The 33-Year-Old Rookie: How I Finally Made It to the Big Leagues After Eleven Years in the Minors

by Chris Coste

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400066867
• ISBN13: 9781400066865
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 199 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

An inspiring story

Philadelphia Phillies catcher Chris Coste has written an inspirational account about what it takes to get to the major leagues. Coste, a backup catcher, shares the heartaches, self-doubts and physical injuries he had to endure during his 11 years in the minors. He gives the reader an interesting look at life in the minors and with independent teams. Although Coste was determined to make it to the majors, there are hundreds of others who are just as talented and as determined who don't achieve their dreams. Coste's book is refreshing in that he's a player who appreciates everything he receives as a major leaguer. He vows not to complain about how much taxes he pays on his major league minimum salary of $370,000. He's a down-to-earth guy who hasn't been jaded by the major league life, and hopefully will never succumb to the pitfalls. You can't help but to root for Coste and cheer for him when he does well in the book. Any one who reads this book will be a Chris Coste fan. The book is thin at 196 pages and easy to read. While adults will enjoy it, I believe younger readers who don't know much about what it takes to get to the majors will also find it interesting and enjoyable.

What a Roller"Coster" Ride to the Majors!

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.

Rookie No More

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.

Finally - just a love for the game!

I was lucky enough to be in Florida for Phillies Spring Training the day the book was released - and at the park for Coste's first signing! This book is great for people, and particularly young teens, who love the game but are sick of hearing about the "steroid bad boys" who would apparently do anything for money - instead, a refreshing account of an apparently nice guy with a supportive family who would do anything (cleanly) he could to play in the majors. It gives great insight into how the various feeder systems work, the degree to which "Lady Luck" is part of the game, and how one man found his dream. The book doesn't detail Coste's current circumstances - that, fortunately for Coste and Phillies fans, can now be followed throughout the season! This book, while well-written, is still very accessible to younger readers. My 10 year old nephew loved it, and so did I!

Disney movie waiting to happen

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!