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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 onto 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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