The 33-Year-Old Rookie: How I Finally Made it to the Big Leagues After Eleven Years in the Minors
by Chris Coste
Webmaster's review
Released Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Reading Chris' new book I have to say you can clearly tell that he wrote the book and he's much more experienced at writing. "33" is, compared to "Hey...," a much more complete book. He has a much more compelling story, more interesting characters and better known characters and even some anger that simply isn't found in his first book. It also helps that it has a much more "happy ending." With 10+ additional seasons to cover, most outside of Fargo, the book appeals to a broader audience (In comparison to "Hey..." which, in comparison starts off with a lot of PR for baseball, the NoL and RedHawks).
The style of the book is also more 'mature." The preface and first chapter --both of which set the reader up for the "fall" at the start of the 2006 season-- show that Chris has gotten better at writing in general (possibly some coaching from a "ghost writer"). The middle half of the book is pretty much extracted from "Hey..." but with fewer punches pulled since it's seems to be aimed at an older, more mature audience. That last part is not to say that it doesn't include some profanity --but there are no "F-bombs" and barely enough S-words to count on one hand. This book is still pretty safe for nearly any age reader.
For NoL, RedHawks, and Coste fans this is required reading. It's a pretty good baseball book and at 196 pages, not a very long read. My only quibbles are that the closing chapters (when Chris makes it to the show) don't move as well as his prep for it (like Chapter 1 which is all about 2006 spring training). A bit more celebration (in print) after reading about his adversity would have made it a bit sweeter for the reader.
For those who've read "Hey..." there are some great stories about Chris' time in the Mexico winter leagues --where he was a BIG star. There several interesting insights into the sport and the irony of how being a journeyman player in his 30s actually made it easier for him to stick in Philly compared to the run of prospects that stood in his way for so long.
Overall it was a very enjoyable read and a much better story (and book) than Chris' first outing. Clearly he gets better with age.
Order this book (and help Chris) through chriscoste.com
- Hardcover: Ballantine Books, 2008, 224 pages, $25.00
- ISBN: 978-1400066865
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