’Stros Across The Globe

This week’s guest is the long-time field reporter for the Houston Astros for AT&T SportsNet SW, Julia Morales. An entertaining and insightful conversation takes an in-depth look at her daily routine as field reporter on a typical gameday and the many responsibilities attached to the role. Following this the discussion looks at how the trio of Morales, Todd Kalas and Geoff Blum have formed such a charismatic team on Astros broadcasts in recent years and how much this is appreciated by the fans. Her normal routine is then contrasted with that of the challenges presented by the pandemic-affected 2020 season and, subsequently, the effect of fans returning to ballparks in 2021. The focus then switches to Julia Morales' outlook on how the 2021 Astros are shaping up for this year, before then moving on to take a fascinating look at her career journey to make it to where she has, highlighting her major influences along the way and advice she would offer to women seeking to follow in her footsteps. The discussion proceeds to assess the landscape for women working in baseball and what can be done to continue positive improvement of opportunities for a level playing field. Finally, find out who has won the 'H-Town Vs Everyone' t-shirt from Apollo!

This week’s guest is another Houston Astros relief pitcher, the superb Ryan Pressly. The discussion opens with a range of wider-reaching baseball topics, including Pressly's thoughts on whether 2021 will see a full 162-game Major League Baseball schedule and the forthcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement renewal due, ahead of the 2022 season. Pressly then discusses how he felt having to pitch as a closer for the Astros in 2020 after Roberto Osuna's injury, plus working with Martin Maldonado, Carlos Correa's leadership and Framber Valdez's excellent year, before moving on to give an in-depth look at what life is like as a reliever in the Major Leagues and also insight into the wealth of experience provided by pitching coach Brent Strom and manager Dusty Baker. Pressly additionally speaks on how he manages to keep calm during the most high-pressure pitching scenarios, before giving his outlook on both the departure of George Springer and the re-signing of Michael Brantley. Plus we take a look at Pressly's baseball inspiration growing up in Dallas and his views ahead of the 2021 Houston Astros season.

This week’s guest is one of the Houston Astros' exciting young rookie pitchers who starred in the 2020 season, the explosive reliever Enoli Paredes. The interview covers how he felt upon making his debut in Major League Baseball, how it felt to play in such a uniquely unusual season, plus what the Astros' clubhouse was like in 2020 and the support offered by more experienced players. The discussion also looks at what it was like for Paredes to work under Brent Strom and Dusty Baker, before rounding out with a look back at his journey through baseball from the Dominican Republic all the way to the majors and also how his family inspired him in his career, along with players whom he looked up to as a youngster. Additionally, find out who has won the competition for the Michael Brantley signed baseball as provided by the Houston Astros, with a runner-up also winning an Apollo ‘STROS’ t-shirt!