coste finally became a major league baseball player after spending 11 years in the minor leagues. It is a love story, both to his family for their constant and never-wavering support, as well as to the game of baseball.
Anyone who roots for the underdog, and is in anyway a sports fan, will enjoy this book.
Anyone who roots for the underdog, and is in anyway a sports fan, will enjoy this book.
Dec 15, 2010
Jessica
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I really enjoyed this book and found myself tearing up with a lump in my throat several times. Chris Coste describes his career very honestly. He stirred up many emotions in me as I read it - excited, frustrated, elated, etc. Even if you aren't a Phillies fan, if you love baseball, you will find this book very interesting.
Apr 26, 2008
Dan
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While it's bookended by chapters that will primarily appeal to Phillies fans, the bulk of this is great for anyone who feels jaded by baseball's current scandals: a nice story of a guy who just loved playing baseball, no matter where it was - pretty refreshing.
Aug 15, 2008
Gregg
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Inspiring story about Chris Coste who spent years in the minor leagues before finally breaking through to the big league with the Philadelphia Phillies. Of particular interest to Philadelphia fans, although any baseball enthusiast would enjoy.
Jan 13, 2009
Cornelius
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What a great success stories a welfare kid from Fargo grows up to be a World Series Legend. Quoting Don King, " Only in America."
May 30, 2008
Tim
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I read this book in two days...huge fan of the player/suthor and he has a great story and is having a great season this year as well!
Aug 27, 2008
Debbie
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Not exactly complex reading material, but certainly a quick read that any Phillies fan would appreciate. I love Coste!
Jan 29, 2010
Sarah
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Great baseball book, but a little too much baseball for me. I am adding it to my high school collection though.
Oct 19, 2008
Ross
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Good book about a minor league player finally making the big leagues at the age of 33. Inspirational.
Aug 30, 2008
Sarah
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A feel good book, a must read for any Phillies fan. Not the best written book, but a quick read.
