Houston Astros Podcast

Episode 19: RHP Austin Pruitt is a local product and finds himself in the mix for the Astros 2020 starting rotation. The Houston local hails from The Woodlands, was a member of the 2011 National JUCO World Series championship team, and the University of Houston Cougars pitching staff in wins (10), ERA (2.85), starts (15), IP (113.2) and K’s (92). In January 2020 Pruitt was acquired by the Astros and broadcasters Todd Kalas and Julia Morales introduce the newest member of the Stros in Episode 19. Pitch your thoughts as we field your questions #AstrosRadio @AstrosRadioMLB To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Talk about your bullpen guys. Then let’s talk about a 16 year career in the Big Leagues, amassing 422 saves (6th most in MLB history), making x7 All Star appearances, and striking-out an average of 11.9 hitters per 9 IP. Oh, and let’s talk about a righthanded pitcher who taught himself to pitch lefthanded after breaking his arm. In Episode 18 we do just that, we talk to Billy Wagner who pitched for the Astros from 1995-2003. Selected in the 1st round of the ’93 MLB draft, Wagner has been a Houston legend ever since. Steve Sparks and Todd Kalas talk to Wagner about his career, the Hall of Fame, family, and what he loves most about being a Varsity Highschool Coach. Wanger was selected to the Houston Astros Hall of Fame class of 2020 in January. Pitch your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio @AstrosRadioMLB To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastcho

Episode 17: Enos Cabell played mostly 3B/IF in the Major Leagues for 15 seasons and with the Houston Astros from 1975-’80 and ’84-’85. In 2004 Cabell was named special assistant to the general manager and now enters his 16th season under GM James Click. Cabell joins Todd Kalas and Steve Sparks for an entertaining conversation about playing for manager Earl Weaver, the Astros' playoffs in 1980 and ‘81, playing against now manager Dusty Baker, and the 2020 season. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He wore #7 on his Astros jersey and played in 7 Major League All-Star Games. He earned 5 Silver Slugger Awards and grinded-out 4 Gold Gloves. He played 20 seasons in the big leagues and all of them for the Houston Astros. In 2015, Craig Biggio was elected to Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame and he joins Steve Sparks and Geoff Blum in Episode 16 of Astro Pod. As the entire world adjusts to life with COVID-19, Biggio is finding ways to be thankful for his health while enjoying some down time with family. Biggio talks about the current Astros team, the 2019 World Series, and later reflects on his favorite moments at Minute Maid Park. When asked about playing along side Hall of Fame teammate, Jeff Bagwell, Biggio responds with, “Baggy and I we were just two east coast kids hanging out in Texas in the big leagues, man. There was nothing better than that.” Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https

Episode 15: Joe Espada enters his 3rd season as Astros bench coach and 1st with veteran manager Dusty Baker. Espada played 10 seasons in the Minor Leagues before making his MLB coaching career debut with the Marlins in 2010. Along with Steve Sparks and Robert Ford, Espada talks about his love for the game and what he's learned from making the jump from player to coach. Espada has spent time under big league managers Joe Girardi, Ozzie Guillen, Fredi Gonzalez, Edwin Rodriguez, Jack McKeon and now Dusty Baker. A native of Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Espada has a real passion for the game and is proud of the off-field contributions from the Astros' players. "I always use Roberto Clemente, everybody knew how good he was on the field. But the stuff he did off the field? That's what I value the most. That's (Alex) Bregman, that's (Carlos) Correa, (Justin) Verlander, the Reddicks (Josh) ,,, Lance McCullers, I'm super proud of the work they're doing." To learn more about listener data and our privacy p

Jim Deshaies, former big league pitcher and popular television broadcaster, joins his old friend and boothmate Bill Brown for a few laughs in episode 14 of Astro Pod. Deshaies spent 12 seasons on the mound, 7 seasons in an Astros uniform and 16 years as the color commentator in the TV booth from 1997 through 2012. JD and Brownie team up and recall some of their favorite memories. JD also talks about his childhood in Massena, NY, where he was exposed to baseball through New York Yankees and Montreal Expos broadcasts. Deshaies, now in Chicago, is in his 8th season as an analyst working alongside Len Kasper for Cubs television. Bonus Track: x8 All-Star and x2 Cy Young winner Justin Verlander spoke to members of the media last Thursday. Listen to excerpts from JV's media conference as he talks about recovering and rehabbing after surgery, preparing for the 2020 season and his philanthropic efforts to communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practi

Episode 13: Relief Pitcher Ryan Pressly made his 1st MLB All-Star team in 2019 and has been a huge asset for the Houston Astros bullpen. Last season Pressly posted the longest scoreless appearance streak in Major League history and he talks about it with Todd Kalas and Geoff Blum. Pressly praises his teammates and explains how Pitching Coach Brent Strom (and Astros analytics) helped him improve his pitch selection, which was a big part of his success. Pressly not only thrives on big moment situations but it gives him confidence to face players like Mike Trout with the game on the line, “I love being put in those situations, that’s honestly the best feeling in the world.” Bonus Track:  President and CEO of Houston Methodist, Dr. Marc Boom and Chief of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, Dr. David Linter, join Steve Sparks to discuss the COVID-19 virus and its effect on Major League Baseball. Both Dr. Linter, Astros Team Medical Director for over 25 years, and Dr. Boom offer extraordinary advice and explain how the

Episode 12: Brent Strom was named Baseball America’s 2018 MLB Coach of the Year and has been recognized throughout the world for his proficiency in pitching and biomechanics. Stromy has been in professional baseball since 1970 and first joined the Astros organization in 1989 as a Minor League instructor. Steve Sparks and Robert Ford talk with Strom about those early years and later discuss why pitching mechanics are so important. Storm also provides updates on his 2020 staff, talks about meeting Ted Williams, explains how he ended up marrying Mrs. America and much-much more. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 11: Big Puma, the 6x All-Star and former infielder/outfielder for the Houston Astros, checks-in with Geoff Blum and Steve Sparks. A fan favorite and huge part of Astro lore, Lance Berkman tells a hilarious story about Hall of Fame teammate Jeff Bagwell, recalls his time with Rice baseball coach Wayne Graham, explains what it’s like calling games from the TV booth and fondly remembers his favorite moment at Minute Maid Park. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 10: Astros relief pitcher Joe Smith and wife Allie LaForce (NBA/NCAA reporter) are spearheading Project Frontline which delivers meals to hospital workers in Cleveland and Houston. Smith talks about his initiative to help frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis with broadcasters Todd Kalas and Steve Sparks. The trio also discuss Smith’s early days in MLB, setting personal goals, staying mentally and physically healthy, playing in his first World Series and later offers advice to young athletes. Next, world-renowned chef Chris Shepherd joins Sparks to highlight Southern Smoke, an emergency relief fund which provides assistance to workers in the food/beverage industry affected by the pandemic. Shepherd has gained notoriety beyond Houston and created this nonprofit to “take care of our own.” Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio Visit and support Project Front Line or Southern Smoke To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: http

Episode 9: The Astros 2019 Minor League Player of the Year joins television broadcasters Todd Kalas and Geoff Blum. Toro talks about contributing to Justin Verlander’s no-hitter in Toronto, getting the call to the big leagues, switch-hitting and staying baseball-ready for 2020 during the pandemic. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 8: Long time broadcasters Bill Brown and Steve Sparks team up on this episode to pay homage to one of the founding fathers of the Houston Astros. Brown talks to Dene Hofheinz Anton, Roy's daughter, who describes her father as a visionary who helped bring Major League Baseball to the city of Houston. Grandson Dinn Mann fondly recalls growing up in the 8th Wonder of the World and how his grandfather's influences still affect the fans' experience of attending games today. Sparky and Brownie share their thoughts and evoke stories of how Hofheinz made his mark in Houston and beyond.  Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 7: OF Kyle Tucker carved out some time to talk with Todd Kalas and Steve Sparks. Tucker talks about growing up in Tampa Bay and playing with former high school teammate and 2019 NL ROY Pete Alonso. Tucker also reflects on the ‘19 season, AL ROY Yordan Alvarez, stealing bags, passing time gaming with teammates and staying ready for 2020. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 6: Veteran manager Dusty Baker joins today's podcast via phone from his home in Sacramento, CA. Baker talks to radio broadcasters Robert Ford and Steve Sparks about experiencing the 1976 MLB lockout and strikes from the '80s. Baker also reflects on the passing of Astros legend Jimmy “The Toy Cannon” Wynn, shares titles of his favorite Western movies, quotes the late Tupac Shakur and explains how working in his vineyard is therapeutic. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 5: Gold Glove winner and H-Town fan favorite Josh Reddick jumps on today's podcast with broadcasters Steve Sparks and Todd Kalas. The Mayor of Woooo-ston talks about spending time with wife Georgette and his twin boys, Maverick and Ryder, who just turned six months on Thursday. Reddick reflects on his father's near-death experience, going fishing with George Springer and staying ready for the 2020 season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 4: when a Major League Hall of Famer speaks, Geoff Blum and Steve Sparks listen. A highly entertaining episode as these great baseball minds talk about Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers, George Springer and the Skipper Dusty Baker. Bagwell looks back to what he misses most about the game and shares stories of former teammates including Brad Asmus and Casey Candaele. All 3-former big leaguers later pause to show to their appreciation for everyone during this pandemic. Pitch us your questions and we’ll field your comments on the next episode #AstrosRadio and radio@astros.com   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 3: Radio broadcasters Robert Ford and Steve Sparks invite Astros GM James Click to the show. Click talks about the challenges of being an MLB GM and the balance of his players staying safe and healthy but also being physically ready for the season. Click later reflects on growing up in Durham, N.C. and being a Bulls fan. Pitch us your questions and we’ll field your comments on the next episode #AstrosRadio and radio@astros.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second installment of Astro Pod Sparky and TK recall some of their favorite Opening Day memories and share thoughts about the Astros starting rotation. Next, longtime broadcaster Bill Brown highlights the legendary career of Bob Watson who will be inducted into the Astros 2020 Hall of Fame class. Finally, Sparks and Kalas pick their favorite recording artists and TV shows of all time. Subscribe to our new podcast series as Astros Broadcasters invite special guests on to talk baseball and help Astros fans and baseball fans everywhere keep up with America's Favorite Pastime! Pitch us your questions and we’ll field your comments on the next episode #AstrosRadio and radio@astros.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we all embrace the importance of social distancing, the Astros team broadcasters gather around the-virtual-roundtable with thoughts on baseball, Spring Training and entertaining tips on coping with cabin fever. Listen as Robert Ford, Steve Sparks and Geoff Blum kick off a new series of podcasts to help Astros fans and baseball fans everywhere keep up with America's Favorite Pastime! Pitch us your questions and we’ll field your comments on the next episode #AstrosRadio and radio@astros.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robert Ford and Micheal Coffin host the next to last Astroline of the season in West Palm Beach, FL. RHP flame thrower, Josh James, talks to Astros Radio about his 2nd big league camp, being a new dad, competing for the 5th starting spot and throwing over 100 MPH. Tune into the Astros throughout Spring Training and every broadcast on the Astros Radio Network, TuneIn, MLB AtBat and SportsTalk 790 KBME Houston. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices