Now, I’ve always been a fan of former Phillies’ catcher Chris Coste. Whether it was the story behind him or just liking him because he was a solid backup catcher, I’ve been a fan.
When the Phillies acquired Paul Bako, I wasn’t sure what to think. The team carried three catchers for a while, but when Raul Ibanez came off the disabled list, someone had to go. That unfortunately was Coste. He was claimed by Houston where he got some playing time at 1B before getting moved back primarily behind the plate when the Astros traded Pudge Rodriguez.
Tonight marks Coste’s first game back in Philly since being waived and I emailed him a few questions a few weeks back about his impending return.
Phinally Philly: Was it frustrating to leave Philly after winning the World Series?
Chris Coste- It wasn’t so much frustrating as it was disappointing. It was like having the woman you love break up with you. The Phillies clubhouse is like a brotherhood and the idea that I was no longer a part of it was tough to handle.
PP: When you were waived, were you hoping to clear waivers and stay in Philly?
CC: No, simply because if that were the case then it meant that I would be going to the minor leagues, and at the age of 36, being in the minor leagues would be a major step backwards.
PP: Besides the World Series, what was your favorite moment as a member of the Phillies?
CC: The moment we clinched the division on the last day of the 2007 season. The atmosphere was beyond anything any of us had ever experienced.
PP: What was your favorite minor league stop and why?
CC: As a home player it would have to be Buffalo (AAA for the Indians at the time). They had great fans, a great stadium and always had veteran and talented teams. As a visiting player, it would have to be Pawtucket (AAA for the Red Sox). The atmosphere was the closest thing I had seen to a major league environment.
PP: I’m a numbers nut, so why the number 27in Philly and 41 in Houston?
CC: They are the numbers they gave me.
I’d just like to thank Coste for taking the time to answer these questions for me. I’m glad that he’s caught on with another team, but still sad that it didn’t last in Philly. Chris Coste was made for this town. Hopefully he does well for Houston, but not too well, this week against the Fightins.
