Break A Bat! where Baseball Meets Broadway

The Batter's Box gets even merrier, as Lisa Durupt joins us for Episode 113! Durupt can be seen as the star of Christmas With a Crown airing Wednesday, December 8th on Lifetime where she plays the role of Cassie, a successful woman who returns to her hometown to revive her family’s Christmas festival. She's also one of the film's executive producers. This week she joins host Al Malafronte to chat all about the new film and how her athletic background plays into her "sports-minded" approach to acting. A tremendous hockey player going back to her days growing up in Winnipeg, we also discussed the crossroads she faced in college when choosing between sports and the arts, and our thoughts on the stigmas surrounding mental health maintenance for a performer on-screen as opposed to at the stadium. She still gets her sports-fix as a Beer League Hockey player, and it's safe to say that there were plenty of laughs in our chat, especially during our Fastball Derby where Durupt brought a powerful swing and some epic stories. Connect with Lisa Durupt on Instagram: @thelisadurupt 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

Jen Lilley RETURNS to The Batter's Box in Episode 111! Our very first hitter to get their second at-bat on the show, Lilley is starring in Royally Wrapped for Christmas which premieres this Saturday, November 27th at 8 pm EST on GAC Family. This week she joins host Al Malafronte to talk all about the new film, as well as the continued charitable work she's doing with Christmas Is Not Cancelled which has some really special stuff brewing that not only aligns with Royally Wrapped for Christmas, but also benefits Toys for Tots in the process. Given the special occasion surrounding her second at-bat, this chat also featured a revamped edition of our signature Fastball Derby segment where Lilley "swung at pitches" thrown by our loyal listeners. These pitches encompassed a wide array of topics that spanned anything from depressing baseball walkup songs to Broadway show tunes and ultimately made for a great addition to our Holiday Block Party! Connect with Jen Lilley on Instagram: @jen_lilley 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

Ken Davidoff steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 107! Part of the fabric of New York City's sportswriting scene for nearly three decades, Davidoff's work as a national baseball columnist for the New York Post has been applauded by readers worldwide. In addition to his baseball knowledge, he posesses a phenomenal ability to bring stories to life through blatant honesty, objectivity, and a personal touch that resonates with anyone who loves America's Pastime. As theatre fans, we're in the business of appreciating great storytellers, and Davidoff certainly fits that bill. This week, he joins host Al Malafronte to discuss some of the highlights from his time on the beat, his thoughts on the evolution of the game, and even some of his most poignant nights on Broadway. It's so fitting that one of his favorite on-stage moments is tied to a certain song in Dear Evan Hansen that hits home for many sports and theatre-lovers, just as this conversation will. Connect with Ken Davidoff on Twitter: @KenDavidoff 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

Still trying to make sense of what went wrong in Broadway's latest flop? The 2021 production of New York Yankees Baseball certainly goes down as one of the most polarizing and frustrating shows that loyal fans of the team have seen in recent years, going well beyond the one-sided Wild Card Game finale in Boston. Searching for many answers on what lies ahead in what will truly be a fascinating offseason, host Al Malafronte welcomes Neil Keefe to The Batter's Box for Episode 106. Keefe is the founder of the popular New York Yankees blog and podcast, Keefe To The City. Formerly of WFAN, Keefe's insight on the team defines what it means to be fair and objective. Since much of our audience considers themselves to be baseball fans first, rather than just Yankee fans, unbiased opinions on the state of the franchise are essential when evaluating what can right the ship in The Bronx. With a championship drought that now spans a dozen years, Malafronte and Keefe examine anything from potential cast and crew changes to the organization's disconnect with the audience. These are complicated issues, however, our chat does its best to address them and truly epitomizes one very specific essence of the Yankee fan --- passion. Connect with Keefe to the City here and Neil Keefe's Twitter: @NeilKeefe 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 Crawford steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 103! Crawford is returning to the title role in The Phantom of the Opera this October and joins host Al Malafronte to discuss his excitement to get back on stage, as well as his longtime Arizona Diamondbacks fandom that goes back to the team's inaugural season in 1998. As baseball celebrates the 20th anniversary of the emotional 2001 World Series between the D-Backs and New York Yankees, the guys had a blast revisiting exactly where they were for each of the seven games, and how the series still resonates so strongly for both of them as one of the greatest of all-time. Crawford also discusses his journey to Broadway and the ways in which his love of both sports and performing truly intersected on his road to success. He's also a very talented musician, and recently put out his own album titled Electronic Pandemic which is now available to stream everywhere. He even has his first Christmas album in the works for this holiday season that truly captures the uplifting spirit of his role in Broadway's triumphant return. Connect with Ben Crawford on Instagram: @crawdady21 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 Ben Crawford headshot by Matthew Murphy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the MLB pennant race in full swing, Ben Grieve steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 101! Grieve's 9-year career in the big leagues spanned 1997-2005 and was highlighted by an All-Star Game selection in 1998, American League Rookie of the Year honors, and a 104 RBI season in 2000. This week he revisits his glory days on the field, with some great stories about coming up through the Oakland A's system as a highly-touted prospect and having an immediate impact on his cast. We also discuss the challenges Grieve faced playing the game clean in "The Steroid Era," the memorable 2000 Division Series that was played under the bright lights of Broadway, and even the musical Grieve would most like to star in! Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One. Hundred. Episodes. This week, the two folks that have experienced every second of this show from the ground up come together to celebrate this milestone in a way that only seems fitting. Join Al Malafronte (Creator/Host) and Matthew Hendershot (Editor/Audio Engineer) as they discuss the show's evolution over the last two years, rehash their favorite moments behind the mic and audio mixer, answer some audience questions, and look forward to what’s ahead. Al Mal also reveals a few never-been-told stories from "backstage and inside the clubhouse," and Hendo even "takes a shot" at an epic round of Fastball Derby, which was filled with some awesome stories of his own and plenty of laughing fits. Thanks to each and every one of you in our audience for your love and support as we hit the century mark! The conversations, stories, and laughs we’ve shared together are a blessing unlike any other. We'd also like to thank some of our friends of the show that have helped shape Break a Bat! You may just hear a few of them in a pretty epic Batter’s Box walk-up that kicks off our celebration... Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a Bikini Bottom Day in The Batter's Box, as Ethan Slater joins us for Episode 99! Slater is a Tony-nominee and Drama Desk winner for his performance in the title role of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical. He recently just co-wrote the all-new musical Edge of the World which is now available via Broadway Records and he's also getting ready to go back on stage in Assassins this fall where he'll play the role of Lee Harvey Oswald. This week, Slater joins host Al Malafronte to discuss his phenomenal writing endeavors and the emotional journey that Edge of the World has taken him on since the pandemic hit. He's also a big baseball fan going all the way back to his childhood and took us through how Cal Ripken Jr. has helped inspire him to be an "Iron Man" here on Broadway. This chat is the perfect blend of baseball and Broadway talk, as we also discussed Slater's longtime passion for old baseball card collecting, his highs and lows as a Baltimore Orioles fan, and even the Jay Gibbons link in Wedding Crashers! Connect with Ethan Slater on Instagram: @ethanslater 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

Another “Muppet Mentor” is stepping into The Batter’s Box, as Carmen Osbahr joins us for Episode 98! More than ten years ago, Osbahr helped spur our host Al Malafronte's creativity during his college production internship at Kaufman Astoria Studios through her friendship, positivity, and encouraging disposition that was instrumental in the launch of this podcast and following our dream of merging sports and the arts. As we close in on our 100th episode celebration, we felt now was as good a time as ever to celebrate her work and personality that has inspired so many over the last 35 years as a principal Muppet performer and creative. A key cog in the Jim Henson universe, the social and cultural impact Osbahr has made all across the globe can’t be overstated. Personally hired by Henson himself, together they created and developed Rosita, the first-ever bilingual Muppet to regularly appear on Sesame Street. She still performs Rosita to this day, and her ability to continually steer the character’s development and evolution with the times is nothing short of brilliant. Whether it be tackling racism in our society or the struggles that military families face, no script is ever too big for Osbahr, as she continues to rise to the occasion in a poignant way that goes far beyond teaching children their letters and numbers. This conversation is unlike most of Osbahr’s previous interviews, as it features a strong dose of baseball metaphors to celebrate both her athleticism as a performer and contributions to The Muppets franchise. It comes during a particularly unique chapter of her career, as she is now one of the last performers in the troupe who actually worked alongside Jim Henson. In many ways, she’s The Muppets’ version of Brett Gardner, and a great veteran leader for the many new players who have come up through the system in recent years. The stories and insight Osbahr provided us are just amazing, touching on anything from performing Rosita alongside the Yankees' Hall of Fame manager, Joe Torre to her own sports background in her hometown of Mexico City. While much has changed as far as the guard of teammates she’s played with, the continued prowess she possesses as a big hitter remains as strong as ever, and our conversation can truly be enjoyed by sports, theatre, and Muppet fans alike! Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Photo courtesy of Sesame Workshop Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Battles with Roger Clemens paralleled to Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr dueling in Weehawken? That’s what happens when Danny Tartabull steps into The Batter’s Box! While “The Bull” has largely been out of the public eye since retiring from baseball in 1997, his legacy as one of the best right-handed hitters of the early '90s remains as vital as ever. Over the course of 14 big league seasons, he was selected to an All-Star Game, won a Slugging Percentage title, and knocked in 100+ runs five times. He also had a very memorable tenure as a member of the New York Yankees from 1992-1995. This week, he joins host Al Malafronte for an impartial conversation to set the record straight on his time here and revisit the highs and lows that came with playing on baseball’s biggest stage. Tartabull’s accomplishments as a Yankee were as strong as anyone’s on a rebuilding team, having posted the squad’s first .400 On-Base Percentage of the decade when the organization began to shift focus under legendary General Manager, Gene Michael. In 1993 he took his performance to the next level, posting the first 30 Homerun/100 RBI season by a Yankee in five years, leading the team in both said categories, as well as Runs Scored and Total Bases. However, his big contract was often a point of contention for owner George Steinbrenner, and the two clashed quite a bit as Tartabull explains. Whether it was landing on the field in a helicopter, threatening to move the team to New Jersey, or ripping Tartabull through the media, The Boss’ theatrics were certainly well-publicized and created quite the backstage dynamic. Tartabull tells it all and then some, as it was fascinating to get such an in-depth look at a truly pivotal chapter in Yankee history from a star player’s perspective. This is Tartabull's ultimate tell-all interview, and our chat will certainly satisfy not only the most passionate members of Yankees Universe, but all of the theatre fans in our audience as well. Tartabull loved his nights on Broadway and caught nearly every show that ran in the early and mid ’90s. Whether it be Rent or Les Misérables, Tartabull had a front-row seat to the Broadway revolution and has some awesome stories to go along with it. He’s also a bit of an actor in his own right, having guest-starred on Seinfeld twice at the request of the show’s creator and lifelong Yankee fan, Larry David! His behind-the-scenes memories of working alongside David, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jason Alexander were great to listen to and provided some big laughs! 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're trading in our bat for a hoop this week, as Cricket Wampler joins us for Episode 92! Wampler is one of the breakout stars of Disney Plus' new sports dramedy Big Shot, and her portrayal of Samantha "Giggles" Finkman has earned her All-Star acclaim among audiences everywhere. In her very first podcast appearance, Wampler takes us through some of the success she's enjoyed as a leading player for the show and how Giggles came to be in very unconventional production circumstances. The way she developed her character spans anything from honing her skills as a point guard to developing an entire back story for Giggles while on retreat in San Diego. Wampler's sense of humor is on full display in this conversation, and her stories are nothing short of awesome. She even discusses her recent performance alongside John Stamos and The Beach Boys at Petco Park! Connect with Cricket Wampler on Instagram: @cricketwampler 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

Every great sports dramedy should have a resident theatre kid, right? Darcy Rose Byrnes answers that call in Big Shot on Disney+, and steps into The Batter's Box to talk all about it. Byrnes plays the role of the ever-ambitious and drama-loving Harper Schapira in the new series and has also lent her songwriting talents to the show's score, having written five original songs that can be heard throughout the first season. No stranger to the screen, she broke into the business as a child star on The Young and the Restless when she was all of five years old. Her other prominent credits are highlighted by The Bold and the Beautiful, How I Met Your Mother, Desperate Housewives, The Young and the Restless, and Sofia the First. One of the great story arcs in Big Shot is Westbrook High's school musical, Beth Macbeth, in which Byrnes' character plays the lead. This week, she talks all about the creative input she offered when bringing the musical to life, and how her own background in the Scottish Play proved to be a grand slam in the process. She also discusses working with John Stamos, and how the show came to be despite some of the many obstacles that the pandemic created during production. We also played a fun round of Fastball Derby, as Byrnes offers some little-known facts about her life off-screen which span anything from her Irish heritage to delaying her road test to her family's Boston sports fandom. Connect with Darcy Rose Byrnes on Instagram: @darcyrosebyrnes 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

You didn’t think we’d let Friends Fever not make its way onto the podcast, did you? Fresh off one of the best television reunions in recent history, Jane Sibbett steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 88! Sibbett played the role of Carol Willick on Friends over the course of 7 seasons and joins host Al Malafronte to discuss her whirlwind of emotions as the legendary sitcom takes on a second life. While Sibbett may be best known for her time on Friends, her other on-screen credits are highlighted by lead roles in Santa Barbara, Herman’s Head and It Takes Two. She’s also a tremendous theatre fan and has done quite a bit of stage directing in recent years. In addition to her accomplishments on stage and screen, she’s also a spiritual healer, and discusses some of the more profound moments she’s experienced in her work all across the globe with her 'dancing hands.' This chat also featured its fair share of laughs, as just talking about life, in general, was an absolute blast. You’ll find her personality to be a far cry from some of the characters she’s portrayed over the years, and a real light to be enjoyed by all. Connect with Jane Sibbett on Instagram: @janesibbett 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

Fresh off the announcement of Broadway's triumphant return this fall, Bob Lenzi joins us for Episode 86! Much like a great utility player, Lenzi plays a myriad of roles in the Tony-nominated Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and is also a tremendous student of baseball. Having grown up just outside of Philadelphia, he's a lifelong Phillies fan with as big of a passion for the game as anyone on Broadway. His career on Broadway now spans more than a decade with other credits that include South Pacific and Tuck Everlasting. Lenzi joins host Al Malafronte this week to chat about anything from his ballpark bucket list, big contracts, and postseason memories. He was actually in the midst of his Broadway debut when the Phillies won their last championship in 2008 and even orchestrated a Broadway Fantasy Baseball league with his fellow castmates. On a personal note, he also discusses being the athlete who switched to performing on stage and how his love of both mediums go hand in hand with one another as it does for many in our audience. Connect with Bob Lenzi on Instagram: @bob.lenzi 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

"Undersell and overdeliver." Virginia Williams steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 85! Williams is co-starring in the second season of Why Women Kill which premieres on Paramount+ on June 3, and brings insight, stories, and laughs from her 26 years in show business. She got her professional start in the soap world on One Life to Live when she was all of 17 years old and has since gone onto author credits such as As the World Turns, How I Met Your Mother, Fairly Legal, Fuller House, Teenage Bounty Hunters, and Charmed. While Williams is best known for her work on-screen, she remains a tremendous fan and student of theatre, with a Theatre Performance degree from Fordham University and a background in Shakespeare. In a conversation chock full of baseball parallels, she and host Al Malafronte had an absolute blast chatting about anything from Hamilton to The Sound of Music to the "wife or daughter" game. Williams also discusses how she shook off the rust when returning to set for Why Women Kill, and even takes a stance in the Jeter vs. A-Rod debate! Connect with Virginia Williams on Instagram: @virginiawms 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

Why yes, this is HOME plate! In a very fun conversation, Tony nominee Susan Egan joins us in The Batter's Box for Episode 84! Egan has authored a phenomenal legacy in both the Broadway and Disney universe having originated the role of Belle in the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast, and then brought the beloved Megara to life in the hit animated classic Hercules. This fall, she's rejoining her Disney family with an all-new concert series titled Disney Princess: The Concert as part of the franchise's "Ultimate Princess Celebration," that's currently running through 2022. This week, Egan joins host Al Malafronte to tell some of the amazing stories surrounding her biggest homeruns as a performer. Whether it be proving tough critics wrong during the initial run of Beauty and the Beast, bringing Megara to life, or how she was able to merge her own creative vision with Disney's for the upcoming concert series, her insight and storytelling ability made for a riveting conversation filled with great energy and good vibes. A Southern California native, she's also a tremendous Angels fan who really brought a big power bat to this week's edition of Fastball Derby! Connect with Susan Egan on Instagram: @iamsusanegan 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

Good Morning Baltimore! There's no showtune more appropriate to get into the spirit for this week's episode, as Mike Bordick joins us in The Batter's Box! A Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer and proud member of the New York Mets' 2000 National League Championship team, Bordick's big-league career spanned 14 seasons from 1990-2003. His notable accomplishments include an All-Star Game selection in 2000, two World Series appearances, and 1,500 career hits to his name. In recent years, he's lent his knowledge and expertise to the broadcasting booth, as one of the TV voices of the Orioles through the 2020 season. This week, he joins host Al Malafronte to revisit his time on Broadway and to discuss the many parallels of his own playing career to that of a Broadway performer. That was particularly evident when he took on his most signature role as the Orioles shortstop, as he replaced the legendary Cal Ripken Jr. and then established his own unique mark on the position in doing so. He also discusses the era in which he played in, avoiding the temptation to use steroids in order to gain an edge and even his love of The Phantom of the Opera! 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

As the theatre industry begins its comeback trail, veteran of stage and screen, Linda Purl steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 82! Purl is getting set to star in a production of Twelve Angry Men in England and joins us to speak about how excited she is to return to doing what she loves most. Her performing career now spans more than five decades, with Broadway credits that include Getting and Spending and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, as well as television credits such as Happy Days, Matlock, and The Office. Purl also discusses her vantage points on theatre as the ultimate team sport, and even tells the story surrounding her family’s link to Babe Ruth’s famous “Called Shot” at Wrigley Field during the 1932 World Series. Given our show’s love of all things Dunder Mifflin, it was also fun to revisit the famous “birthday lunch” scene in The Office, as Purl gave us some all-new behind-the-scenes stories from her 9-episode arc as Helene Beesly in Seasons 6 and 7! 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

Ryan Dempster steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 81 to help wrap the first month of the baseball season! Dempster was a 2-time All-Star during his pitching days, and currently serves as one of the TV voices for the Chicago Cubs on the Marquee Sports Network. Across 16 big league seasons, Dempster tallied 132 wins, seven seasons in which he threw 200+ innings, and retired as a World Series Champion for the 2013 Boston Red Sox. This week, he joins host Al Malafronte for a raw, candid, and hilarious chat in which they touch on everything from his highs on the mound, his fond memories performing here in New York, and even the mark he made on the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry by drilling A-Rod when everyone else in the baseball world wanted to. Since moving to the broadcast booth, Dempster has earned a reputation as one of the game's most charismatic on-air personalities. His Harry Caray impersonation has earned critical and popular acclaim among baseball fans and represents the ultimate tribute to a true legend of broadcasting. Fortunately for us, he broke it out during our conversation and provided some insight as to what Mr. Caray may sound like if he were talking about Broadway and its many All-Star performers. Connect with Ryan Dempster on Instagram: @dempster4646 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

"Fetch" is happening in The Batter's Box, as Krystina Alabado joins us for Episode 80! Alabado starred as Gretchen Wieners in Mean Girls on Broadway from March 2019 until the show's final performance in March 2020, and has authored a phenomenal stage career that now spans more than a decade. Her other credits include the touring production of Spring Awakening, American Idiot and American Psycho on Broadway, and Lazarus at the New York Theatre Workshop. In addition to everything Alabado has accomplished on stage, she's also a tremendous Arizona Diamondbacks fan! This week she joins host Al Malafronte to revisit some of her fondest memories growing up in Phoenix during the glory years of one of baseball's most successful expansion teams. She's currently living out every diehard fan's bucket list with a mission to visit every Major League stadium (and even keeps score when she goes!) Her stories from the stage and stadium are nothing short of awesome, as we talk about anything from the Diamondbacks' 2001 World Series run to her experiences working with both Tina Fey and David Bowie. In the spirit of our theme, we also brought back 7th Inning Stretch trivia, as Alabado tested her baseball and Broadway knowledge in an attempt to join our prestigious 'Winner's Circle.' We even had a guest appearance from her husband/diehard baseball fan/fellow Broadway veteran, Robert Lenzi (South Pacific, Tuck Everlasting, Tina) who served as her lifeline during the game. This conversation was a blast and epitomizes a true celebration of our two greatest passions. Connect with Krystina Alabado on Instagram: @krystinaalabado 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 finally found a shortstop to take the stage, as Royce Clayton joins us for Episode 79! Across 17 big league seasons from 1991-2007, Clayton performed in 2,108 games and amassed 1,904 hits in the process. He was also selected to an All-Star Game in 1997 and retired as a World Series Champion for the 2007 Boston Red Sox. This week, Clayton joins host Al Malafronte to rehash some of his fond memories from his career in which he garnered a reputation as as a great teammate and one of the most reliable defensive shortstops of his generation. We discuss anything from playing under the bright lights of the postseason, his experiences with Barry Bonds as a teammate in San Francisco, and even the adversity he overcame when facing much hate in replacing baseball legend Ozzie Smith as the Cardinals' shortstop in 1996. Clayton's love of performing hasn't stop in retirement from the game, as he's even dipped his toe into the acting waters. He just so happened to make his big screen debut in the Academy Award-nominated Moneyball alongside Brad Pitt, and has some epic stories from his time on set! Connect with Royce Clayton on Instagram: @royceclay10 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

"Let’s drink champagne!” Teal Wicks steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 74 to kick off our Women's History Month celebration! Wicks’ career on Broadway now spans more than a decade and has starred as Elphaba in Wicked, Emma Carew in Jekyll & Hyde, Mary Barrie in Finding Neverland, and Lady in The Cher Show. Wicks joined host Al Malafronte on a cold winter’s night for a fun chat that was chock-full of stories and baseball anecdotes. The two discussed anything from favorite showtunes to working with Cher to her time spent with legendary Los Angeles Dodgers announcer, Vin Scully. They also played some Baseball meets Broadway trivia in an all-new (and challenging) edition of The 7th Inning Stretch! Connect with Teal Wicks on Instagram: @tealwicks 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

Mike "The Hit Man" Easler steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 73! Across 14 big league seasons that included memorable stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees, Easler authored a .293 lifetime Batting Average and .804 OPS in 1,151 games played. His many accomplishments include a World Championship in 1979, an All-Star Game selection in 1981, and four seasons in which he hit above .300. Easler is the perfect hitter for this podcast, as his love of music often carried him to great heights throughout his playing career. This week, he joins Al Malafronte for a chat that truly covers all bases. Whether it's the Broadway connections surrounding the iconic 1979 Pirates, his love of Elvis Presley, or Bright Star the Musical, this chat truly highlights Easler's incredible insight on the game and its parallels to the arts. His singing voice is still very much intact as well, and is on full display in this episode! Connect with Mike Easler on Instagram: @methehitman 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

Samantha Pauly is trading in her crown for a bat in Episode 72, as we're pleased to welcome one of the big hitters from SIX the Musical to The Batter's Box! Pauly cemented herself as a marquis name in the Broadway community when she used her major power to take on the role of Katherine Howard in SIX's North American tour and then on Broadway. Prior to joining the queendom, she had starred in Evita on the West End, the touring production of Bat Out of Hell, and regional productions of Honeymoon in Vegas, Elf, Seussical, and Godspell. Our fun and insightful chat covers all bases, as Pauly discusses anything from her memories of the Chicago Cubs' 2016 World Championship to the highs and lows of show business. She even touched on the messy cancellation of the Bat Out of Hell tour and how it almost led her to leave the industry entirely. Fortunately, that hiatus didn't last very long, as she soon found herself as a highly sought-after free agent with SIX ready to pursue her. Pauly and host Al Malafronte also had some major laughing fits, particularly during this week's edition of the 7th Inning Stretch. When you use Aroldis Chapman, Broadway, and Disney as the basis of a trivia game, one might suppose that laughs are inevitable...This episode paints all kinds of corners and hits home, like a Chapman fastball, for baseball and theatre fans alike. Connect with Samantha Pauly on Instagram: @sampauly 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

Cailen Fu of Mean Girls steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 68! Following the unfortunate closing of the most 'fetch' show in Broadway history, host Al Malafronte goes into the clubhouse with one of the show's ultimate utility players to rehash its legacy. Fu served as the standby for both Regina George and Gretchen Wieners and took us through being called upon to play multiple positions at any given moment. To honor the many world-burning parallels that our audience enjoys between Regina George and the New York Yankees' own diva, Aroldis Chapman, we brought back our show's 7th Inning Stretch, with a spontaneous round of Baseball meets Broadway trivia! Connect with Cailen Fu on Instagram: @cailenfu 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

Two-time Cy Young Award winner, Bret Saberhagen steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 67! Throughout a big-league career that spanned parts of 16 seasons from 1984-2001, Saberhagen authored a legacy as one of the great right-handed pitchers of his generation. He'd go onto retire as a three-time All-Star with a sparkling 3.34 lifetime ERA and 167 wins to his name. Saberhagen takes host Al Malafronte through not only some of his highlights on the field which included a no-hitter and World Series MVP performance for the Kansas City Royals, but also his love of the performing arts. While pitching here on Broadway for the New York Mets, Saberhagen caught his fair share of theatre and even took on a few acting gigs of his own in Married with Children and The Scout. A man of many talents, he even did some singing and dancing in the classic 'Saberhagen Shuffle,' which recently saw a second life right here in New York City on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. These days, Saberhagen continues to do phenomenal work for SabesWings, a foundation he started with his wife Kandace. SabesWings aims to assist those suffering from financial medical toxicity because no patient should choose between treatment and everyday expenses. You can find more information on the foundation's website. Connect with Bret Saberhagen on Instagram: @bretsaberhagen 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

John Bolton kicks off 2021 in The Batter's Box for Episode 66! Bolton's esteemed Broadway career dates back to 1994 when he made his debut in Damn Yankees. One of the most versatile performers in the game, he's since gone onto appear in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Titanic, Contact, Spamalot, Curtains, A Christmas Story, Dames at Sea, and Anastasia. Over the years, Bolton has endeared himself to audiences as a true master of physical comedy. As discussed, he's a firm believer in the idea that theatre is the ultimate team sport, allowing him to maximize his value to any roster he's playing on. In a true Baseball meets Broadway crossover episode, Bolton also rehashes his experiences recording voiceovers for Damn Yankees with the legendary Mel Allen, his love of The Bad News Bears, and even his dog scaring Derek Jeter on the streets of Manhattan! Connect with John Bolton on Instagram: @itsjohnbolton and Twitter: @itsjohnbolton 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

Kimberly Williams-Paisley steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 64! Born and raised in New York, Williams-Paisley has been starring in film, television, and theater for more than 30 years. Now a New York Times Best Selling Author, she’s garnered tremendous praise and admiration through her performances in both installments of Father of the Bride, According to Jim, Nashville, Two and a Half Men, among dozens of other prominent credits. In this episode, Williams-Paisley joins host Al Malafronte to chat about her busy 2020, as her two latest projects have fast become holiday favorites. This season, she reprised her role as Claire in The Christmas Chronicles 2 which is now streaming on Netflix, and throughout the rest of this month, you can catch her in re-airings of A Nashville Christmas Carol which just premiered on the Hallmark Channel. In addition to everything Williams-Paisley has accomplished on the performing front, she also continues to do great work off-screen. In March, she and her husband Brad Paisley opened The Store, a grocery store in the Nashville area for indigent families who are looking to rebuild their lives apart from public assistance. You can find more information at thestore.org. Although Williams-Paisley now lives in Nashville, her love for The Big Apple has never wavered. She and Malafronte also talk about a mutual love for their hometown around the holidays and even look back at her time on Broadway in the Tony-winning The Last Night of Ballyhoo. On the sports front, she and her husband may be Nashville's biggest Los Angeles Dodgers fans, which led to plenty of great baseball anecdotes and stories. A particularly fun edition of Fastball Derby also ensues, and very much captures the spirit of this awesome conversation filled with plenty of laughs! Connect with Kimberly Williams-Paisley on Instagram: @kimberlywilliamspaisley and Twitter: @kimwilliamspais 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

Jen Lilley joins us for Episode 61! Lilley brings some good vibes to The Batter's Box as we kick off the holiday season, as her newest film USS Christmas premieres this Saturday at 10/9c on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. In conjunction with the film in which she stars, she's also created a wonderful new initiative titled Operation: Christmas is not Cancelled, benefitting both Toys for Tots and military families. You can find more info online at www.christmasisnotcancelled.com and win the ultimate Christmas for you and your family, all while helping those in need. This free-flowing conversation was filled with so many laughs, as Lilley and host, Al Malafronte chatted about anything from her days as a soap star on General Hospital and Days of Our Lives to high school rebellion to excessive rice purchases at the beginning of the pandemic. On the baseball front, there's even a brief history lesson on The Curse of the Bambino. Despite everything that's gone on in 2020, Lilley has truly had a banner year as an actress, parent, and even as a musician, having just released her first full solo album Hindsight this fall. Jen Lilley is the good stuff in show business, and that very much shines through in this episode. Connect with Jen Lilley on Instagram: @jen_lilley and Twitter: @jen_lilley 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

Julianna Guill steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 59! Guill's distinguished career on-screen now spans more than a decade and a half, with notable credits including Glory Daze, The Resident, Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce, Crazy, Stupid, Love, Captain America: Civil War, among many others. In recent years, Guill has established herself as a face of the holiday season on Lifetime, as a key player in the network's annual It's A Wonderful Lifetime programming slate. This year she's starring in Christmas on the Vine, a new original movie premiering this Friday, November 13th at 8/7 c. This week she joins host Al Malafronte to not only chat about the film, but also the holiday season, her love of Broadway, and her latest endeavors on the other side of the camera as a director. Earlier in 2020, Guill made her directorial debut with the short-film Silent Date, which will soon be released worldwide. We even discuss some of the many ways in which her process as a director mirrors that of a great Major League manager. A native of North Carolina, and now a resident of The City of Angels, Guill even weighs in on the LA sports scene, the Dodgers' World Series victory, the bright future of the Atlanta Braves, and her all-time favorite baseball player. Connect with Julianna Guill on Instagram: @officialjguill 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

Lindsay Pearce steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 56! Pearce was in the heart of her Broadway debut this past winter as the newest Elphaba in Wicked, fulfilling a lifelong dream going back to her days as a theatre kid in Northern California. Pearce grew up in a sports-heavy household, and as told in this episode, it was actually a moment on the softball field that led to her eventual theatre path. She got her start in show business after auditioning for The Glee Project in 2011, which earned her a two-episode arc during season 3 of Glee. She’s since performed in a number of stage productions throughout the west coast, in addition to more television work in shows such as Drop Dead Diva, Grey’s Anatomy, and Recovery Road. This week, Pearce joins host Al Malafronte to talk Wicked, the theatricality of Aroldis Chapman's record-setting fastballs, her hometown San Francisco Giants, and the brilliance of seasons 1-4 of Glee. The Seventh Inning Stretch also returns this week with a fun installment of Baseball meets Broadway trivia! Connect with Lindsay Pearce on Instagram: @lindsayheatherpeace 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

Anthony Rapp steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 54! A native of the Windy City, Rapp is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and baseball fan who's now visited more than 30 Major League ballparks. In this episode, he rehashes some of his favorite moments as a fan of one of America's most beloved teams, thoughts on performing in the postseason, his highs on Broadway, and the many parallels he sees between baseball and theatre. As told to host Al Malafronte, he was even in the midst of a performance at 54 Below on the night the Cubs won the pennant in 2016 and shares a phenomenal story about throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field during that championship season. A Drama Desk-nominee, Rapp's Broadway career dates back to age ten, and now spans more than 35 years. Some of his prominent credits from the stage include Rent, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and If/Then. His work in show business has also extended to the screen with credits such as Adventures in Babysitting, A Beautiful Mind, the film adaptation of Rent, and his current role in Star Trek: Discovery. Connect with Anthony Rapp on Instagram: @albinokid1026 and Twitter: @albinokid 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

Former MLB outfielder of 14 years, Shannon Stewart steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 53! Stewart's career in the big leagues spanned from 1995-2008 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, and Oakland Athletics. A 1st-round draft pick in 1992, Stewart's talent and passion for his craft cemented his legacy as one of the best leadoff hitters of the late 1990s and early 2000s. During that time, he hit over .300 in six consecutive seasons from 1999-2004, scored 100+ runs four times, and accumulated a remarkable 202 hits in 2001. He'd go onto retire as a lifetime .297 hitter with a .360 On-Base Percentage, and 1,653 hits to his name. In this episode, Stewart discusses living up to the pressure of performing as a highly-touted 1st-round draft pick, as well as the dilemma of having to choose between baseball and football after high school; a decision that he parallels to young performers that have to decide between stage or screen acting. He also revisits his phenomenal 2003 season in which he found himself in the heat of a pennant race with the Minnesota Twins, as he'd go onto finish 4th in MVP voting that season as the ultimate catalyst for their division-winning cast. Stewart has some particularly fond memories of his nights on Broadway while battling against the New York Yankees, and shares some great behind the scenes stories of a particularly special era for the Big Apple through the eyes of a visiting performer. Just like Broadway, a lot has changed around baseball since Stewart's playing career ended, to which he provides some phenomenal insight, and big laughs when talking about his life in retirement. He even discusses which of his former teammates would make the best Timon and Pumba in The Lion King on Broadway! Connect with Shannon Stewart on Instagram: @sstew24 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

Lila Coogan steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 52! Coogan made her Broadway debut at the age of 13 as Jane Banks in Mary Poppins and recently starred as Princess Anya in the First National Tour of Anastasia. This conversation rehashes her experiences as a child star on Broadway, growing up as a lifelong Yankee fan in her native Westchester, touring life, and even includes a fun round of Baseball meets Broadway trivia in this week's 7th Inning Stretch! Connect with Lila Coogan on Instagram: @lilcoogs 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

Former MLB All-Star, Shawn Estes steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 51! Estes’ big league career spanned 13 seasons as a pitcher from 1995-2008, and he currently serves as one of the TV voices of the San Francisco Giants as a pre-and-postgame analyst on NBC Sports Bay Area. Over the course of his playing career, Estes won over 100 games, and his All-Star season in 1997 helped lead the Giants to their first division title of the 1990s. As the ace of their pitching staff that season, he posted a phenomenal 3.18 ERA, 19 wins, and 181 strikeouts across 201 innings. His career also included a stop in The Big Apple when he pitched for the New York Mets in 2002. In this episode, Estes discusses his memorable role in Subway Series lore as a member of the Mets when he was instructed to retaliate against Roger Clemens and the New York Yankees. Even all these years later, he still has an appreciation of New York as a mecca for baseball, music, and entertainment. He also discusses the mental edge needed for performers to thrive in both baseball and theatre, some of his highs with the Giants, and even the scandalous era in which he played. His insight on today’s game as a member of the media is also invaluable, and his master storytelling skills made for a really enjoyable conversation. Connect with Shawn Estes on Instagram: @shestes55 and Twitter: @sestes55 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

Becky Gulsvig steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 49! Gulsvig's Broadway credits include Hairspray, Legally Blonde, School of Rock, and most recently, Come From Away. A native of Minnesota, she's also a tremendous Twins fan with some classic ballpark stories from the Metrodome, Target Field, and the many stadiums she's gotten to visit over the years as a cast member in various touring productions. She even discusses her newest role as the coach of her daughter's softball team, and some of the highlights she's experienced over the years as a Broadway veteran of nearly two decades. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Becky Gulsvig on Instagram: @beckygulsvig Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Karl steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 48! Karl is an Olivier Award Winner and 3-time Tony Award nominee with more than a dozen Broadway credits to his name. One of those credits includes a performance that's beloved by our sports fans in Rocky the Musical, in which he portrayed the iconic Rocky Balboa. With other Broadway credits that include Legally Blonde, Jersey Boys, Pretty Woman, and Groundhog Day, Karl has some great behind the scenes stories about 'championing through' those roles as told to host Al Malafronte in this episode. With an athletic background of his own, Karl also discusses working in percentages to make it through sometimes grueling Broadway schedules, as he says gearing yourself up for a show is in so many ways like gearing yourself up for a game. This mindset is not unlike what made Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. so successful for Karl's hometown Baltimore Orioles, and led to a fascinating conversation about what it would take a Broadway performer to achieve the equivalent of Ripken's record-setting streak of 2,632 consecutive performances on the field. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Photo: Walter McBride Connect with Andy Karl on Instagram: @andy_karl and Twitter: @andy_karl Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonalyn Saxer steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 46! An original cast member of Mean Girls on Broadway, Saxer pulled the ultimate utility player duty for her Tony-nominated team. She did this as not only a key cog in the show's ensemble, but also as the understudy for three of the show's lead roles. These included Regina George, Cady Heron, and of course Karen Smith. Saxer would then go onto star as Karen in the show's First National Touring Production starting in 2019, and will continue to do so once live theatre resumes. Saxer's Broadway career dates back to 2014, when she made her debut in Bullets Over Broadway, and her other Broadway credits include Honeymoon in Vegas, the CATS revival, and Holiday Inn. This episode is a lot of fun, as she and host Al Malafronte talk all things baseball and Broadway such as her leading roles in Mean Girls, the Miami Marlins' Coronavirus outbreak, the CATS movie, and Aroldis Chapman's record-setting fastballs. They even played some Baseball meets Broadway trivia in this week's edition of the 7th Inning Stretch! Connect with Jonalyn Saxer on Instagram: @jksaxer and Twitter: @jksaxer 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

Lesli Margherita steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 44! One of Broadway's resident funny girls, Margherita is a Laurence Olivier Award winner for her performance as Inez in the musical adaptation of Zorro on the West End, and has appeared on Broadway in Matilda the Musical and Dames at Sea. Margherita also just happens to be a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. In this episode, she discusses everything from the roots of her passion for both sports and the arts, ruling your kingdom, and the parallels between Broadway and Moneyball. She and host Al Malafronte even played some Baseball meets Broadway (meets Muppets!) trivia in this week's 7th Inning Stretch! Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Lesli Margherita on Instagram: @queenlesli and Twitter: @queenlesli Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison Munn steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 41! Prior to launching a phenomenal career on screen that's spanned over two decades, Munn began her career in show business on the stages of NYC when she starred as Luisa in the Off-Broadway classic The Fantasticks for more than 500 performances. To this day, Munn credits her musical theatre background and performing in front of a live audience as part of the backbone to her success in the TV sitcom world. She's currently starring in The Big Show Show on Netflix, and her other screen credits include: That 70's Show, What I Like About You, One Tree Hill, and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, & Dawn. This candid chat was the perfect blend of fun and insightful, and was also filled with plenty of great stories. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Allison Munn on Instagram: @allisonmunn and Twitter: @allisonmunn Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tommy John steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 40! John's big-league career spanned 1963-1989, and remains one of the most important figures in baseball history. In 1974, he pioneered ulnar collateral ligamental reconstruction, since nicknamed "Tommy John Surgery," which he underwent after damaging the ligament in his throwing arm. Despite a poor outlook initially, he returned to being an effective pitcher, as more than half of his career wins came after his surgery. It has since become a common procedure among baseball pitchers. Throughout his 26-year Major League career, he cemented a legacy for both the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers of all-time, as he retired as a 4-time Major League All-Star with prominent rankings in baseball's record books that include 700 Games Started (8th all-time), 4710.3 Innings Pitched (20th), and 288 Wins (26th). This episode not only rehashes some of John's career highlights, but also his candid thoughts on today's game, the grooming of young performers, pitching under the bright lights of Broadway, and his overall love of musical theatre. His son even appeared on Broadway in Les Misérables while John pitched for the Yankees! John has a real affinity for showtunes which is prominently displayed in this very special (and blatantly honest) chat. 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

Shereen Pimentel steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 39 of Break a Bat! At the time Broadway had shut down due to COVID-19, Pimentel had just begun performances in the revival of West Side Story on Broadway in which she stars as Maria. She did all this while simultaneously finishing her senior year at Julliard! Pimentel is certainly no stranger to the stage as she actually made her Broadway debut at the age of 9 when she portrayed Young Nala in The Lion King and discusses how making a mark in her industry at such a young age is not all that different from a young baseball player getting called up to 'The Big Show', and playing the game at a high level. We even played some Baseball meets Broadway crossover trivia in this week's edition of the 7th Inning Stretch! This episode also discusses the important role that a show like the re-imagined West Side Story revival can play in our culture amidst these troubling times. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Shereen Pimentel on Instagram: @shereenpimentel Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carrie St. Louis steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 38! St. Louis made her Broadway debut in 2014 when she starred as Sherrie in Rock of Ages and has since gone onto star as Glinda in Wicked, and Lauren in Kinky Boots. This episode rehashes how St. Louis was able to make such a big impact on three powerhouse shows with three very different fanbases, as well as the process behind getting into some of the beloved characters she's taken on. In addition to this, she's also performed the National Anthem in more than half a dozen Major League ballparks and discusses not only her love of live sports but also the parallels between representing different franchises proudly both on stage and at the stadium. The conversation was not without big laughs, as St. Louis recounts some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and mishaps from her career. While in Kinky Boots, she even had the opportunity to perform in front of Yankees great, CC Sabathia, and offered her thoughts on which Broadway musical would best suit the Yankees' flame-throwing closer/diva, Aroldis Chapman. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Carrie St. Louis on Instagram: @carriestlouis and Twitter: @carriestlouis Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tanyon Sturtze steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 36 alongside host Al Malafronte and producer Alan Seales. Sturtze pitched for 12 seasons in the Major Leagues, 3 of which came on the stages of Broadway, as a member of the New York Yankees from 2004-2006. Sturtze's career is particularly unique in the sense that he found success in multiple roles to help serve his cast, as both a starting and relief pitcher. While performing primarily as a relief pitcher while dawning the pinstripes, he helped form one of the franchise's most lethal bullpens in team history in 2005 - a formula that came to be known as "TanGorMo" alongside Tom Gordon and Mariano "Mo" Rivera. Many Broadway performers can relate to raising their game on the grandest of stages, and Sturtze was no different, posting a 0.87 Earned Run Average against the Boston Red Sox that season - the team's arch-rival who he ironically grew up rooting for as a kid growing up in Massachusetts. In this episode, he discussed some of the highlights of his time as a Yankee, his thoughts on today's game, as well as a few of his memorable trips to The Great White Way. He even touches on which of his former teammates would make the best Broadway performers! In addition to this, he and his wife Erica have also founded the wonderful '56 Foundation' to help hospitalized children nationwide. You can find more info on the foundation at the56foundation.org Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Photo: Anthony J Causi Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Brault is a starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who used his passion for musical theatre to release an entire album of showtunes this offseason titled A Pitch At Broadway. Prior to his time as a Major League Baseball player, Brault was a simultaneous collegiate ballplayer and Vocal Performance major at Regis University, and ever since his call-up to the big leagues in 2016, his love for both mediums has never wavered. The song selection on A Pitch at Broadway covers selections from more than a dozen musicals including Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, RENT, Waitress, among others, and also features guest performers spanning anyone from Tony-nominee Adam Pascal, and Brault's Pirates teammate Josh Bell. In this episode, Brault even takes us through his decision to cover the iconic 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked, and desire to break the stigma of the song typically not being performed by a male vocalist. We also discuss his thoughts on listening to cast albums prior to seeing a show, rule changes in an upcoming baseball season, and which baseball film would work best as a Broadway musical. Hosted by Al Malafronte Guest co-hosted by Doug Horowitz Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Photo: Justin Berl/Getty Images You can find more information about Steven's album at http://stevenbraultalbum.com/ Connect with Steven Brault on Instagram: @skoobuh and Twitter: @squidbrault Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Bell Bundy steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 34! Bundy is as well-rounded of a performer as there is in the game. Throughout her career, she's seen phenomenal success on stage, on-screen, as well as in the recording studio as a singer-songwriter. Her Broadway credits include the Tony-winning Hairspray in which she originated the role of Amber Von Tussle, as well as the musical version of Legally Blonde, in which she originated the role of Elle Woods and earned a Tony nomination of her own for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. On-screen, she co-starred in FX's Anger Management, and as a musician, she earned a CMT Music Awards nomination for 'Breakthrough Video of the Year' for her hit single Giddy On Up. In this episode, the boys dive into Bundy's passion for telling stories with music, moving to the other side of the camera as a creative with some exciting new projects in the works, and how the stage is her comfort zone. A big part of her success is attested to constantly changing as a performer, with full recognition of the ability to make adjustments after "every game you play," - and as discussed, one of the ultimate separators between a good and great baseball player. This conversation was super interesting for the boys, as it really dove into the psyche and processes of an All-Star performer as much as any other episode we've done to date. Hosted by Al Malafronte with appearances by Chris Katzmann (co-creator) and Alan Seales (producer) Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Laura Bell Bundy on Instagram: @laurabellbundy and Twitter: @laurabellbundy Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jackie Burns steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 32 with host Al Malafronte, Chris Katzmann (co-creator), and Alan Seales (producer). Burns' phenomenal career on Broadway now spans more than a decade, with credits including Wicked, Hair, and If/Then, and she's also set to star in a stage adaptation of A Walk on the Moon next season. Burns holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured Elphaba in the storied Wicked franchise, playing the role in two separate stints --- the baseball equivalent of "pulling an Andy Pettitte." It was really interesting to hear her thoughts on a recovery path for Broadway upon its return, as well as what it was like getting to play her dream role of Elphaba for as long as she did - which was not without some hilarious behind the scenes stories, including what's known as the Emerald City's "No-Fly Days." She's also a die-hard sports fan with an athletic background of her own, so we were sure to play some fun Baseball/Broadway crossover games and even chatted about what would make a successful Broadway musical about our fanbase's unofficial mascot Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees' 6-time All-Star and flame-throwing closer. Special thanks to our friend Samara Finkle for helping put this one together. Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Jackie Burns on Instagram: @jackieburnsnyc and Twitter: @jackieburnsnyc Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melinda Harrison steps into the 'remote' Batter's Box with host Al Malafronte and producer Alan Seales for Episode 30! A University of Michigan graduate, Harrison became the first Michigan Wolverines women's varsity swimmer to compete in the Olympics, representing Canada in the 200-meter backstroke in the 1984 Summer Olympics. She was inducted into the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor in 2006; as the first woman swimmer to be inducted. Harrison has spent the last seven years studying the performance of elite athletes, entrepreneurs, executives, and those who have overcome significant personal challenges. In combination with her business experience, Olympic background, entrepreneurial energy, and community successes, she brings goal-driven commitment and accountability to each of her clients. Her new book Personal Next is due for release on April 21st and describes the arc of transition common to all high performers. These virtues are particularly important during the world health crisis, and in this episode, Harrison discusses what both Broadway performers and star athletic performers such as the Yankees' beloved All-Star closer/Broadway favorite Aroldis Chapman can do to best prepare themselves for what comes next in a very different performing environment upon returning to action. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Melinda Harrison on Instagram: @melindaharrison and online at www.melindaharrison.com Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeanna de Waal steps into the 'remote' Batter's Box with host Al Malafronte and producer Alan Seales for Episode 29! At the time of the Broadway shutdown, de Waal had just begun previews for Diana: A True Musical Story, in which she starred as Princess Diana. de Waal takes the boys through what she's doing to stay on her game during quarantine, and her excitement for Broadway's eventual return. These routines and emotions are not unlike those of a Major League Baseball player awaiting the start of the 2020 season. Her Broadway career spans over a decade, with other credits including American Idiot and Kinky Boots. She is also the co-founder of Broadway Weekends, a theatre camp for adults that is currently conducting online classes and workshops for those who need their performing fix! Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Connect with Jeanna de Waal on Instagram: @thebigdewaal and Twitter: @thebigdewaal Connect with Broadway Weekends online at: www.broadwayweekends.com and on Instagram: @broadwayweekends Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bret Boone steps into the 'remote' Batter's Box with host Al Malafronte and guest co-host Doug Horowitz for Episode 28! Boone had a 14-year Major League career (1992-2005) as a member of the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Minnesota Twins. A 3-time MLB All-Star, 2-time Silver Slugger, and 4-time Gold Glove winner, Bret was one of the best 2nd Baseman of the late 1990s and early 2000’s. As a member of the Mariners in 2001, he enjoyed one of the greatest seasons ever for a 2nd Baseman, posting a .331 Batting Average, 206 Hits, 37 Homeruns, 141 Runs Batted In, 118 Runs Scored, and a .950 OPS. He's also a member of one of baseball’s greatest All-Star family lineages, as his grandfather (Ray), father (Bob), and brother (Aaron) were also All-Stars during their playing days. Boone takes the boys through what he’d be doing to prepare for a baseball season without a known start date due to the effects of the Coronavirus. As we’ve talked in the past about how fans help drive performance for baseball players and Broadway actors, it was really interesting to hear his take on how today’s players may respond to a season that opens to empty stadiums. We also look back on some of his fondest career memories which included some trips to the Big Apple on one of baseball’s biggest stages – the playoffs. Bret was the starting 2nd baseman on the 1999 Atlanta Braves who famously battled the New York Mets in that year’s National League Championship Series, and discussed the big stage dynamic of such an intense environment - largely heightened by his controversial teammate John Rocker. He also discussed how special it was to play in the old Yankee Stadium with the Braves during the 1999 World Series, and then as a member of the Seattle Mariners in the 2001 American League Championship Series in the immediate aftermath of September 11th. As his brother Aaron is currently the New York Yankees manager, he also touched on what it might be like to manage, and even face Aroldis Chapman, the team’s All-Star closer/Broadway favorite who routinely throws over 100 miles per hour. Hosted by Al Malafronte Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network Edited by Matthew Hendershot Photo: AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy, File Connect with Bret Boone on Instagram: @bretboone29 Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices