Break A Bat! where Baseball Meets Broadway

From March 2020.

Live from the WFAN and CBS Sports Network studios, Al Dukes steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 23! With a radio career spanning nearly 30 years, Dukes serves as the brains and Executive Producer behind Boomer & Gio, the number-one-rated sports talk radio show in morning drive.

Dukes made a name for himself in radio with Ron & Fez and then Opie & Anthony before transitioning to sports talk with the then Boomer & Carton show in 2007 as Executive Producer. Over the years, he has also earned acclaim for his work on-air, as his well-known sports musical parodies have become a favorite of listeners and critics alike.

In this episode, Dukes discusses everything from what makes good sports talk radio, thinking in terms of songs, and his thoughts on the medium of Broadway. He even plays some baseball meets Broadway trivia in this week's 7th Inning Stretch.

Despite all of Dukes' success, he still takes time to help serve his community; efforts that our host Al Malafronte and the Broadway community honored in this episode.

Hosted by Al Malafronte

Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network

Edited by Matthew Hendershot

Connect with Al Dukes on Twitter: @alsboringtweets and on Instagram: @alsboringpics

Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast

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From July 2021.

In one of our most fun chats to date, Stephanie Styles brings good vibes and big laughs to The Batter's Box! While Styles is known to many for her starring role in the Broadway touring production of Newsies, the Broadway revival of Kiss Me, Kate, and her recurring role on NBC's Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, she also has a large number of varied interests that are on full display in this episode. They truly make her personality shine in a free-flowing conversation that's a real grand slam of a listen.

While Styles refers to herself as "sports adjacent" these days, she grew up as a tremendous Astros fan in her hometown of Houston. She took annual trips to Spring Training, attended World Series games, and even toured the country with Hall of Famer Craig Biggio as he chased his historic 3,000th hit. We talked plenty of baseball and its parallels to Broadway, but this conversation also featured a fun third element of our hour together, and that's Styles' well-known love of Disney. She and host Al Malafronte spoke at length about some of their most poignant memories as now-adult Disney fans, and in Styles' case, how it helped launch her career when she got to live out her dream of performing for Disney on Broadway. We also managed to sneak some Baseball meets Broadway (meets Disney meets Muppets?) trivia into this week's 7th Inning Stretch, and Styles certainly brought her big power bat to Fastball Derby!

Connect with Stephanie Styles on Instagram: @bystyles

Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast

Hosted by Al Malafronte

Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network 

Edited by Matthew Hendershot

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From August 2020.

Ken Singleton steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 47! As a Major League player from 1970-1984, Singleton was a 3-time All-Star that cemented a legacy as one of the greatest switch-hitters of all-time with outstanding career accomplishments that include 2,029 hits, 1,065 Runs Batted In, a .388 lifetime On-base Percentage, and a World Series Championship in 1983. Since 1997, he's served as the TV voice of the New York Yankees - a role he still performs in All-Star caliber fashion all these years later on the YES Network with 8 Emmy Awards to his name. Whether it be dealing with tough directors and managers, taking on leading roles for your team, and playing under the brightest lights, Singleton knows a thing or two about what makes a great performer both on stage and at the stadium. He's also a master storyteller who shared some phenomenal insight with our host Al Malafronte from his now 50+ years in the game.

Singleton's outstanding career has not been limited to baseball and broadcasting, as he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Cool Kids Campaign, an organization that is devoted to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families by focusing on the academic, social, and emotional needs brought on by a cancer diagnosis. You can find more information about this wonderful foundation at their website.

Special thanks to the fine folks at the YES Network for helping put this episode together!

Hosted by Al Malafronte

Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network 

Edited by Matthew Hendershot

Connect with Ken Singleton on Twitter: @29alltime

Connect with YES Network on Twitter: @yesnetwork and Instagram: @yesnetwork

Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast

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From February 2020.

Kate Rockwell steps into The Batter’s Box in Episode 20! One of Broadway’s perennial All-Stars, Rockwell is currently starring as Karen Smith in Mean Girls on Broadway and has mastered theatrical comedy as well as anyone in the game. As Rockwell closes in on her final weeks in the show after nearly two full years of All-Star performances, she looks back fondly on the role that she originated - which has earned her well-deserved acclaim from audiences and critics, as well as Drama Desk and Helen Hayes Award nominations.

Rockwell's Broadway credits prior to Mean Girls include Legally Blonde, Hair, Bring It On The Musical, and Rock of Ages; and she has made recent appearances on television in FOX's Almost Family. In this episode, Kate takes the boys through some perspectives and stories from her decade-plus in the industry, including sharing the stage with Yankee great Mark Teixeira while starring in Rock of Ages! She also talks about “getting in the zone” to bring Karen Smith to life in Mean Girls, the escape that both baseball and theatre provide, and the importance of outlets outside of a very challenging industry - as she is certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

A signature edition of the 7th Inning Stretch Trivia also ensues, as she and the boys share some big laughs over the Broadway and baseball community likening the Yankees’ All-Star closer/diva Aroldis Chapman to Regina George.

In addition to everything Kate brought to the Batter’s Box, this was an extra special recording session for our show because the whole gang was there; as our host, Al Malafronte was joined by producer Alan Seales, and our co-creator Chris Katzmann.

Connect with Kate Rockwell on Instagram: @katerockwellnyc

You can also follow Kate’s advice and expertise in the wine world on her newly launched Instagram: @broadwaywino

Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast

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From July 2020.

Al Roker steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 43! A lifelong fan of both baseball and theatre, the host and weatherman at NBC's Today and co-anchor of 3rd Hour Today is opening up about his life off screen in a new memoir titled "You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success." Throughout the book, Roker looks back on his own career and shares valuable "Altruisms" that can be applied to our own endeavors in weathering the storms of life, no matter how torrential the downpour.

The 14-time Emmy Winner and New York Times Bestselling Author takes host Al Malafronte through some of the stories behind his success in the spotlight which now spans more than 40 years. To this day, Roker says he still gets nerves before he goes on air every morning. However, as he rehashes in this episode, none that compare to those he felt before making his Broadway debut in Waitress in 2018.

In the trying times we're living in, there's a lot to be said for a book like Roker's. With a message that's overwhelmingly positive, entertaining, and inspirational, it very much aligns with his personality that America has come to love over the years, and needs now more than ever. It's set for release on July 28th, and is available for purchase at Hachette Book Group and wherever you get your books!

Connect with Al Roker on Instagram: @alroker and Twitter: @alroker

You can also find more information on Al Roker Entertainment at his website: alroker.com

Hosted by Al Malafronte

Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network 

Edited by Matthew Hendershot

Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From October 2021.

Dylan Dreyer steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 104! Part of the fabric of our mornings for nearly a decade as a co-host of The Today Show on NBC, Dreyer is about to release her very first children's book, Misty the Cloud: A Very Stormy Day. The first in a series, the book provides Dreyer the opportunity to combine her meteorology background with her experience as a mom in a way that's both accessible and enjoyable for children. Co-written by Alan Katz and illustrated by Rosie Butcher, the story follows a little cloud with big feelings named Misty and helps young readers understand how to deal with good days, bad days, and everything in between. The book is published by the fine folks at Random House Children's Books, and you can preorder it here before its official release on October 12th!

Dreyer embodies the perfect hitter for our podcast, as she's an avid fan of both sports and theatre. A New Jersey native, she takes us back to her time on the softball field at Manalapan High School, working for NBC Sports, and some of the brilliant sports crossovers she's gotten to experience as the "ultimate utility player" on The Today Show. She also discusses the roots of her place in "Red Sox Nation," and while she warns host Al Malafronte that she wasn't the best clutch hitter in her ballplaying days, her performance in this week's edition of Fastball Derby was nothing short of All-Star caliber - highlighted by some hilarious and inspiring stories, many of which just so happened to center around her favorite nights on Broadway!

This episode was recorded just a couple of weeks prior to the birth of Dreyer's third child, Russell James. Congratulations to her and her family!

Connect with Dylan Dreyer on Instagram: @dylandreyernbc

Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast

Hosted by Al Malafronte

Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network 

Edited by Matthew Hendershot

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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

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From March 2021.

LOOKOUT! Christy Altomare steps into The Batter’s Box for Episode 76! One of Broadway's most beloved players, Altomare’s talent as a leading lady is up there with anyone's in the game. She got her start in show business when she starred as Wendla in the first national tour of Spring Awakening in 2008, before taking on the role of Sue Snell in the off-Broadway revival of Carrie in 2012. Later that year, she’d go on to make her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! when she starred as Sophie Sheridan, and most recently, she originated the role of Anya in Anastasia. In doing so, she not only earned a Drama Desk Nomination and Theatre World Award, but she also won the very prestigious Broadway.com Star of the Year title in 2017. We often parallel that honor to being MLB's top Vote-Getter at the All-Star Game…

In a conversation that covers all bases, Altomare speaks with host Al Malafronte about anything from her latest songwriting endeavors to her biggest grand slams on Broadway. She also discusses achieving great heights as a performer, and in her case, overcoming a tough period of darkness in order to do so. Altomare explains what inspired her to make changes in her life off-stage in order to propel success on it, which is a story that can motivate anyone who’s looking to excel either on stage or at the stadium. This chat also features big laughs during this week’s 7th Inning Stretch trivia, along with some epic banter about Billy Joel vs. Bruce Springsteen concerts, Italian name translations, and even New York Yankees references in Friends. Tune in for a special one.

Connect with Christy Altomare on Instagram: @christyaltomare

Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast

Hosted by Al Malafronte

Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network 

Edited by Matthew Hendershot

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From April 2020.

Derek Klena steps into The Batter's Box for Episode 31! Klena is currently starring as Nick Healy in Broadway's Jagged Little Pill, and has authored a phenomenal career on stage. In addition to this, he may be one of our podcast's most theme-appropriate guests.

As a high school pitcher in his native Southern California, Klena was a two-time first-team All-San Antonio League selection and two-time first-team All-Valley honoree, before enrolling in UCLA. While there, he was rostered on the school's iconic baseball team, pitching alongside eventual MLB All-Star hurlers Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer. He did all of this while simultaneously participating in theatre, with full awareness of the parallels between the two mediums. Klena has a clear understanding of the focus and dedication required to be successful both on the mound and on stage, as well as the necessary confidence to overcome peer pressure and stigmas.

We also had plenty of fun in this episode, as we re-hashed many of Klena's roles and highlights here on Broadway, as his other credits include Wicked, The Bridges of Madison County, and Anastasia. While speaking about Nick Healy in Jagged Little Pill, it was fascinating to hear why he believes Alanis Morissette's iconic music and the story it's set to - plays so well on stage, as well as his overall connection to the character he's taking on in the show.

Hosted by Al Malafronte 

Guest Co-Hosts: Doug Horowitz and Erin Connors

Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network 

Edited by Matthew Hendershot

Connect with Derek Klena on Instagram: @derek_klena and Twitter: @DerekKlena

Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast

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From June 2021.

Sweeny Murti is taking us backstage and into the clubhouse! For 21 seasons and counting, Murti has played the role of the New York Yankees beat reporter on the team's flagship radio station, WFAN, and also serves as a contributor to both MLB Network and SNY. This week, he takes host Al Malafronte through some of the fascinating aspects of his job, the challenges that come with covering the team over a 162-game season both at home and on the road, as well as some of the unique experiences he's had with the Bronx Bombers and their diverse personalities.

Murti entered Yankees Universe during a particularly interesting chapter in the team's history. They were in the heart of their most recent dynasty when he came on board in 2001, and soon watched a major change in the guard unfold almost instantly after it ended on a November night in Arizona. His perspective on the franchise, as well as all of the players and events that followed the glory years are truly incredible, and not without some brilliant insight. Some of the other subject matters we touched on spanned anything from earning player's trust, Jeter & A-Rod, the best team he covered that didn't win it all, and developing his own unique style that we believe represents the "good stuff" in baseball coverage. Murti even tells us which Broadway musical he'd most like to star in!

Connect with Sweeny Murti on Twitter: @YankeesWFAN and Instagram: @sweeny_murti

Connect with Break a Bat! on Instagram: @break_a_bat_podcast

Hosted by Al Malafronte

Produced by the Broadway Podcast Network 

Edited by Matthew Hendershot

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices