 |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
  |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
The book "The 33-Year Old Rookie" follows Coste's journey through a decade of life in the minor leagues, winter baseball, and his rise to finally step into the batter's box as a big league catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Now in paperback with a new afterward where Coste talks about the Phillies World Series 2008 season. Don't miss this heartwarming and modern day hero story! Order right here by clicking one of the links below: IndieBound:
|
Chris was featured on mlb.com with a story about his road to the big leagues and his roots from North Dakota. Also included in the story is fellow North Dakota players Darin Erstad and Travis Hafner. Click here to view the story and other videos of Chris that highlight his 2008 season with the Phillies.
|
 |
By Wade S. Beavers
Photo by Miles Kennedy - Copyright 2008
What a year! In 2008 Chris Coste put out a book that is a heartfelt view on making it to the highest level of baseball after more than a decade of working through the lower levels of baseball. Then came the magical season the Philadelphia Phillies had claiming the rights as World Series Champions. Chris was a huge part of that success having hit .263 with 9 HR's and 36 RBI's doing what he does best; getting timely hits and catching a great game for the Phillies pitching staff.
Now Chris is back home in Fargo, North Dakota reflecting on a unbelievable season and gearing up for 2009 already. "It is surreal to win the World Series. I just can't explain in words how amazing it was and is. That moment when we were running out to celebrate was like a moment in time I'll never forget. Suddenly you realize 'We really are World Champs'. It was just magical", said Coste.
Coste then went on to say how grateful he is for the personal notes he has gotten in regards to both his book and the season. "The emails that people send and the fan support I have gotten is something really personal to me. I appreciate that people want to hear my story or they know I am a regular like them. I work hard to be best in my job and I think folks appreciate that."
Asked whether Chris has big plans for the off-season he said with a chuckle "I'll have to shovel the drive way a few times and I am sure with a new baby in the house there might be a few diapers to change."
Merry Christmas!
The long wait is over for the much anticipated book highlighting Chris Coste's rise to becoming the one of most-beloved baseball stories. The book "The 33-Year Old Rookie" follows Coste's journey through a decade of life in the minor leagues, winter baseball, and his rise to finally step into the batter's box as a big league catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Order right here by clicking one of the links below:
barnes&noble.com
Ballantine Books, a division of Random House Publishing published the book. It is available at most major bookstores nationwide, including Barnes and Noble.
NBC Sports delivers a hit with the Coste story
NBCSports.com writer Mike Chiappetta delivered a great article titled "For the Love of the Game" on Chris Coste and his rise to the big leagues. A candid and heartfelt story, Chiappetta captures the highs and lows of the 12-year journey for Coste and how his family has supported him along the way.
Click here to read the article
Click here to download a PDF version.
Coste article on offseason baseball life
Director of Public Relations Leigh Tobin wrote a nice article on Coste and his funny ritual of an annual bat burning event held every offseason during a family camp fire event.
Click here to read the article
Click here to download the PDF version
Coste finishes 2006 season strong
By Wade S. Beavers
A rollercoaster of a ride is the best way to explain the 2006 season for Chris Coste. The Philadelphia Philies catcher began the season as a long-shot to make the Phillies big league club, only to deliver eye-popping offensive numbers in spring training. A .463 BA, 5 doubles, and 3 home runs in only 41 at-bats made for a tough decision on Phillies management to not keep him the 33 year-old rookie catcher on the opening day roster. The Phillies sent Coste down to Scranton-Wilkes the day before opening day, but not long after Coste got the call that he was heading back to to Philadelphia.
 |
Coste made the best of his situation and soon was spraying line-drives and delivering key hits while handling a Philadelphia pitching staff that improved as the season went along. Player trades from the Phillies organization changed the face of the team and over time, the Phillies were suddenly in the hunt for a potential post-season spot come October. Coste's performance was a key part of the successful run by the Phillies, delivering crucial hits and earning the respect of his teammates and the nickname "Chris Clutch" given to him by Phillie star first baseman Ryan Howard.
Coste's final 2006 statistics were stellar with a team leading .328 BA along with 7 home runs, 14 doubles, 25 runs scored and 32 RBI's. Coste was rewarded for his efforts by the Philadelphia Chapter of Baseball Writers Association of America with the 2006 Dallas Green Award, given to the most inspirational acheivemant of a player during the 2006 season.
Inspirational is an understatement to what Coste has accomplished. An undrafted player back in 1995, Coste defied all obstacles put in front of him to make his 12-year journey through the minors and finally to the big leagues even more worthy of praise. It's one thing to reach the goal of making to the big leagues, it's another to deliver all-star performances consistantly. Coste's performance defied the aging process of an athlete and the rigorous demands of catching throughout a whole major league season.
His performance and passion for the game is evident in the way he plays. Phillie fans embraced his fervor and a Phillie loyalists in left-field became known as "The Coste Guard Crew". This success story is not at its end just yet, Coste is destined to continue the success of 2006 into 2007 and the Phillies quest for a NL East Division title.
