The 33-Year-Old Rookie

February 1, 2008
In his intriguing rags-to-not-quite-riches tale, Coste (Hey...I'm Just the Catcher) relates his long struggle to make it into the major leagues. Lacking a big college pedigree, he bounced around in independent baseball before enduring an extended stretch in the minors. There was also winter ball in Mexico. In 2006, he finally got the call-up that seemed unlikely ever to occurand he took full advantage: .328 in nearly 200 official trips to the plate for the Phillies. Highly recommended.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2008
Coste just turned 35 andhasplayed 113 regular season games for the Philadelphia Phillies as a backup catcherhardly a Hall of Fame r'sum'. So why has he written an autobiography? Because, despite a career filled with disappointment, he believed in himself and doggedly pursued his dream of playing in the major leagues. He is the archetype of the underdog. Born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota, he played junior-college baseballnot usually a ticket to the big timethen in independent leagues, minor leagues, winter ball in Mexico, and in any other venue that would have him. He also switched along the way from pitcher to catcher. The life he chose wasnt easy for himself or his wife and daughter. They scuffled by living with in-laws and minor-league host families, out of suitcases, and in Holiday Inns. But eventually he made it, and it looks as though hell be around a while. Sometimes nice things happen to good people, even in sports. Expect considerable interest; in these scandalized, performance-enhancing times, baseball needs all the feel-good stories it can muster.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)