As a kid, I owned a powder-blue Mike Schmidt jersey, but since entering adulthood, I've never really felt much of an urge to purchase another jersey. Despite that, I have to admit, in the last few years, I have felt a little temptation to buy a Chris Coste jersey.
Why? He's just a great story, one to be proud of as a Phillies fan. At 33 years of age, after one setback after another, one minor-league town after another, he finally breaks through into the major leagues for the very first time. Once he's there, he goes 0-14 at the plate, but hangs in there and by the time the season is over, his batting average is up to .328.
Talk about persistence. It seems to me, because of that, "COSTE" would be a name you could have on your back at the ballpark and feel proud. The following is an interview I conducted with the one guy whose name I'd still consider emblazoning on my back.
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You spent over a decade playing in the minor leagues and independent leagues. What was the closest you ever came to saying, "That's it, I've had enough, time to find something else to do"?
I was never close enough to legitimately say that I was close. At times I explored other options, but I assumed my next job would be as a manager in the minor leagues (with hopes of an eventual big league job), and the best way to gain experience would be to play as long as possible.
What's it like to play for Charlie Manuel?
He is a lot better communicator than fans realize. Also, he has the ability to not add any extra pressure on his players. In all of major sports, there is enough pressure, so he makes it as easy as possible to succeed.
Charlie always seems to stay positive, at least publicly, no matter what is happening with the team. Does that constant positivity rub off on the players?
When he walks into a room, he has the ability to put smiles on people's faces...he is kind of like your favorite uncle.
Can you confirm or deny reports that you had a Rod Barajas voodoo doll?
That's a good one!! Honestly, Rod and I were good friends, and to his credit, through all the boos and hard times, he was able to handle it with a smile and ALWAYS remained a great teammate to the entire team!
Ten years from now, you'll be in your early 40's and unless Jamie Moyer gives you the map to the Fountain of Youth, your playing days will be over. What do you see yourself doing? Still in baseball? Managing? Broadcasting maybe? Writing?
I might consider getting my teeth fixed and a hair transplant and go into broadcasting, but I have always wanted to be a major league manager.
Hitters are very willing to admit they like playing in Citizens Bank Park , while pitchers like to pretend it doesn't bother them. In reality, how much does it affect the mindset of a pitcher?
It depends on the pitcher, but I feel that if a pitcher can try to ignore it, he will have more success. However, it does get joked about a lot in the clubhouse.
I would consider your swing to be a little unorthodox, but judging from the last two years, it certainly gets the job done. Did a lot of coaches over the years try and tinker with it and make it more orthodox? In hindsight, did the tinkering hinder your development?
Fortunately, I had lots of success in the minors and coaches realized not to mess with me too much.
Tim McCarver once joked that when he and Steve Carlton died, they would be buried 60 feet, 6 inches apart. Is there a particular Phillies pitcher that you seem to have a lot of chemistry with? Do any of the pitchers prefer to work with you more or Carlos Ruiz more?
I had a great relationship with Moyer and Hamels in 2006 and couldn't wait for them to take the mound. Ruiz now catches Moyer, but Hamels is probably the most fun guy I have ever caught!
Philly fans can be phickle. They seem to cheer the same players they booed the day before and visa versa. Do the players, most of whom grew up in other areas, think we are a city of manic depressives?
Honestly, as tough as it may be for some players, I think we can all appreciate the fact that we play in a city that cares and has a passion for baseball. Most cities are not nearly the same, and it is not nearly as fun.
Pat Burrell. Man or machine?
YEP!
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A final note on Pat Burrell. After reading through Coste's book, it was interesting to read how seriously Burrell took the news that Chris was sent back to the minors to start the 2006 season after having such a hot spring training.
As a matter of fact, according to Chris, Burrell said he felt somewhat responsible for the assignment to Scranton. If you recall, Coste looked like a lock to make the team, but at the last second, the Phillies traded for David Dellucci for added outfield depth. Upon hearing the news Burrell apologized to Coste, saying that if it wasn't for his injured ankle, the Phillies might not have felt the need for insurance.
Just goes to show you that Phillies fans aren't the only ones that were pulling for Chris Coste. His teammates were too.
