Break A Bat! where Baseball Meets Broadway

From February 2021. Darryl Strawberry steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 69! Beloved by both Mets and Yankee fans during his time on Broadway, the New York baseball legend has just authored a new book Turn Your Season Around: How God Transforms Your Life. In the book, Strawberry uses both his baseball performances and deep faith to share foundational principles that have helped shape who he is today. Strawberry’s playing career was filled with many highs on the field including 8 All-Star Game selections, 4 World Series Championships, and 335 career Homeruns to his name. He accomplished all of this while battling tremendous inner-demons that he’s since overcome, and speaks candidly about with host Al Malafronte. As 2021 marks the 35th anniversary of the iconic 1986 New York Mets championship team, we also looked back on the wild and crazy ride that Strawberry endured as a key member of one of Broadway’s most beloved casts. Strawberry also performed at one of Broadway’s most famous theatres in Yankee Stadium from 1995-1999, and that tenure was certainly filled with plenty of behind the scenes stories. Whether it was bench-clearing brawls, the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, or dramatic moments in the playoffs, Strawberry bares it all in this intimate conversation that can be enjoyed by baseball and theatre fans alike. Turn Your Season Around is available for purchase here. Connect with Darryl Strawberry on Instagram: @darrylstrawberry18 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From May 2020. Abby Mueller steps into The Batter’s Box with host Al Malafronte for Episode 33! Mueller discusses some of the parallels she sees in high levels of performance both on stage and at the stadium, having grown up in a family that embraced both sports and the arts. Both of her parents were esteemed actors in Chicago’s theatre scene, and her grandfather, Bill Mueller, played centerfield for the Chicago White Sox in the 1940’s. Mueller even shares a memorable ’scene’ that her grandfather had on the field with the great Joe DiMaggio, while the White Sox hosted the New York Yankees at the historic Comiskey Park. Mueller has taken The Great White Way by storm in All-Star caliber fashion ever since her Broadway debut in Kinky Boots in 2013, has since gone onto star in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in which she played Carole King, and is currently set to take the stage in one of Broadway’s most anticipated shows of the upcoming season - Six the Musical, starring as Jane Seymour. Not unlike quarantined ballplayers gearing up for MLB Opening Day, Mueller is staying atop her game for Six’s eventual opening and offers insight into why she believes the show garnered such a passionate fanbase in its out of town tryout. She also discusses what she’s looking forward to most about its official opening upon Broadway’s return, and just how needed theatre will be to help bring joy back to the city. Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Abby Mueller on Instagram: @abcmuell and Twitter: @abcmuell Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From March 2022. Kristen Ledlow joins us to celebrate Women's History Month! Best known for her presence in the basketball world as the host of Handles on NBA TV, and her work through her years as a courtside reporter for TNT, Ledlow's role as a woman in the sports world is marked by incredible integrity when it comes to storytelling, knowledge, and a personality that shines through in every broadcast. This week, she joins us to discuss the responsibility that comes with her position in the game, the barriers she's helped break for women in the sports world, and her love of the arts. Whether it's the NBA playoffs, Glee, or Les Mis, our chat truly goes up and down the court in a really special way. Connect with Kristen Ledlow on Instagram: @kristenledlow Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From December 2020. New York Yankees legend Bobby Richardson steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 65! Over the course of a storied 12-year career spanning 1955-1966, Richardson was selected to more All-Star Games (8) and won more Gold Glove Awards (5) than any 2nd Baseman while performing on Broadway. He also won the 1960 World Series Most Valuable Player Award when he set an all-time Fall Classic record with a remarkable 12 Runs Batted In. That record still stands today, as Richardson would go onto retire as a member of 4 World Championship casts, and the proud owner of a lifetime .305 Batting Average in the World Series. In our 2020 finale, Richardson talks with host Al Malafronte about some of his fondest memories while dawning the pinstripes. Whether it be performing with some of the most iconic casts and characters in baseball history, leading the American League in hits in 1962 with 209, or catching Willie McCovey's screaming liner to close out the World Series, his countless stories were nothing short of a joy to listen to. He also touched on the special relationship he had with his teammate Mickey Mantle, especially during the final years of Mantle's life. It was Richardson that had Mantle's funeral, and delivered a passage that's since become key scripture in the baseball community in "God's Hall of Fame." We were fortunate enough to hear Mr. Richardson recite those words in this conversation that was as uplifting as anything we've ever experienced on this podcast. Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot (Photo by Photo File/MLB Photos via Getty Images) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From October 2019. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Al Jardine steps into the Batter's Box for Episode 6! A founding member of The Beach Boys, Jardine is also a lifelong fan of America’s Pastime. Fresh off a triumphant performance at the Beacon Theatre alongside Brian Wilson, Jardine chats with host Al Malafronte for an intimate conversation about his fond memories of California baseball’s early days. Jardine presents pointed ideas about what would make a successful Broadway musical featuring the band’s iconic song catalog and even breaks some news on that front. He also discusses the creative peaks, as well as the turmoil surrounding very specific periods of The Beach Boys’ history. This was a special interview for your host, Al Malafronte, who grew up with the band’s music as part of his life soundtrack. Connect with Al Jardine on Instagram: @aljardine409 and online at: www.aljardine.com Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From September 2020. Orfeh steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 50! From pop stardom to Tony and Drama Desk nominations, Orfeh's accomplishments in show business now span more than three decades. She got her start in the performing world as one half of the pop group Or-N-More in the early ’90s, before making her Broadway debut in Footloose in 1999. She’s since gone onto establish herself as a household name in the Broadway community through her powerful voice and memorable performances in Saturday Night Fever, Legally Blonde, and most recently, Pretty Woman. This raw and candid chat covers everything from the highs and lows of baseball and show business, her success in the recording studio and on Broadway, the Double Play combo she's formed on stage with her husband Andy Karl, and even the subject of Jeter & A-Rod! Connect with Orfeh on Instagram: @orfeh and Twitter: @official_orfeh Subscribe to Orfeh and Andy Karl's YouTube Channel here. Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With spring training right around the corner, here's an archive release from June 2020! Johnny Damon steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 37! Damon's big league career spanned 18 seasons, in which he cemented a legacy as one of the top outfielders of his generation, and one of the greatest leadoff hitters of all-time. More than 15,000 players have dawned a Major League Baseball uniform throughout history, and Damon ranks 32nd all-time in Runs Scored (1,668), 49th in Doubles (522), 55th in Hits (2,769), and 68th in Stolen Bases (408) - feats which remain gold standards for any performer. However, as Damon touches on in this episode, his ultimate measure of success was winning championships, and he holds the distinction of being one of only four players to win World Series Championships as both a member of the Boston Red Sox (2004) and New York Yankees (2009). There was no bigger contributor to either team, and our conversation covered so many of the stories behind his success. Damon's career mirrors those of many Broadway greats, whether it be proving himself as a performer under the brightest of Broadway lights, handling career crossroads, and thriving in different types of roles on a team or cast. We even played some Baseball meets Broadway trivia in this week's 7th Inning Stretch! Off the field, Damon continues to do some tremendous work with his own foundation. The Johnny Damon Foundation aims to raise and donate funds to charitable organizations and assists local and national programs that provide leadership and growth opportunities for disadvantaged children at risk. You can find more information about the foundation on its Website. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images Connect with Johnny Damon on Instagram: @johnnydamon and Twitter: @JohnnyDamon Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From September 2021. LOOKOUT! New York's own Victoria Konefal steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 102! Konefal is best known for bringing Ciara Brady to life in NBC's Days of Our Lives and has enjoyed rousing success ever since the launch of the show's miniseries Beyond Salem which is now available on Peacock. This summer, she earned her first Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series for her work on "DOOL," and has some epic stories to go along with her impressive back of the baseball card. Konefal embodies what it means to be a New Yorker with her undying spirit, realness, and personality that was such a pleasure to have on the show. This week she takes us through her eventful summer and start to the fall, the roots of her passion for both performing and the New York Yankees growing up in Brooklyn, and even her longstanding Friends fandom that would make Dr. Drake Ramoray proud. Fastball Derby was also in full swing, as Konefal brought the perfect blend of laughs and insight to this free-flowing chat that's a true grand slam. Connect with Victoria Konefal on Instagram: @victoriakonefal Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From August 2021. You know it’s a great day in The Batter’s Box when you're talking about The Muppets, the New York Yankees, and Broadway all within the same hour. However, one might venture that’s par for the course when the legendary Fran Brill steps up to the plate! Brill’s career as an actress on stage and screen spanned more than 40 years. As one of the original Muppet performers, her body of work is marked by a phenomenal ability to create characters, brilliant comedic wit, and ultimately, as a pioneer. She was the very first female performer hired by Jim Henson and she helped pave the way for women puppeteers everywhere. Her many credits with The Muppets include The Muppet Show, The Jim Henson Hour, and of course, Sesame Street, where she brought Prairie Dawn and Zoe to life and into the hearts of children all across the globe. This week, Brill dives deep with host Al Malafronte to look back on the legacy she’s authored and how it still remains as prominent as ever. It's with good reason that her work has endured through the years, as the way she brought such a huge part of herself to Prairie Dawn ranks up there with any example of character development in Muppet history. There are also many never-been-told stories in this conversation, spanning anything from her first Muppet project (The Great Santa Claus Switch) to nearly losing Zoe on a train to the pre-game ritual she shared with Steve Whitmire before each Sesame Street shooting day. Brill also candidly discusses her decision to retire in 2014, which parallels Mickey Mantle’s choice to step away from baseball amid a changing game and guard of teammates. A big sports fan in her own right, she also offers her takes on Alex Rodriguez’s behavior off the field, and discusses some of her favorite moments at the ballpark. Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From August 2021. Adam Pascal steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 97! Pascal is widely considered to be one of the most respected players in the game here on Broadway, having played for multiple championship casts that have helped shape the fabric of theatre over the past two and a half decades. Whether it’s the stage or screen adaptation of RENT, the Broadway productions of Aida, Memphis, Something Rotten, Chicago, or Disaster!, the back of Pascal’s baseball card is a sight to behold. He’s played on multiple Tony Award-winning teams that have taken home the Best Musical trophy and his individual accolades are highlighted by a Tony nomination and Theatre World Award. Pascal is currently in the midst of an exciting career retrospective that’s available to stream exclusively on Stellar titled Adam Pascal… So Far. This week he joins host Al Malafronte to not only discuss some of the songs and stories that help shape the retrospective but so much more. Be it giving up his rockstar dreams he had as a kid growing up on Long Island, the best bagels in Huntington, or a "memorable trip" to the old Yankee Stadium, Pascal does not hold back in an incredibly candid (and hilarious) chat. Connect with Adam Pascal on Instagram: @adampascal Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From July 2020. Katie Rose Clarke steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 42! Clarke's career on Broadway now spans more than a decade and a half, with credits including The Light in the Piazza, Wicked, Allegiance, and Miss Saigon. Part of what makes her talent play in such a big way on Broadway is that she's able to take on many different types of roles, and more importantly, do so in an All-Star caliber fashion. Our chat rehashes so many of her great career highlights, her development as both a person and a performer, and even the similarities between baseball and Broadway's passionate fanbases. This episode also touches on the very exciting production of The Heart of Rock & Roll - a new musical inspired by the music of Huey Lewis and the News. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Clarke starred in the show's critically-acclaimed out of town run and workshops, and could potentially serve as a big-time catalyst for Broadway's triumphant return in 2021. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Katie Rose Clarke on Instagram: @katieroseclarke Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of the 30th Anniversary of The Muppet Christmas Carol, here's an archive release from November 2020! Steve Whitmire steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 60! Here on Broadway, we have a deep appreciation for artists who master the ability to create characters. Over the course of a 40-plus year career in show business, few have done this better than Steve Whitmire. Whitmire got his start with The Muppets in 1978 as a lead puppeteer alongside Jim Henson on The Muppet Show. It was there he originated the wise-cracking New Yorker, Rizzo the Rat, and he would then go on to perform in nearly every Henson project thereafter including Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and all of the major Muppet films. After Jim Henson’s passing in 1990, Whitmire was tapped as the man to succeed him as the performer of Kermit the Frog, as well as Ernie on Sesame Street. Whitmire’s incredible body of work shines particularly bright here in New York City, and what makes this chat unique from some of Whitmire’s previous interviews is the special focus on various projects he helped create in the Big Apple. Whether it be working on one of the ultimate films about Broadway in The Muppets Take Manhattan, Sesame Street, or the many Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades that he performed in, his stories and insight are truly incredible. One story that provided some particularly big laughs actually came via Whitmire's time at Yankee Stadium, when he was invited to perform with Kermit at Yankees' Opening Day in 2012. He also dives deep into how he channeled the necessary technique and craft in order to not only perform Kermit, Ernie, and Rizzo, but develop them as living entities in the world. Another key talking point in our conversation was the current state of The Muppets. While Whitmire was performing his characters through 2016, he was truly one of the key players in keeping Jim Henson’s legacy and lineage tradition alive with The Muppets. Today, Whitmire’s thoughts on what it would take to bring the franchise back to what it was built upon echo those of other prominent creatives who worked closest with Jim Henson, and really hits home for those who believe in the purity of the characters. He even discusses a definitive project he’s developed that could very well re-introduce The Muppets to a new generation of viewers under a promising new executive at The Muppets Studio. While Whitmire has accomplished nearly everything one can in puppetry, he still continues to do phenomenal work with his own character Weldon the I.T. Guy on the CAVE-iN series, in which he created and also stars. The series serves as a live streaming platform for viewers to interact with his character and very much captures the brilliance of his work that he’s become known for throughout his distinguished career. Connect with Steve Whitmire on Instagram: @steve_whitmire, Facebook, and on his website. Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From December 2021. Exactly 100 episodes since her first at-bat, Ashely Williams is BACK in The Batter’s Box! Be it through her work as an actress, director, producer, and of course, the light that she is as a person - Ashley checks all the boxes when it comes to being an All-Star hitter both on and offscreen. She also helped our podcast find its voice during its earliest days two years ago and remains one of our very favorite guests to date for good reason. This holiday season presents a very special occasion for fans of Ashley’s, as she’s starring in not one but two Hallmark Channel films! In a true family affair, the films feature Ashley appearing alongside her real-life sister (and our fellow friend of the show!), Kimberly Williams-Paisley, as the two fulfill their onscreen dreams of working together on a project that was more than five years in the making. Each leads their own film: Kimberly's is Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday and premieres this Sunday, December 5th at 8:00 p.m. EST, and Ashley's is Sister Swap: Christmas in the City, which premieres on Sunday, December 12th at the same time. From start to finish, this was yet another insanely fun conversation with Ashley on the Baseball meets Broadway front, as we also touched on Yankee Stadium sushi, Dodger Dogs, and even ’80’s dance parties with a certain three-time Cy Young Award winner! Pull up an ice block, lend an ear, and enjoy this latest installment of the party! Connect with Ashley Williams on Instagram: @ashleywilliamsandcompany Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From November 2021. Nikki DeLoach is kicking off the holidays in The Batter’s Box! DeLoach's latest film Five More Minutes premieres on November 20th at 10 p.m. ET, as she helps headline Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ annual Miracles of Christmas lineup. In addition to her home runs as a leading lady on-screen, you can also enjoy her work as a writer in Christmas for Keeps, which premieres on December 18th as part of the same lineup. DeLoach got her start in show business on The Mickey Mouse Club in 1993 when she was just 14 years old and now has career highlights that span anything from her leading role in MTV’s Awkward to serving as a Celebrity Champion and spokesperson for The Alzheimer’s Association. This week, she joins host Al Malafronte for some World Series talk, Broadway chatter, and to discuss the incredible backstories behind her two latest projects. One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation came when we touched on her decision to join the Hallmark family, as it was largely rooted in the struggle that many athletes and entertainers face when it comes to not wanting to be treated as a commodity. DeLoach is as real as they come and this chat certainly showcases that. Connect with Nikki DeLoach on Instagram: @nikdeloach Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From December 2020. Alex Ochoa steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 62! Ochoa's baseball career spanned eight Major League seasons from 1995-2002 and another six seasons in Japan from 2003-2007. In retirement, he's still involved in baseball on the business side as an agent for the Boras Corp in his hometown Miami. In this episode, Ochoa and host Al Malafronte talk about the current state of baseball and Broadway, the Hamilton movie, as well as many of the highlights from his time playing the game he still loves as much as ever. Some of Ochoa's fondest memories on the field go back to his time on Broadway, having played with the New York Mets from 1995-1997. Ochoa is among one of only ten players in franchise history to hit for the cycle, a feat he accomplished on July 3, 1996. We also rehash some of the adjustments he made as a performer, which served him better than ever in 2002 as a member of the World Champion Anaheim Angels. One particularly interesting chapter of Ochoa's career came when he made the decision to leave Major League Baseball to play in Japan, as some of the stories and perspective he shared from that time made for an incredible conversation. A conversation not just about baseball, but also personal development that could serve anyone aspiring to succeed either on stage, screen, or at the stadium. Connect with Alex Ochoa on Instagram: @aocho9 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From November 2021. Taylor Cole is making spirits bright in The Batter's Box, as our Holiday Block Party continues! Cole's latest holiday film Making Spirits Bright premieres on Saturday, November 27th at 6 pm ET on our beloved Hallmark Channel. A longtime staple of the network's annual Countdown to Christmas, Cole is also a tremendous athlete and sports fan going back to her days as a kid in Arlington, Texas. Be it through her family's connection to the Texas Rangers or her unconventional entry into show business, Cole's stories and insight brought some awesome life to the party! Connect with Taylor Cole on Instagram: @taylorquinncole Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From October 2020. Xavier Nady steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 57! Nady was the last man to perform the role of starting left fielder at one of Broadway's most historic theaters, The House That Ruth Built, as a member of the 2008 New York Yankees cast that helped close out the old Yankee Stadium. Nady's big league career spanned 12 seasons, three of which were spent on the stages of New York City as a member of the Mets in 2006, and the Yankees from 2008-2009. His 2008 season was particularly special, as he posted the best numbers of his career with a .305 Batting Average, 25 Homeruns, 97 Runs Batted In, and an OPS of .867. He'd go onto retire as a 2-time World Series Champion as a member of the 2009 Yankees and 2012 San Francisco Giants. As discussed in our chat, Nady is still involved in the game of baseball as a member of super-agent Scott Boras' scouting and recruiting team for young players. This episode also has a heavy emphasis on his time playing in New York, which was not without highlights such as the Yankees' 2009 World Championship squad, SNL after-parties, and A-Rod's "fascination" with Nady's wardrobe...Nady also took a particular liking to Broadway musicals during his tenure here and discusses anything from his special connection to The Lion King, Tina Fey bringing Mean Girls to the stage, and his favorite pre-theatre dinners. Xavier Nady is truly one of baseball's good and funniest guys, and that shines through in this conversation! Connect with Xavier Nady on Instagram: @xaviernady4 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Episode photo: Jeff Zelevasnky/Getty Images North America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From November 2021. Amy Robach steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 108! Be it through her work on ABC's Good Morning America, GMA3, or 20/20, you can always count on Robach to bring a smile to your face, tell it like it is, and inspire you on so many levels. She's just authored her very first children's book alongside her husband Andrew Shue titled Better Together, a sweet tale inspired by their own blended family that's all about finding common ground and learning to appreciate each others' differences. This week, she joins host Al Malafronte to discuss some of the wonderful stories and inspiration that helped guide her in writing the book, along with some of the poignant takeaways she hopes to leave with readers of all ages. The book is published by the fine folks at Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and is now available for purchase here or wherever you get your books! As Better Together showcases, one of Robach's greatest attributes is her passion for storytelling. It's no coincidence that this passion is largely rooted in her performing background going back to her high school days as an avid student of theatre. Like many in our audience, her love of Broadway is complemented by a tremendous sports fandom, and this conversation couldn't have come at a better time - as her hometown Atlanta Braves were on the cusp of winning their first World Series title since 1995! A Breast Cancer Survivor, she also touches on some of the powerful ways in which she's used her platform to raise awareness for early detection and to provide support to women facing the same challenges she did. Connect with Amy Robach on Instagram: @ajrobach Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From December 2020. Michael Park steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 63! For nearly three decades, Park's work as an actor has earned him tremendous critical and popular acclaim. Here on Broadway, Park's credits have spanned anything from Smokey Joe's Cafe, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Tuck Everlasting, and most recently, Dear Evan Hansen. On-screen he's best known for his work on Stranger Things, You, and As the World Turns - a performance that earned him back-to-back Daytime Emmy Awards in 2010 and 2011 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. In addition to everything Park has accomplished in his acting career, he's also a lifelong baseball fan with a special love for the New York Yankees. It was particularly interesting to hear how his love and knowledge of baseball has played into some of his most prominent work, as discussed with host Al Malafronte and production assistant Erin Connors. Park even touches on a new project he's been writing during the pandemic that focuses on America's Pastime. The man who taught us the hard way, but the right way to break in a glove as Larry Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen brought a really fun vibe to this free-flowing conversation that can be appreciated by sports and theatre fans alike. Connect with Michael Park on Instagram: @park24hrs and Twitter: @park24hrs Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From August 2020. Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 45! Kritzer's Broadway career began in 2004 when she made her debut in the Tony-winning Hairspray, and has since gone onto appear in Legally Blonde, Elf, Something Rotten!, and of course her most recent credit as Delia Deetz in the Tony-nominated Beetlejuice. For the folks at home that have followed Break a Bat! since our earliest days in the spring of 2019, you probably know that so much of the inspiration behind creating this podcast came from an upcoming birthday trip to see Beetlejuice on Broadway. That trip just happened to fall on the night of the famous ‘Broadway Blackout’ on July 13, 2019, when 26 of 30 shows went dark due to a midtown power outage on a hot summer night. However, Beetlejuice still had the juice at the Winter Garden Theatre, and host Al Malafronte and his original co-host Scotty Katzmann would go onto enjoy what ended up being one of their favorite Broadway performances of all-time. This fond memory is largely attested to Kritzer, and her brilliant comedic performance in the show. Kritzer joined both Malafronte and Katzmann to re-hash not only that historic night on Broadway, but also the incredible success she's endured as a lead in one of Broadway’s most beloved shows, and some of the epic behind the scenes stories that came along with it. Kritzer also just happens to be a tremendous baseball fan, and her love and knowledge of sports talk radio translated so well into the conversation she had with the boys about her love of the game, favorite ballpark memories, and the parallels she sees between both sports and theatre. She even tackles the subject of what would best serve the performers involved in this uncertain baseball season, and the re-opening of Broadway in 2021 --- which may just include Beetlejuice! Connect with Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer on Instagram: @lesliekritzer and Twitter: @lesliekritzer Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte and Scotty Katzmann Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From March 2020. Live from the WFAN and CBS Sports Network studios, Al Dukes steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 23! With a radio career spanning nearly 30 years, Dukes serves as the brains and Executive Producer behind Boomer & Gio, the number-one-rated sports talk radio show in morning drive. Dukes made a name for himself in radio with Ron & Fez and then Opie & Anthony before transitioning to sports talk with the then Boomer & Carton show in 2007 as Executive Producer. Over the years, he has also earned acclaim for his work on-air, as his well-known sports musical parodies have become a favorite of listeners and critics alike. In this episode, Dukes discusses everything from what makes good sports talk radio, thinking in terms of songs, and his thoughts on the medium of Broadway. He even plays some baseball meets Broadway trivia in this week's 7th Inning Stretch. Despite all of Dukes' success, he still takes time to help serve his community; efforts that our host Al Malafronte and the Broadway community honored in this episode. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Al Dukes on Twitter: @alsboringtweets and on Instagram: @alsboringpics Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From July 2021. In one of our most fun chats to date, Stephanie Styles brings good vibes and big laughs to The Batter's Box! While Styles is known to many for her starring role in the Broadway touring production of Newsies, the Broadway revival of Kiss Me, Kate, and her recurring role on NBC's Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, she also has a large number of varied interests that are on full display in this episode. They truly make her personality shine in a free-flowing conversation that's a real grand slam of a listen. While Styles refers to herself as "sports adjacent" these days, she grew up as a tremendous Astros fan in her hometown of Houston. She took annual trips to Spring Training, attended World Series games, and even toured the country with Hall of Famer Craig Biggio as he chased his historic 3,000th hit. We talked plenty of baseball and its parallels to Broadway, but this conversation also featured a fun third element of our hour together, and that's Styles' well-known love of Disney. She and host Al Malafronte spoke at length about some of their most poignant memories as now-adult Disney fans, and in Styles' case, how it helped launch her career when she got to live out her dream of performing for Disney on Broadway. We also managed to sneak some Baseball meets Broadway (meets Disney meets Muppets?) trivia into this week's 7th Inning Stretch, and Styles certainly brought her big power bat to Fastball Derby! Connect with Stephanie Styles on Instagram: @bystyles Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From August 2020. Ken Singleton steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 47! As a Major League player from 1970-1984, Singleton was a 3-time All-Star that cemented a legacy as one of the greatest switch-hitters of all-time with outstanding career accomplishments that include 2,029 hits, 1,065 Runs Batted In, a .388 lifetime On-base Percentage, and a World Series Championship in 1983. Since 1997, he's served as the TV voice of the New York Yankees - a role he still performs in All-Star caliber fashion all these years later on the YES Network with 8 Emmy Awards to his name. Whether it be dealing with tough directors and managers, taking on leading roles for your team, and playing under the brightest lights, Singleton knows a thing or two about what makes a great performer both on stage and at the stadium. He's also a master storyteller who shared some phenomenal insight with our host Al Malafronte from his now 50+ years in the game. Singleton's outstanding career has not been limited to baseball and broadcasting, as he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Cool Kids Campaign, an organization that is devoted to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families by focusing on the academic, social, and emotional needs brought on by a cancer diagnosis. You can find more information about this wonderful foundation at their website. Special thanks to the fine folks at the YES Network for helping put this episode together! Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Ken Singleton on Twitter: @29alltime Connect with YES Network on Twitter: @yesnetwork and Instagram: @yesnetwork Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From February 2020. Kate Rockwell steps into The Batter’s Box in Episode 20! One of Broadway’s perennial All-Stars, Rockwell is currently starring as Karen Smith in Mean Girls on Broadway and has mastered theatrical comedy as well as anyone in the game. As Rockwell closes in on her final weeks in the show after nearly two full years of All-Star performances, she looks back fondly on the role that she originated - which has earned her well-deserved acclaim from audiences and critics, as well as Drama Desk and Helen Hayes Award nominations. Rockwell's Broadway credits prior to Mean Girls include Legally Blonde, Hair, Bring It On The Musical, and Rock of Ages; and she has made recent appearances on television in FOX's Almost Family. In this episode, Kate takes the boys through some perspectives and stories from her decade-plus in the industry, including sharing the stage with Yankee great Mark Teixeira while starring in Rock of Ages! She also talks about “getting in the zone” to bring Karen Smith to life in Mean Girls, the escape that both baseball and theatre provide, and the importance of outlets outside of a very challenging industry - as she is certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. A signature edition of the 7th Inning Stretch Trivia also ensues, as she and the boys share some big laughs over the Broadway and baseball community likening the Yankees’ All-Star closer/diva Aroldis Chapman to Regina George. In addition to everything Kate brought to the Batter’s Box, this was an extra special recording session for our show because the whole gang was there; as our host, Al Malafronte was joined by producer Alan Seales, and our co-creator Chris Katzmann. Connect with Kate Rockwell on Instagram: @katerockwellnyc You can also follow Kate’s advice and expertise in the wine world on her newly launched Instagram: @broadwaywino Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From July 2020. Al Roker steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 43! A lifelong fan of both baseball and theatre, the host and weatherman at NBC's Today and co-anchor of 3rd Hour Today is opening up about his life off screen in a new memoir titled "You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success." Throughout the book, Roker looks back on his own career and shares valuable "Altruisms" that can be applied to our own endeavors in weathering the storms of life, no matter how torrential the downpour. The 14-time Emmy Winner and New York Times Bestselling Author takes host Al Malafronte through some of the stories behind his success in the spotlight which now spans more than 40 years. To this day, Roker says he still gets nerves before he goes on air every morning. However, as he rehashes in this episode, none that compare to those he felt before making his Broadway debut in Waitress in 2018. In the trying times we're living in, there's a lot to be said for a book like Roker's. With a message that's overwhelmingly positive, entertaining, and inspirational, it very much aligns with his personality that America has come to love over the years, and needs now more than ever. It's set for release on July 28th, and is available for purchase at Hachette Book Group and wherever you get your books! Connect with Al Roker on Instagram: @alroker and Twitter: @alroker You can also find more information on Al Roker Entertainment at his website: alroker.com Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From October 2021. Dylan Dreyer steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 104! Part of the fabric of our mornings for nearly a decade as a co-host of The Today Show on NBC, Dreyer is about to release her very first children's book, Misty the Cloud: A Very Stormy Day. The first in a series, the book provides Dreyer the opportunity to combine her meteorology background with her experience as a mom in a way that's both accessible and enjoyable for children. Co-written by Alan Katz and illustrated by Rosie Butcher, the story follows a little cloud with big feelings named Misty and helps young readers understand how to deal with good days, bad days, and everything in between. The book is published by the fine folks at Random House Children's Books, and you can preorder it here before its official release on October 12th! Dreyer embodies the perfect hitter for our podcast, as she's an avid fan of both sports and theatre. A New Jersey native, she takes us back to her time on the softball field at Manalapan High School, working for NBC Sports, and some of the brilliant sports crossovers she's gotten to experience as the "ultimate utility player" on The Today Show. She also discusses the roots of her place in "Red Sox Nation," and while she warns host Al Malafronte that she wasn't the best clutch hitter in her ballplaying days, her performance in this week's edition of Fastball Derby was nothing short of All-Star caliber - highlighted by some hilarious and inspiring stories, many of which just so happened to center around her favorite nights on Broadway! This episode was recorded just a couple of weeks prior to the birth of Dreyer's third child, Russell James. Congratulations to her and her family! Connect with Dylan Dreyer on Instagram: @dylandreyernbc Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From June 2021. We have the honor of welcoming our very first Tony Award-winner to The Batter's Box, as the great Norbert Leo Butz joins us for Episode 90! Butz's many Broadway accolades are highlighted by four Tony Award nominations, winning twice for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical thanks to his performances as Freddy Benson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in 2005, and again in 2011 when he portrayed Agent Carl Hanratty in Catch Me If You Can. He's also starred in Rent, The Last Five Years, Wicked, Big Fish, My Fair Lady, among other prominent credits. In addition to all of his accomplishments on stage and screen, Butz is just as passionate about baseball as he is for theatre. Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, he spent much of his childhood at Busch Stadium during the heart of the Cardinals' great run in the 1980's with Whitey Herzog at the helm. To this day, he still gets major adrenaline rushes on stage when his performances coincide with Cardinals' World Series games, and has some very memorable stories about those occasions. In an extremely candid conversation, he discusses growing up in what he describes as a very Catholic household with 10 other siblings, and how sports and performing were always at the forefront of his passions. He also takes us through some of the major personal triumphs he's experienced within the Broadway community, having found the ultimate teammates that bring out the best in him to help propel some of his greatest grand slams even in trying times. Anyone from Joe Torre to Keith Hernandez to Bruce Springsteen has come to see Butz perform on stage, and even with all of his success as an actor, he's as humble as anyone we've gotten to speak with. That humbleness, as well as his gratitude and brilliant comedic wit are on full display in this conversation that can be enjoyed by baseball and Broadway fans alike! Connect with Norbert Leo Butz on Instagram: @norbert_leo_butz Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From March 2021. LOOKOUT! Christy Altomare steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 76! One of Broadway's most beloved players, Altomare’s talent as a leading lady is up there with anyone's in the game. She got her start in show business when she starred as Wendla in the first national tour of Spring Awakening in 2008, before taking on the role of Sue Snell in the off-Broadway revival of Carrie in 2012. Later that year, she’d go on to make her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! when she starred as Sophie Sheridan, and most recently, she originated the role of Anya in Anastasia. In doing so, she not only earned a Drama Desk Nomination and Theatre World Award, but she also won the very prestigious Broadway.com Star of the Year title in 2017. We often parallel that honor to being MLB's top Vote-Getter at the All-Star Game… In a conversation that covers all bases, Altomare speaks with host Al Malafronte about anything from her latest songwriting endeavors to her biggest grand slams on Broadway. She also discusses achieving great heights as a performer, and in her case, overcoming a tough period of darkness in order to do so. Altomare explains what inspired her to make changes in her life off-stage in order to propel success on it, which is a story that can motivate anyone who’s looking to excel either on stage or at the stadium. This chat also features big laughs during this week’s 7th Inning Stretch trivia, along with some epic banter about Billy Joel vs. Bruce Springsteen concerts, Italian name translations, and even New York Yankees references in Friends. Tune in for a special one. Connect with Christy Altomare on Instagram: @christyaltomare Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From April 2020. Derek Klena steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 31! Klena is currently starring as Nick Healy in Broadway's Jagged Little Pill, and has authored a phenomenal career on stage. In addition to this, he may be one of our podcast's most theme-appropriate guests. As a high school pitcher in his native Southern California, Klena was a two-time first-team All-San Antonio League selection and two-time first-team All-Valley honoree, before enrolling in UCLA. While there, he was rostered on the school's iconic baseball team, pitching alongside eventual MLB All-Star hurlers Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer. He did all of this while simultaneously participating in theatre, with full awareness of the parallels between the two mediums. Klena has a clear understanding of the focus and dedication required to be successful both on the mound and on stage, as well as the necessary confidence to overcome peer pressure and stigmas. We also had plenty of fun in this episode, as we re-hashed many of Klena's roles and highlights here on Broadway, as his other credits include Wicked, The Bridges of Madison County, and Anastasia. While speaking about Nick Healy in Jagged Little Pill, it was fascinating to hear why he believes Alanis Morissette's iconic music and the story it's set to - plays so well on stage, as well as his overall connection to the character he's taking on in the show. Hosted by Al Malafronte Guest Co-Hosts: Doug Horowitz and Erin Connors Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Derek Klena on Instagram: @derek_klena and Twitter: @DerekKlena Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From June 2021. Sweeny Murti is taking us backstage and into the clubhouse! For 21 seasons and counting, Murti has played the role of the New York Yankees beat reporter on the team's flagship radio station, WFAN, and also serves as a contributor to both MLB Network and SNY. This week, he takes host Al Malafronte through some of the fascinating aspects of his job, the challenges that come with covering the team over a 162-game season both at home and on the road, as well as some of the unique experiences he's had with the Bronx Bombers and their diverse personalities. Murti entered Yankees Universe during a particularly interesting chapter in the team's history. They were in the heart of their most recent dynasty when he came on board in 2001, and soon watched a major change in the guard unfold almost instantly after it ended on a November night in Arizona. His perspective on the franchise, as well as all of the players and events that followed the glory years are truly incredible, and not without some brilliant insight. Some of the other subject matters we touched on spanned anything from earning player's trust, Jeter & A-Rod, the best team he covered that didn't win it all, and developing his own unique style that we believe represents the "good stuff" in baseball coverage. Murti even tells us which Broadway musical he'd most like to star in! Connect with Sweeny Murti on Twitter: @YankeesWFAN and Instagram: @sweeny_murti Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From November 2020. Kara Lindsay steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 58! Lindsay has cemented herself as a favorite among Broadway fans through her memorable performances in roles such as Katherine Plumber in Newsies, Glinda in Wicked, and Cynthia Weil in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. This week, Lindsay and host Al Malafronte share some laughs and stories as they chat about everything from Italian holiday traditions, earworm lyrics in Newsies, her time spent with Carole King, and much more! The conversation was not without some love for the baseball fans, as we also revisited Lindsay's National Anthem performance at Citi Field during the Mets' pennant-winning 2015 season! Lindsay's always positive disposition and great sense of humor made for the perfect kickoff to the holiday season on Break a Bat! Connect with Kara Lindsay on Instagram: @karalindsay1 and Twitter: @KaraLindsay1 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From April 2021. "Baseball is in a weird place right now." Doug Mientkiewicz steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 78 in a conversation filled with epic baseball chatter, brutal honesty, and fantastic wisdom. Mientkiewicz's 12-year playing career spanned 1998-2009 for seven different teams and was highlighted by an Olympic Gold Medal for Team USA, a Gold Glove Award, a .360 lifetime On-Base Percentage, and a World Series Championship. While playing he also garnered a reputation as one of the best defensive 1st basemen of his era and a no-nonsense player who would do anything it took to win. This week, he joins host Al Malafronte to revisit his memorable time on Broadway as a member of the New York Yankees in 2007, as well as plenty of other moments that surrounded his eventful career. He also addresses the 2004 World Series final out ball controversy when he battled the Red Sox front office in order to stay true to his own morality. It wasn't pretty, but Mientkiewicz tells all and then some. The ultimate way to define Mientkiewicz is a "winner," and he's a firm believer in differentiating yourself from other performers in a competitive playing field - a principle that can serve hopefuls in both sports and theatre. He's also a master storyteller, and his Yankee tenure was filled with so many wonderful talking points. These include A-Rod and the Toronto stripper incident, special relationships with Joe Torre and Don Mattingly, and a strong affinity for Roger Clemens as a teammate. He certainly wasn't afraid to address some of the more uncomfortable moments he witnessed between A-Rod and Derek Jeter, and his thoughts on the changing nature of today's game...This week's Fastball Derby was also especially fun as Mientkiewicz discusses his love of the musical, Oklahoma, and even which of his former teammates would make the best Broadway leads! Connect with Doug Mientkiewicz on Instagram: @olympicgoldfishing Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From February 2021. Every so often, we’re fortunate enough to welcome personal favorites from show business to The Batter’s Box. That’s very much the case this week, as Megan Hilty joins the show for one of our most enjoyable conversations to date! A veteran of the stage and screen, Hilty’s career began in 2004 when she took the stage as Glinda in Wicked on Broadway. She’s since gone on to put together a tremendous body of work with other highlights that include starring as Ivy Lynn in NBC’s Smash, a Drama Desk nomination for her portrayal of Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5: The Musical, and a Tony nomination for her performance as Brooke Ashton in Noises Off. Episode 70 is the perfect blend of fun and insightful, as Hilty speaks with host Al Malafronte about some of her signature All-Star performances that have earned her love and praise from audiences worldwide. The free-flowing conversation truly hit a wide array of topics spanning anything from nights at the ballpark to America's Band to last spring's Smash reunion. Hilty even offers her candid thoughts on reviving the beloved series, and partook in a fun round of Baseball meets Broadway trivia in this week’s edition of the 7th Inning Stretch! Connect with Megan Hilty on Instagram: @meganhilty Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From October 2021. Gene and Bill Barretta, known to many quite simply as “The Barretta Brothers,” are stepping into The Batter’s Box for Episode 105! Two master creatives, Gene is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books. He has also animated and illustrated for Sesame Street, Between The Lions, and The Jim Henson Company. Bill has been a director, writer, producer, and core performer with The Muppets for nearly 30 years. Together, they’ve created their own podcast/vodcast series appropriately titled: The Barretta Brothers - a spontaneous fun-filled hour with fascinating guests and great stories from their lives and careers. This week, the two brothers chat with host Al Malafronte about a myriad of topics spanning anything from their shared experiences growing up in Italian households that loved both sports and the arts to Gene competing against LeBron James to memories from the set and stadium. We also discussed the recent release of Muppets Haunted Mansion, a brilliant Halloween special on Disney+ that Bill co-wrote and served as Executive Producer, in addition to performing his signature characters in Pepé the King Prawn, Johnny Fiama, and many others. It was an hour full of big laughs, constant play and gave the boys the opportunity to share some never-been-told stories! Be sure to check out The Barretta Brothers on their website, on YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! You can also connect with them on Instagram: @thebarrettabrothers and follow Gene's writing and art on his website: www.genebarretta.com. Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From August 2021. LOOKOUT! It’s one of those special days in The Batter’s Box as Sierra Boggess joins us for Episode 95! For nearly a decade and a half, Boggess has cemented a standing as one of the best players in the game here on Broadway through her brilliant ability to bring iconic characters to life on stage, powerful singing voice, and inspiring disposition that embodies the good stuff in show business. Whether it was originating the role of Ariel in the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid, her portrayal of Christine Daaé in both the Broadway and London 25th Anniversary productions of The Phantom Of The Opera, or her other memorable performances in School Of Rock, It Shoulda Been You, Master Class, Lés Miserables, and Love Never Dies, her accomplishments on Broadway and The West End are on par with any hitter who's dominated in both the American and National League. Ironically, some of Boggess’ success on stage is rooted in her own athletic background, as she grew up as a competitive figure skater in her native Denver. Despite having to put the skates aside in her early teens, her passion for the sport has never wavered, and the values it taught her have truly helped shape her into the All-Star actress she is today. Over the past year, she's rediscovered those skills on the ice and this week, she takes host Al Malafronte through this incredible chapter of joy and the intense work she's put into it. She also discusses some of her eventual aspirations in the sport, which may just include competing on the professional level! One of the ultimate testaments to a performer either on stage or at the stadium is their mental fortitude, and some of Boggess’ stories behind her success on Broadway fully back up that notion in this conversation. Her ability to set herself apart as a star player in order to achieve her dreams is on par with anyone we’ve ever spoken with. One might even view her as a master "hitter" when it comes to her technique, mindfulness, and ability to evaluate scouting reports before going into an audition room. On the subject of hitters, it’s fitting that Boggess views herself as a “DH” if she were to take on a position in baseball, and also has some great memories of her hometown Colorado Rockies! If you're in New York, be sure to catch Sierra Boggess in her upcoming concert series at 54 Below from September 8-11, as she helps ring in Broadway's triumphant return this fall! Tickets are available here. Connect with Sierra Boggess on her website, as well as Instagram: @officialsierraboggess Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From February 2021. It’s a SWISHALICIOUS day on Broadway, as the one and only Nick Swisher joins us for Episode 71! During a memorable Broadway tenure that spanned 2009-2012, few performers in New York Yankees history are more beloved than Swisher. While dawning the pinstripes, he not only cemented a legacy as a World Champion (2009) and All-Star right fielder (2010) but as a colorful personality and passionate player that would run through a wall for Yankee fans. These days, he's still involved with the team as a Special Advisor and can be seen on TV as a studio analyst for FS1. Swisher brings great stories and big laughs to The Batter’s Box, as he and host Al Malafronte look back fondly on his Yankee years. Whether it be changing the dynamic of a stuffy clubhouse, triumphing in the face of adversity, or helping ring in the new Yankee Stadium with a World Series, Swisher truly bares it all and then some. Like much of our fanbase, he’s also extremely passionate about the performing arts, as some of his favorite nights in the city center around trips to the theatre. He even has an epic Broadway dream role in mind and shares the little-known backstory behind his own acting gig on How I Met Your Mother. Swisher is one of baseball's good guys, and that very much shines through in this conversation that we're so proud to share with you. Connect with Nick Swisher on Instagram: @yourboyswish and Twitter: @NickSwisher Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast and Twitter: @break_a_bat Hosted by Al Malafronte Photo credit: AP Photo/Kathy Wilens Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From October 2020. Joel McHale brings some big laughs to The Batter’s Box in Episode 55! Having made a name for himself in show business as the host of The Soup, and star of Community, McHale has kept as busy as anyone in the industry throughout 2020. Whether it be hosting the critically acclaimed Tiger King after-show special, launching his own podcast The Darkest Timeline, or guest judging on The Masked Singer, McHale’s work ethic and passion for what he does is undeniable. He also serves as the host of ABC’s Card Sharks revival, which has its second season set to premiere this Sunday, October 18 at 10/9c. In addition to everything McHale has accomplished on-screen, he’s also a tremendous fan of both sports and theatre, having participated in baseball, football, and school plays growing up in his hometown of Mercer Island, Washington. After going onto play college football at the University of Washington, and then launching a now 25+ year career in entertainment, his love of both mediums has never wavered. This week, McHale sits down with host Al Malafronte to not only discuss of all of his exciting recent work, but also his thoughts on life in show business, the possibility of a Community reboot, and his many career highlights. We also rehash McHale’s fond memories of the 1995 Mariners, as his hometown is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of the team that saved baseball in Seattle. Never one to shy away from the big moment, McHale even touches on what it would take for him to dip his toe into Broadway’s waters, as he remains an avid fan of theatre with some phenomenal insight and stories. Connect with Joel McHale on Instagram: @joelmchale and Twitter: @joelmchale Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Photo used in episode art: F. Scott Schafer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From March 2021. It's one of those special days in The Batter's Box, as Jodi Benson joins us for Episode 75! Inducted as a Disney Legend after serving The Walt Disney Company for the past 33 amazing years, Benson has received worldwide recognition and critical acclaim for her tremendous talent and iconic performances. She's best known as the beloved singing and speaking voice of Ariel in the Academy Award-winning Walt Disney animated feature film, The Little Mermaid. To this day, she remains the only actress to voice Ariel in all of the subsequent Disney projects that have followed the film's initial release. With a resume that spans dozens of prominent voiceover credits, she also performed the bubbly voice of Tour Guide Barbie in Disney Pixar's Toy Story 2, winner of the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture, and then reprised the role in the Academy Award-winning Toy Story 3. In addition to everything Benson has accomplished on-screen, it was right here on Broadway where she began her phenomenal career in show business. Her four Broadway credits are highlighted by a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Crazy For You, which went onto win the Tony Award for Best Musical. This week she joined host Al Malafronte to discuss anything from her love of sports and theatre, the legacy of her characters, and some of the incredible behind-the-scenes stories that have helped shape her as a true Disney Legend in every way. This conversation also featured a guest appearance from our show's original co-host Scotty Katzmann, who was eager to share his latest song parody that pays homage to both The Little Mermaid and The National Pastime. Ms. Benson is truly the good stuff in show business and this conversation ranks high among our podcast's essential episodes - filled with plenty of insight, laughter, and of course, music! Connect with Jodi Benson on Instagram: @jodi.benson Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From February 2020. Katlyn Carlson steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 22! Carlson enjoyed one of the most exciting rookie years on Broadway in 2019 as one of the stars of Be More Chill. While far from a rookie in the acting world with other credits including Holly Star, The End Is Here, Billions, and The Jim Gaffigan Show, it was refreshing to hear her perspective on performance and how to navigate the success and adversity that comes with it. Something many baseball players have to deal with as well. In this episode, Carlson takes us through the phenomenon that was Be More Chill, how to raise your game against tough competition, and even how Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda crashed her wedding weekend in her hometown of St. Louis. A lifelong Cardinals fan, it was really interesting to hear what she picked up at the ballpark and how she applied it to her craft. True to our show's style, we did manage to work some Cardinals, Aroldis Chapman, and Be More Chill trivia into this week's 7th Inning Stretch. Our crew has always been a big fan of Carlson's, especially given how open she is with her fanbase when it comes to relatable real-life issues, which speaks to her authenticity as a person. That definitely shines through in this episode. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Katlyn Carlson on Instagram: @katlyncarlson Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From June 2021. LOOKOUT! A much-anticipated day has finally arrived, as Patti Murin joins us for Episode 87! Murin made her Broadway debut in one of our favorite shows of all time in Xanadu, and then went on to star in Lysistrata Jones, as well as the touring production of Wicked. She's also done a great deal of work on-screen including a recurring role on Chicago Med, and had starring roles in the Hallmark classics Holiday for Heroes and Love on Iceland. Of course, she's best known to the Broadway world for her most recent performance in Frozen when she starred as Anna, earning both Drama League and Outer Critic Circle Award nominations in the process. A proud New Yorker, Murin steps into The Batter's Box to discuss her long-time love of the New York Yankees. Whether it was their triumphs in the 2000 World Series against the Mets or the heartbreak endured during the 2004 ALCS against the Red Sox, Murin's relationship with the Pinstripes is marked by tremendous passion and spans all the peaks and valleys. She even has a specific code of ethics when it comes to following the team, and reveals some little-known facts about her sports fandom in general. In a conversation that truly covered all bases, we also discussed her biggest grand slams here on Broadway, the John Stamos-Beach Boys connection, and even played a fun round of Baseball meets Broadway trivia in this week's edition of The 7th Inning Stretch! Connect with Patti Murin on Instagram: @pattimurin Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From March 2021. Show me that smile again...As we wrap Women's History Month, it's our pleasure to welcome the great Joanna Kerns to The Batter's Box for Episode 77! Kerns' career in show business now spans 45 years both as an actress and director. She got her first big break when she starred as Maggie Seaver in the hit sitcom Growing Pains and has since gone on to serve as a pioneer for female directors with nearly 70 television directing credits to her name and counting. In 2020, she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her work on Hulu’s Light As A Feather and was part of the team of directors nominated for a GLAAD Award on Dinsey's High School Musical: The Series. Kerns also currently sits on the Board of the Directors Guild of America and serves on its Ethics Committee. Kerns has kept quite busy in 2021, having recently lent her directing talents to High School Musical: The Series. This week, she joins host Al Malafronte to discuss her recent work on the show, as well as her role in the progress that female directors have enjoyed in the entertainment industry. We also had quite a bit of fun strolling down memory lane, as Kerns happily shares some amazing behind-the-scenes stories from her time on Growing Pains, her thoughts on why the show still stands strong today, and even touches on her work in the baseball community when she directed Pitch on FOX. As someone who actually launched their performing career via the stage, Kerns remains a tremendous theatre fan, and talks about some of her favorite nights on Broadway which include three trips to Hamilton! As an advocate for empowering and uplifting the next generation of artists, Kerns is honored to have been recently invited to be an Advisory Board member for Notes for Notes, Inc., a national nonprofit providing youth free access to pro recording studio settings, producers, and creative outlets through the creation of recorded music. There's a reason why Kerns' work has endured for so many years, and that very much shines through in this wonderful conversation! Connect with Joanna Kerns on Instagram: @the.real.joannakerns Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've got our first former Yankee visiting The Batter's Box in 2022, as Nick Green joins us for Episode 122! Currently a TV analyst for Bally Sports South, Green joins us this week to talk baseball, music, pop culture, and his love of The Greatest Showman! He's also got some amazing never-been-told stories and Broadway parallels from his time on the grand stage while performing in the 2006 production of New York Yankees Baseball. Connect with Nick Green on Instagram: @nickgreen20 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Giroux steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 121! Giroux plays the title role in Big Nate which just premiered on Paramount+. The show, based on the books of the same name, follows 11 year-old Nate Wright, a rebellious sixth-grader with a never-ending need to prove his awesomeness to the world. Whether he’s dealing with disasters at home or detention at school, Nate is no stranger to a challenge. Luckily, he’s able to express himself through the cartoons he creates. This week he joins us to talk all about his voiceover work in the series, his Arizona sports fandom, and viral TikTok videos! Connect with Ben Giroux on Instagram: @bengiroux Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerry Blevins is talking baseball and Broadway in The Batter's Box in Episode 120! One of the best lefty relievers of the 2010s, Blevins made his mark on Broadway not only on the pitcher's mound for the New York Mets but as an avid fan of theatre who embraced the performing arts mecca that is New York City. This week he joins host Al Malafronte to talk all about his show-stopping moments on the bump, his current role with SNY, and some of his favorite nights on The Great White Way! He even touches on the theatre community pumping him up before a big game in this chat that can truly be enjoyed by fans of sports and theatre alike. Connect with Jerry Blevins on Instagram: @jblev13 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Episode Art Photo: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Kennedy steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 119! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Anaheim Angels' 2002 World Series championship and the team's 2nd baseman joins us for a chat that looks back on that iconic run and so much more! Whether it's the battles on Broadway against the Yankees in the ALDS, his 3-Home Run game in the ALCS, or the electrifying World Series against Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants, the championship squad's team leader in Batting Average has some great recollections of that very special chapter in baseball history. Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Wilson brings his Broadway fandom to The Batter's Box! You read that right! Fully equipped with his binder full of Playbills, the former All-Star shortstop joins host Al Malafronte to talk all about his longtime affinity for theatre in a true Baseball meets Broadway celebration. Ironically, this fandom began during his playing days during road trips to Yankee Stadium in the mid-2000s and has only continued to blossom. Wilson has Broadway dream roles, favorite actors and actresses, and some awesome insight on the recent string of successful film adaptations of musicals. From the stage to the stadium, we truly covered all bases in one of our most on-brand chats to date. Connect with Jack Wilson on Instagram: @jack.wilson_2 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GG Townson steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 117! Known for her portrayal of iconic hip-hop artist “Salt '' in the hit biopic Salt-N-Pepa, Townson can now be seen in BET+’s Sacrifice, based on the network’s original movie of the same name. The story follows a high-powered entertainment attorney, Daniella Hernandez (Paula Patton), as she navigates the complicated lives of her clients, while uncovering the truth behind her family’s secretive past and the death of her parents. Townson plays Jameson, a megastar client of the firm. After Daniella hears that Jameson is looking for new representation, she courts her into what looks like a perfect pairing. But there is more than meets the eye with this star, and her secrets intertwine Daniella in a dangerous plot. This week, Townson talks all about her recent work, her ability to bring characters to life, and some chatter about her LA sports fandom! Connect with GG Townson on Instagram: @ggtownson Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our first at-bat of the 2022 season, Ginger Zee steps into The Batter's Box! As the Chief Meteorologist for ABC News, Zee has forecasted and reported the nation's weather on Good Morning America and World News Tonight for nearly a decade. In doing so, she has endeared herself to audiences worldwide as a light that goes far beyond what we see on-screen, and one that we need now more than ever - especially when it comes to the subject matters she's tackling in her all-new book A Little Closer to Home: How I Found the Calm After the Storm. The book is published by the fine folks at Disney Books and is now available for purchase here. When she opened her life to readers in her first book Natural Disaster, the response was enormous. She put a very relatable if not surprising face on depression and has helped lessen the stigma surrounding mental health issues. But as Zee says, Natural Disaster was "Ginger Lite" and only scratched the surface. In this moving follow-up, she shares her truest self. She spent most of her life shielding her vulnerabilities from the world all while being a professional people pleaser. Her stormy childhood, her ongoing struggles with crippling depression, her suicide attempts, and many other life experiences will resonate with readers who are likely to see themselves along the way. This week, she joins host Al Malafronte to talk all about the new book, and some of the experiences that drove her to open up in such a personal way, as she continues to heal from her trauma on a daily basis. This conversation is above and beyond inspiring, and it was so fascinating to hear her speak with such honesty. It was also particularly interesting to hear how her athletic background and mindset play into her triumphs in healing. In addition to the serious subject matters discussed in our chat, it wouldn't be a day in The Batter's Box without a special round of Fastball Derby, where Zee told some phenomenal stories about her baseball and theatre fandom, and even hinted at some eventual Broadway aspirations! Connect with Ginger Zee on Instagram: @ginger_zee Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's our 2021 finale with former MLB All-Star, Scooter Gennett! Join us for an incredibly honest chat that highlights anything from Gennett's love of sports and the arts to his iconic "baseball theatre" moment - when he tied the Major League record for home runs in a single performance (4) in 2017. Gennett also addresses the recent national headlines he made via his choice words about Carlos Correa's free agency and the Houston Astros cheating scandal. Connect with Scooter Gennett on Instagram: @sgennett2 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's a "Holiday Block Party" on this show without some Muppet mayhem? Joe Hennes is the Co-Owner and Editor-in-Chief of ToughPigs.com, the premier online destination for "Muppet fans who grew up." In many ways, he's the baseball equivalent of Michael Kay - serving as the voice of the fan through his knowledge, passion, comedic wit, and objectivity that comes through in all of his writing. This week, he joins the party with host Al Malafronte to discuss The Muppets' influence on the world of Major League Baseball mascots, some of his accomplishments at the helm of ToughPigs (which just celebrated its 20th anniversary!), and all things Muppet holiday specials! You can connect with ToughPigs on their website and you can support them on their Patreon, as well! Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices