How I Finally Made it to the Big Leagues After Eleven Years in the Minors
– by Chris Coste (2008)
REVIEWED BY PATRICK “PACKY” MADER
Staff Writer
The autobiography of catcher Chris Coste is the quintessential story of a blue-collar player who had an 11-year minor league odyssey before reaping the rewards of playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in the major leagues. Endorsements are written by prominent athletes, including baseball Hall-of-Famers Mike Schmidt and Cal Ripken, Jr. with a foreword by slugger John Kruk.
“The 33-Year-Old Rookie”recounts Coste’s upbringing and glory and struggles on the baseball diamond. The 196-page narrative is related in a conversational style. The son of a single 16-year-old mother, Coste did not have the benefit of attending baseball camps or even being on a high school baseball team in Fargo, North Dakota. He proved himself in sandlot games and American Legion baseball as a third baseman and pitcher.
After a year strictly pitching under a stormy coach at Kishwaukee Community College, a baseball power near DeKalb, Illinois, Coste returned to the Fargo-Moorhead area. Concordia College coach Bucky Burgau brought the fun of the game back and Coste became the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player three consecutive years (1993-95), playing third base and pitching for the Cobbers. Despite the awards and posting gaudy numbers, Coste went undrafted and would begin his professional baseball journey.
When the Fargo-Moorhead area was awarded a team in the Northern League in 1996, Coste was offered a tryout with the RedHawks. General Manager John Dittrich and manager Doug Simunic thought it worthwhile to offer a local player the chance to make the team – as much a promotional ploy as a legitimate opportunity. Consistent with his work ethic and clutch-playing in the past, Coste came through and became an integral part of the team.
Midway through the book, Coste recalls an August conversation with teammates about baseball cards. “I’d dreamed about seeing my picture on a card ever since I bought my first pack of Topps cards back in the late seventies, hoping I’d crack open the cellophane to find my hero, Reggie Jackson. It dawned on me that my card for 1997 would have this year’s stats on it.” At the time Coste was batting .276 and he was determined to hit over .300 so he could take greater pride in the printed statistics. He accomplished his goal, hitting .314 for the season, finishing with a 13-game hitting flourish.
Throughout the book, Coste stresses the struggles he endured as a nondrafted baseball player. He received little formal coaching on changing to the position of catcher – in fact, it was borne out of desperation when no catcher was healthy. Former major leaguers and previously drafted players were signed by major league organizations ahead of Coste, even though he posted better numbers. Yet, a reader will respect his resilience and grinding attitude over any perceived complaints.
After four years with the RedHawks, Coste was offered a professional baseball contract at age 27 by the Cleveland Indians in 2000. The change in position to catcher was key. Catching is a demanding position and injuries occur often.
Coste continued to rack up impressive numbers, hitting .325 at the Class AA and AAA levels. Earning more money ($7,500 per month as a minor league player compared to the $1,500 per month playing in the Northern League) alleviated one stressor but added a different one: lengthy separations from his wife, Marcia, and daughter, Casey. Playing five more seasons in the minor leagues, Coste constantly displayed good numbers and improved his defensive skills. He proudly relates how he threw out speedy former major league baseball players from his knees – and there’s video proof of it. His earnings nearly doubled to $14,000 per month. Still, he remained mired in the minor leagues and watched with frustration as his window of making a Major League Baseball team kept dwindling as he turned 33 years old.
A spectacular 2006 spring training season with the Phillies made Coste a favorite with the fans and media. The underdog story of a journeyman minor leaguer had great appeal. His .463 batting average, defensive skills, and clutch hitting as he knocked in 11 runs warranted a spot on the roster. Yet in a heartbreaking decision, Coste was sent to the AAA team in Scranton, Pennsylvania. A call in May changed his fortunes. Injuries to both Phillies’ catchers required an immediate backup. Coste uses a lot exclamations to describe his elation and call to his wife.
A dreadful 0-for-13 start could have been expected to doom his major league career, but manager Charlie Manuel stuck with him. Manuel and the Phillies were rewarded when Coste went on a hot streak and ended the year with a .328 batting average in 198 at bats during 65 games. Coste exhibited power too, banging out 14 doubles, seven homers, and 32 RBIs.
After years of being overlooked and near-misses, Coste writes about his determination to remain in the majors. In 2007, he played solid baseball, batting .279 and throwing out 29 percent of attempted base stealers. Coste was named the recipient of the Media Good Guy Award for the Philadelphia area too. The crowning year was 2008 because the Phillies won the World Series. Coste was a big contributor, hitting 17 doubles and nine home runs while catching 65 games and batting .263 in 274 at bats. His career in baseball ended in 2009, playing with both the Phillies and Houston Astros.
Coste graciously acknowledges people who supported and encouraged him through his ups-and-downs, particularly managers Doug Simunic, Eric Wedge and Charlie Manuel and coaches Bucky Burgau at Concordia and Jeff Bittiger of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. And, of course, he expresses his love and pride for family members Marcia and Casey for their patience and adaptability as he pursued his dream.
It’s a “Rocky” story befitting Philadelphia. It’s an easy read and a hope-springs-eternal book.
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Patrick “Packy” Mader has written several books, including two large volumes on Minnesotans who were in the Olympic Games or competed in world competitions. To view hundreds of articles on Minnesota athletes, be sure to visit Packy’s website: MNAthletes.com. (Cick Link Here)
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