Baseball was everything and everywhere in the 1950s on the east side of Brockton, Massachusetts. In The Eastside Kid, author John DeCosta tells what it was like growing up in that era and what the game of baseball has meant to his life. This memoir describes DeCosta’s baseball experiences both as a youngster and as an adult, and it shows how this passion shaped him. With photographs included, The Eastside Kid shares DeCosta’s life story from 1957 to 2011, including details about his Catholic family, his love for animals, his first job, serving in the military in Korea, dealing with heart problems, and his continued participation in baseball. From the sandlot to Little League to adult amateur baseball, The Eastside Kid provides an inside view of how deeply baseball beats in the heart of John DeCosta.

Ruth Perman Lodi, California 3 Nov 2008

Dear John,

Did I ever tell you that I have started to read your book! I sure hope so,because I am enjoying it to the fullest as it’s so interesting. I love the way you had worded it as it’s so easy to read. Do not apologize for the print as for me I can easily read it. Maybe, because you had a connection with my Son-Lanny… Your life has been so interesting and easy to understand. With all you have been through, you toughed it out and your love for life, what else can I say; I am so happy you sent it to me! My niece from Washington State was visiting us as she read some of the book aloud to us pertaining to our Son Lanny and she thought it was so well written even the emotional areas concerning our family.

Hugs,

Ruth Perman

Gian Pietro Boschiroli Derovere- Cremora, Italy 5 May 2009

John,

I just finished reading your book. The book you wrote and kindly sent to me as a gift. We’ll I read it with calm, first because I don’t keep good knowledge of your language and because I wanted to enjoy step by step about what you wrote. Your way to write is very clear, I think one can define it “Queen English” So I haven’t had any problem to understand it. I am not a literature’s critical; however I enjoyed the manner in which you narrated your life’s story. What Chapter Did I Prefer? Ginger and other…My first job, California Dreaming, Terrorism training and guardian Angel. John, now It looks and feel like I know you from many times… Thanks for a great gift you gave me. I think you should have success with your autobiographical book. Further more, I am sure many Readers will enjoy reading it. I wish you the best and thanks again.

YF Gian Pietro Boshiroli

John A Alexander Over thirty Baseball Umpire 24 May 2009

Great Read! You were able to take me back to my boyhood days growing up and playing baseball in Medford, Mass. The picture on the cover totally describes an era long ago. The bike those uniforms and the expression on a young mans face says it all. Boy was those uniforms a bit warm and itchy on a hot summer day? I have passed the book onto my brothers so they too can relive those great years. I am sure they will enjoy it as much as I have, Thanks again.

John A. Alexander

David Kaufman Mountain View, Arkansas 12 February 2009

Dear John,

Thank you so much for sharing, by your writing, what is inside of you. While most of the book was about baseball, the principles…hard work, perseverance and dedication…apply to everything that is worth pursuing, whether it is a sport, career or any undertaking. Also, you want to play with fair rules and appreciation for others (that played well and put the time and effort to do so) can heartily agree with. Your book is very insightful and enjoyable.

Appreciatively,

David Kaufman

Herb (Herby) JonesBrockton ‘Eastside”Arlington, Texas

John,

after finally finishing your book,I am so full of envy. A young boy from my side of the tracks determined to achieve his pursuit of happiness, no matter what and 50 years later still gong as strong as ever. This book told of a never ending passion and determination that most of us could only dream of. Great Job John and I will surely pass the word about your great book. Herb (Herby) Jones (mentioned in chapter 2)…From Brockton, “Eastside” now re-siding in Arlington,Texas.

Herb (Herby) Jones

Robert Carlos Ortiz Age 11 Brooklyn, New York

I had fun reading your book John & I did a book report on it & got an “A”. My Dad & John are good friends & play in the same league & once played on the same team. I liked reading about the way John liked to play baseball & the stories of him going fishing. I like baseball & fishing too. The pictures in the book were cool. Maybe when I grow up I can write a book too about baseball in Brooklyn & Staten Island.

Robbie Ortiz

Paul Harrington, Boston MSBL Manager

John I received your book as a birthday gift & enjoyed it so much. My wife is reading it now as she also like’s your book. Good luck with the off season & hope you can pitch for our over 48 team next season.

Paul Harrington

Paul Colombo Lakeville, Ma

“What a great story” of inspiration & perseverance. It brought me back to the time of innocence & wide eyed wonder for our national pastime. It’s a great gift to have lived it for so long. Your passion & patriotism has come through loud & clear. Thank you for all of the memories”.

Paul Colombo

Joe Hallett Sergeant Major US, Army Retired 82nd Airborne

I did finish reading & 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 & 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 & 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 & as I said I will re-read your book, slowly this time & try to absorb some of the old memories. You did an excellent job & I congratulate you!!

Bob

James Costa Author, Soldier, entrepreneur, Paratrooper & baseball friend

John it is heart warming reading your book. I am nearly done with it & 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 & 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 & 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 & infused with love of baseball that continues to this day.<

My love for baseball had started before school age as I developed and loved the game as I excelled and built memories for a lifetime. Unfortunately for me, that had ended early and forced me to stop playing baseball, due to a wrist tumor formed from throwing curve balls at a young developing age. My passion and love for baseball continued to form an inner spirit that clawed at my heart for over thirty five years; andlater in life, I once again found baseball and attacked it with a vengeance. My comeback has been heart warming, full throttle, green light; take no prisoners as I share my story with you from 1957 to 2009. My story begins on the eastside of Brockton, Massachusetts- and leads to my present basebal experiences and life. Being an eastside kid has had a very special meaning for me as well as other real eatside kids. Its not that we were tough- I guess it was the true grit, attitude, unity and loyalty to our friends at the sandlots, bonding with teammates, and neighborhoods as we formed a bond to each other as similar as I had shared in my Military career. I share my fight with heart condition, comebacks, injuries and an inside and personal look on how baseball beats in my heart. Along the way I talk about life growing up in the fifties, work ethics, family values and my love for animals and experiences as well as from being a paratrooper in the Military. My dream is to make a difference, set examples, and inspire others to enjoy the game of baseball. My love for the game has been rewarding, baseball has been my heartbeat, and my passion os for the game as “I am the kid from the eastside” So follow the seams of the baseball nad imagine the ball bounce from bat to glove and experience through my eyes and listen to my heartbeat. My passion is alive and well as I am always ready for another game. www.showmetalkradio.com Come to this website to listen to radio interview; This interview talks about,The Eastside Kid in detail and shares intimate situations and view of feeling John F DeCosta's story.