I first stopped playing baseball at the age of twelve, but left on a high note. I was forced to quit due to a wrist tumor formed by throwing curve balls at a young age. But my passion and love for the game continued to form an inner spirit that clawed at my heart for thirty five years, and later in life, I found baseball once again and attacked it with a vengeance. I am full-throttle, green-light; take no prisoners now, as I share my story from 1957 to 2007.
My story begins on the eastside of Brockton, Massachusetts, and leads to my present baseball experiences. Being an eastside kid has had a very special meaning for me and other real eastside kids. It's not that we were tough - I guess it was the true grit, the attitude, and the loyalty to the friends at the sandlots, your teammates, neighborhoods, and the idea of belonging to each other, which I easily adapted to as similar experience in the military. There are battles; comebacks, disabilities, and an inside look at how baseball beats in my heart.
My dream is to make a difference, to set the example, and to inspire others to enjoy this game of baseball. I could always look into my opponent's eyes and relay instant messaging, saying, "I and you are one," just as Sadaharu Oh once side. (He was the MLB Babe Ruth of Japan.) Now I understand and believe his thoughts.
My love for this game has been so rewarding. Baseball as I said is my heartbeat, my passion is for the game, and I am the kid from the eastside. So follow the seams of the baseball and watch the ball bounce from bat to glove, and experience baseball through my eyes and listen to my heartbeat. My passion is alive and well, and always ready for another game.
Robert Carlos Ortiz…Age 11
Brooklyn, New York
I had fun reading your book John and I did a book report on it and got an “A”. My Dad and John are good friends and play in the same league and once played on the same team. I liked reading about the way John liked to play baseball and the stories of him going fishing. I like baseball and fishing too. The pictures in the book were cool. Maybe when I grow up I can write a book too about baseball in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Robbie Ortiz
Paul Harrington,
Boston MSBL Manager
John I received your book as a birthday gift and enjoyed it so much. My wife is reading it now as she also like’s your book. Good luck with the off season and hope you can pitch for our over 48 team next season.
Paul Harrington
Paul Colombo
Lakeville, Ma
“What a great story” of inspiration and perseverance. It brought me back to the time of innocence and wide eyed wonder for our national pastime. It’s a great gift to have lived it for so long. Your passion and patriotism has come through loud and clear. Thank you for all of the memories”.
Paul Colombo
Joe Hallett
Sergeant Major US, Army Retired
82nd Airborne
I did finish reading and my wife is reading your book now. I enjoyed it very much as it brought back memories of my early days in Stoughton, Ma but also spending time in Brockton. I did not know John DeCosta before I read the book and I am proud to be your friend.
Joe Hallett
Brian Cole
Pepperell, Ma
John, definitely do a second book. Just consider the notes of the past baseball year, one of the most interesting seasons as your team outlasted all others. You beat all of the top teams as you will receive MVP award this year. Truly, an inspiring story, definitely do it John as your books will sell themselves, as they are definitely interesting. You have inspired me for a long time as well as your accomplishments. I am happy for you.
Brian Cole
Patricia Owens
Andover, ma
Thank you for sharing your wonderful book-it’s an amazing tale. I found myself smiling & frequently tearing up-you touched on all of the things that make us love baseball. Even with the temperatures below freezing could envision a warm day watching my beloved game. I think you should consider contacting a publisher. I think you have got a great story, thank you again.
Pat Owens (one who’s infected with the baseball bug)
Robert Butler
Police Officer 27 years (retired)
East Bridgewater, Ma
I got your book, read it that day I received it and thought it was excellent…. I want to read it again, a little slower, so I can absorb it better. But with the holidays etc; your writing style was excellent, perhaps you should be angry with your teachers as well as your coaches for not recognizing your writing abilities. I’m really impressed with your memory. That day so many years ago, at Mill Pond, has always been etched in my mind. I am retired from the Police Department after 27 years. I also spent a year in Viet Nam. It was delightful to hear from you and as I said I will re-read your book, slowly this time, and try to absorb some of the old memories. You did an excellent job and I congratulate you!!
Bob
James Costa
Author, Soldier, entrepreneur, Paratrooper and baseball friend;
John it is heart warming reading your book. I am nearly done with it and my wife Ingrid wishes to read it as well. I am also interested in the different contents within the book. My family thought when I wrote my book-I should have mentioned many things similar to your thoughts. I’m sure; many will love your story as we have.
Regards,
Jim Costa
Colonel William J. Davis USA, Retired
Dear John,
Thank you so very much for the wonderful gift of sharing your inspiring life story in the book, The Eastside Kid, Passion of a Gamer. Little did I know of your life and love for baseball when we served together in A Company,3rd Battalion,5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) back at Fort Bragg. Even though we grew up in different places, with you in Brockton, and me in Philadelphia, we are so similar in many ways: of the Catholic faith, children of the fifties, work ethics instilled by members of the greatest generation, and infused with love of baseball that continues to this day.
Little League flannel uniforms, PF Flyers worn leather gloves, pre-game rituals, swinging cracked Louisville Sluggers against taped-covered balls; The Eastside Kid brought it all back as if it just happened yesterday. With true authenticity you have captured the essence and simplicity of one who has lived and breathed baseball throughout your remarkable life’s journey.
The great baseball writer Roger Agnell once said; “Since baseball time is measured only in outs, all you have to do is succeed utterly. Keep hitting, keep the rally alive, and you have defeated time You remain forever young.” “Knowing the Gamer” that you are, I am certain that this rally will continue for many more years to come. God Bless You and Yours.
Bill Davis
Colonel, Special Forces (Ret)
Tina Burchill
Towsend, MD
1 Jan 2009
Got the opportunity, to read your book. I must say it was exceptional. I love the fact you always remembered to bring back something special for your lovely wife Beth as well as remember all your great friends by mentioning them in your book. You are so fortunate to have such good friends. The fact you continue to keep in touch is very important. Your love for baseball has continued to give you the strength to overcome many obstacles in your life. It is wonderful you followed your dream. I started reading your book and could not put it down. I read it in a couple of hours and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your life with the world. Best wished and good health to you and your family for the upcoming year,
Your friend Tina
Leslie Grant
Poughkeepsie, New York
Dear John,
I finished your book today and I really enjoyed reading about your life. Sounds like you had wonderful parents who you respected and have been an inspiration to you. You definitely seem to value qualities of that enduring…too bad those things are not stressed today. I admire your enthusiasm and optimism… not to mention, your persistence in face of obstacles. I agree with you on so many levels. Playing sports such as baseball does require loyalty and teamwork as well as the passion of the game. In the end, I am happy you were able to retrieve your plaque…It meant so much to you. I am glad you found friends through the years that have shared your vales and laughter… I am sorry to read of the loss of them. You have experienced life, the good and the bad, but retain who you are as a person with good values. Not too many people can do that. I enjoyed reading about your love for animals. They definitely show more loyalty than some people… too bad that many people abuse them. You spoke of your guardian angel… You certainly have you have left on others that matters…what you can teach and inspire others. Good reading… left me smiling feeling optimistic and hopeful.
Sincerely, Leslie
I am John F. DeCosta, and I was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on the fifth of December, 1946, at 4:50 a.m. I went to St. Colman's Parish, as I was raised a catholic, and played a lot of baseball on Brockton's eastside ballparks and playgrounds.
I have numerous interests, such as baseball, baseball and more baseball! Other interests are basketball, my deep love for animals and birds as well. When possible I love watching movies, dramas and some reality shows, and I keep myself quite busy with building projects, carpentry projects, traveling and meeting new friends.
I have developed an interest in reading and writing as a relaxing type of therapy. Being a workaholic and obsessed with baseball, I have found that writing soothes my soul. My more enjoyable biographical reads are those of Sadaharu Oh, the Japanese Babe Ruth of Baseball, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Derek Jeter. Other athletes I have enjoyed watching are Doug Flutie, Bobby Orr, Larry Bird, and Cal Ripken. If I had the choice or an opportunity to meet one of them, I would be honored to meet Sadaharu Oh.
The values I have earned from the military are precious, especially since I was a paratrooper. I had numerous accomplishments in the military, but due to my heart condition, I was led to retirement earlier than planned.
My strong family culture, work ethic, integrity, and morals have established my energetic attitude towards attacking goals. My desire and courage were established at home from my parents. I do not seek riches nor am I jealous of anyone. If I want something I shall go after it.
I am truly satisfied with my passion and desire that has become such an enjoyable piece of my puzzled life. My hopes of sharing my personal passion of baseball, my experiences, and my desires are only a footprint for leaving a legacy, in hopes that I may inspire someone else. This would be a great gift to me.