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.