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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 HendershotEvery 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 putting off 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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

"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

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

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

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