Chris Coste Quotations

My main goal coming into spring training was to make enough of an impression so when they needed someone during the season, they would consider me. I never would have guessed that this would transpire.

I don't even know if we had gotten out of Clearwater before it was bumper-to-bumper. Right when we got on (Interstate) 275, it was instantly like that and, before you know it, it was two hours later and I don't think we got two miles.

Given a shot? I don?t know. I got a chance to play and that was big thing.

Kirby was the first name on everyone's list. That smile and that magnetic personality. He was a huge role model for so many people in that area. He was a huge influence in the way that I hit.

I thought I'd have a good spring if I was given an opportunity to show what I can do. Finally, I'm on the radar. That's the big thing. If I don't make the team now, there will be a chance for me later in the season.

Whether I have a whole career in Triple-A or not, who knows? It's still a pretty good life, but at this stage, just to get one call-up would be nice.

Do they want an extra infielder/backup catcher who has never played in the big leagues? For them to choose me, it's a bold decision. So for me to win a job, I've got to do more than open eyes. It's got to be a no-doubter.

I've wanted to be a baseball player since I saw my first game when I was 5. I like having a uniform on my back.

People see me as a position player who can catch, when I'm a catcher that can play other positions. That's a huge difference, and what I've been trying to get people to see since I was 23 years old. I think I'm getting to catch because I've been hitting pretty well and they want to see if I can handle it. There are plenty of first/third baseman to go around. If I don't at least show the catching, there's no place for me.

People ask me how I hit that way, and I say, 'I grew up watching Kirby Puckett. He was the kind of guy who had that Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire factor, where he would go to other stadiums and people from those cities would watch him play.

This is the closest I've been. Even though it's still unclear, the one positive note is that I'm on the map. If I don't make the team, it will be disappointing, but for the first time in my career, I know there'll be a shot during the season.

For a lot of guys on this side of the clubhouse, pretty much every day is a tryout.

It's not the easiest thing to do. But I have a great support system.

I've dreamed of wearing a major league uniform since I was 5. It's just the opportunity to play on a daily basis. I never had that opportunity to play this much. I always thought I'd do well if I had the opportunity.

Small consolation. The chance to play ... That was the big thing.

I'm 33. I don't have a lot of years left. There are a lot of good players, so we'll see what happens. Anyone in here is capable of having a good day.

I'm a better baseball player now, but my body isn't what it used to be. It's hard getting in the shower sometimes.

I guess I wasn't surprised because I knew exactly what the situation was.

If I could've just been a catcher, maybe that would've forced them to just let me catch.

(Columbus) came out swinging, and they hit the ball hard. It's just the first game. Everything gets magnified on the first game. Things get blown out of proportion. It's just one game. There's a lot of games to go.