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-leage roster still seemed just out of reach - until that fatefull 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.
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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 a good inside look at how the independent leagues and minor leagues work relative to the major league (e.g., star prospects are sent to where they will get to play the most, and the players with the best stats are not necessarily going to be the ones promoted), so I did learn a lot about that and can recommend the book on that basis alone." — Mary (4 out of 5 stars)
"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 a good inside look at how the independent leagues and minor leagues work relative to the major league (e.g., star prospects are sent to where they will get to play the most, and the players with the best stats are not necessarily going to be the ones promoted), so I did learn a lot about that and can recommend the book on that basis alone."
“Anyone who has played in the minors can respect what Chris went through to reach his goal of playing in the big leagues. 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’ story speaks volumes about determination, drive, and perseverance.”
“If baseball gave out awards for fortitude or stubbornness, the biggest trophy would go to catcher Chris Coste, who spent eleven years in the minor leagues before breaking into ‘the show,’ as bush leaguers call the majors…Wives less patient than Marcia Coste may want to hide this book from aging husbands who have dreams of their own.”
“A refreshing and enjoyable read…If an off-season of drug reports, congressional hearings and defamation lawsuits had you a little down on baseball, [The 33-Year-Old Rookie is] a good antidote…Coste…has a wide-eyed affection for the game that is contagious.”
“[Coste] tells a straightforward story, giving readers an opportunity to understand the obstacles and tough times minor leaguers and marginal players endure…Inspirational.”
“Coste…is the archetype of the underdog…In these scandalized, performance-enhancing times, baseball needs all the feel-good stories it can muster.”
" Not exactly complex reading material, but certainly a quick read that any Phillies fan would appreciate. I love Coste! "
" 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. He definitely wrote it and did not rely on a ghost writer which was both good and bad. "
" 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! "
" This is why I don't read sports books all that often. "
" What a great success stories a welfare kid from Fargo grows up to be a World Series Legend. Quoting Don King, " Only in America." "
" 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. "
" An inspirational story of never giving up your dream. An easy read. "
" Fargo boy (eventually) makes the majors. Informally written, but an interesting look inside the life of a minor leaguer. "
" I think this book teaches to never give up on your dreams. Also, I learned about different baseball leagues I've never heard of before. I enjoy baseball so it was a great book to read. "
" Good easy read. nice warm up for the baseball season. "
" 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. "
" Nice enough story, easy read. Rating doesn't mean I don't recommend it, just that I recommend it only if you really like baseball and are looking for something pretty simple, kind of cliched. "
" Good book about a minor league player finally making the big leagues at the age of 33. Inspirational. "
" 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. "
" 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 "
" A feel good book, a must read for any Phillies fan. Not the best written book, but a quick read. "
" Great baseball book, but a little too much baseball for me. I am adding it to my high school collection though. "
" 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. "
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