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| courtesy of talksportsphilly.com |
In our second edition of TSL Insights, former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Chris Coste talks to me about the Phillies this past season and the upcoming season, life in the minors, how it felt to be in the majors, and his experience on CSN Philly.
Jovan Alford: What do you think about the Phillies this past season?
Chris Coste: With all the regular season wins and all the expectations it was obviously a disappointing end. It just goes to show you how hard it is to win a World Series. If a team is not clicking on all cylinders, they will fall. Having said that, it was an incredibly exciting season to follow and the players gave us an unforgettable season.
Jovan Alford: Since spring training is upon us, what do you think the Phillies will be able to accomplish this upcoming season?
Chris Coste: I think they will be right where they were last regular season. They were the best team in baseball during the regular season and simply didn’t hit in a 5-game series. No reason to panic and no reason to think they won’t be the favorites once October rolls around. A healthy Ryan Howard and pitching pretty much will dictate that.
Jovan Alford: I have read your book “The 33 year old rookie” and it was a good read, but I want to know about the typical life of a minor leaguer?
Chris Coste: It’s a life of constant reminder that the next level is only a phone call away. As a player, you will see teammates and opponents get moved up on what seems like a daily basis. It’s not always easy but you are surrounded by good teammates with the same passion and goals. Other than that, long bus rides, fewer off days, less money, questionable facilities at times, and you are always wondering if it’s all worth it. I could go on but it would take 225 more pages… One of my favorite analogies is: The minor leagues are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on a 6-hour bus ride to the Days Inn, and the big leagues are steak and lobster on a chartered flight to the Ritz-Carlton.
Jovan Alford: I know you did Phillies pre-game and post-game for CSN Philly. How was that experience and would you consider doing it again?
Chris Coste: It was a lot of fun for many reasons. First, it was an exciting season to be a part of, even if it wasn’t in the dugout. Next, although I wasn’t a player, for the time I was in Philadelphia, I felt like a Major Leaguer again. Lastly, I love the Phillies and I love the sport of baseball and even when I was a player I was more of a fan than player, so when I worked for CSN I felt like a lucky fan getting to talk about the Phillies.
Jovan Alford: Finally, How did it feel to make the majors after being in the minors for so long?
Chris Coste: The simplest answer is that it felt like a dream. Imagine if you had won the lottery. Disbelief and the feeling that this was too good to be true, and each day when I woke up in my bed I was worried that none of it actually happened and I was simply in a dream.
Jovan Alford: Lastly I have two questions from our readers:
Jovan Alford: The first question is how did it feel to be apart of 2008 Phillies World Championship Team?
Chris Coste: Once again, it was like a dream. Running onto the field when Brad Lidge struckout Eric Hinske I felt like I was floating. Another lottery-like feeling. Then the impatience of wanting the World Series ring immediately set in. It became even more emotional two days later during the parade. I have experienced some amazing moments in my life, and that parade was second only to the birth of my daughter.
Jovan Alford: The second question is how do you feel about the city of Philadelphia and the Phillies Organization?
Chris Coste: Philadelphia has become like a second home to me (and my family) and I miss being a Phillie more than you can imagine. Although I was a common back-up catcher, the fans treated me like I was a superstar. Philly is the only city in all of baseball that would have taken to me the way it did.
A special thanks goes to Chris Coste for taking time out to do this interview with TSL.
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