Recently I was fortunate to get in touch with Phillies catcher Chris Coste and he agreed to answer some questions for MLBFrontOffice.com. Coste recently came out with a book titled The 33-Year-Old Rookie: How I Finally Made it to the Big Leagues After Eleven Years in the Minors.

You made your major league debut in May of 2006, at the age of 33. At any point in time, did you explore leaving baseball to do something else? What kept you going?

This is easily the most common question asked. Well, baseball has always been my path to follow and I assumed I would go into managing one day, so the longer I played, the better manager I assumed I would be. Also, to be in AAA, only one level from the big leagues, and walk away just wouldn't make any sense.

When you finally did get called up did you think you would stay up? What kind of information did the Phillies provide you about coming to the majors?

I had no idea how long it would last and I received no information. I was taking over for Alex Gonzalez and his role was back-up infielder and right handed pinch hitter, not a position that was too important, so I hoped I would get at least a month to prove I could help the team win.

When you first came up, were you treated like a rookie, or just a typical veteran?

They treated me like I was 33 years old, in fact, I was told by David Bell: "you have gone through enough crap in your career, don'y worry about any of that rookie stuff...it doesn't apply to you."

After a few stints with the Phillies, you have become pretty popular. What kind of reaction did you have with the "hype" that followed you when you first came up? Do you often find yourself looking for "Coste Guard" members at games, or are you used to it all now?

It is interesting to say the least, but in an odd way, I had hoped for it. I have always found a way to be a fan favorite in many of the cities I played. When I was in independent baseball I was a local celebrity and when I played in winter baseball in Mexico my teammates joked that I was more popular than the president of Mexico. So, as great as it wold be to play in any major league city, I was meant to
play in a place like Philly where they see me as a Rocky-type guy. No other city in baseball would have taken to me the way Philly and its fans have.

You played quite a few years in the minors. Who were some of the best players you played with? Are there any pitchers that you liked catching more than others?

Well, Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz come to mind, but I also played with Dave Roberts and Dave Hollins...too many good players to think of.

Back in college, you were three time All-American, but at a Division III school. Do you think you could have played Division I and gotten drafted?

I am sure I could have played division I baseball but I might have gotten lost in the shuffle because I don't dazzle people with a great first impression.

What is some of the best advice you have gotten from fellow players or managers? Do you still put use to things you were taught in the independent leagues?

The best advice I ever received was to NEVER change the way I played. I am a bit unorthodox in everything I do and many managers recognized that I could succeed with my odd style. Rather than try to change me, they embraced my style.

What has the spring been like for you so far? How does major league camp compare to some of the ones you were in during your time in the minors?

Major league spring training is great. They treat you like a professional and a man. You can actually use spring training to get ready for the season. In the minor league side they run it like a boot camp and treat you like a 16 year old boy. Minor league spring training can definitely test your passion and love for the game.

What kind of attitude do you have for this coming season? I imagine you would like to stay in the majors, but what do you feel you have to do to stay there?

It feels great knowing that I will be on the team, but having said that, I do know that it is a constant tryout...there are always guys trying to take your job. I will do my best to stay around for 5-7 more years, because this is a special bunch of guys and a fun team to be around.

You recently released a new book called The 33-Year-Old Rookie: How I Finally Made it to the Big Leagues After Eleven Years in the Minors. Was it your idea to write to book?

Yes, I was going to write a book about the minor leagues and the behind the scenes things that go on. When I made it to the big leagues in 2006 and my story took off, I then received interest about writing my autobiography, and the rest is history.

What can people expect from your book? Is it full of stories from the minors?

It is my entire story from 5 year old on. It details my odd path to the big leagues and the never give up and believe in yourself attitude that I have always had. Believe me, you do not need to be a sports fan to enjoy the book.

So far, the book has gotten a lot of praise from guys like Tim McCarver, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Mike Schmidt. What first crossed your mind when you found out these guys admired you?

The fact that these guys even knew who I was and knew a little about my story was incredible. After all, I am just some career minor leaguer from Fargo, ND...so far.

A few different articles on the internet have indicated that since you made it up to the majors, quite a few film companies are interested in making your story into a documentary. How do you feel about the idea? Who would be your ideal guy to play your role?

I am not actively seeking any movie deal and I would rather not have a movie about me while I am still a player. However, if Disney or Matthew McConaughey came to me, I would keep an open mind!!

Finally, what was it like getting into the playoffs last year? What can we expect from the Phillies in 2008?

I was a bittersweet ending to the season. We know we have only scratched the surface of what we are capable of, and I will leave the predictions to J-Roll.

Since there have only been four days of baseball this week, Playing With Fire will pick up again next week.