Break A Bat! where Baseball Meets Broadway

Broadway Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (273)
  • PERFORMING ARTS

Celebrating two of New York City’s greatest fabrics: baseball and the performing arts. Born out of a passion for both Broadway musicals and triple-digit fastballs, we attempt to show that fans of sports and theatre don’t have to live in such separate worlds, and maybe even break some stigmas. Hosted by Al Malafronte, the show serves as a platform for fans of both mediums to hear intimate conversations with their favorite performers from the stage, screen, and stadium. Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.

  1. Now Batting: Darryl Strawberry

    05/10/2023

    Now Batting: Darryl Strawberry

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

    37 min
  2. Now Batting: Abby Mueller

    04/05/2023

    Now Batting: Abby Mueller

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

    1 hr
  3. Now Batting: Kristen Ledlow

    03/29/2023

    Now Batting: Kristen Ledlow

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

    53 min
  4. Now Batting: Bobby Richardson

    03/15/2023

    Now Batting: Bobby Richardson

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

    45 min
  5. Now Batting: Al Jardine

    03/08/2023

    Now Batting: Al Jardine

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

    57 min
  6. Now Batting: Orfeh

    03/01/2023

    Now Batting: Orfeh

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

    47 min
  7. Now Batting: Johnny Damon

    02/15/2023

    Now Batting: Johnny Damon

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

    48 min
  8. Now Batting: Victoria Konefal

    02/01/2023

    Now Batting: Victoria Konefal

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

    56 min
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5
out of 5
273 Ratings

About

Celebrating two of New York City’s greatest fabrics: baseball and the performing arts. Born out of a passion for both Broadway musicals and triple-digit fastballs, we attempt to show that fans of sports and theatre don’t have to live in such separate worlds, and maybe even break some stigmas. Hosted by Al Malafronte, the show serves as a platform for fans of both mediums to hear intimate conversations with their favorite performers from the stage, screen, and stadium. Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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