Podcast appearances and mentions of Steve Sparks

Steve Sparks joined The Sean Salisbury Show for his weekly segment talking about the team's latest rough patch, with takeaways on Yordan Alvarez's injury and the inconsistent pitching as of late. 

Steve Sparks is hilarious, there's no way around that. He doesn't miss an episode of this show despite being a broadcaster for the Houston Astros; that job will keep you busy. He was a knuckleballer (one of the few) and his way of getting there is fascinating. He shares stories of three different Bobs (Uecker, Gibson and Feller), one of which will definitely make you cry. He explains his nickname that he got in the minor leagues, "Phonebook," plus he dazzles us with his seamhead qualities that we cannot get enough of. Easily one of our favorite interviews in the history of this show, pass it along to someone who loves this game as well and don't forget to subscribe! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC

Completing their series against the Royals down in Missouri over the weekend, the Astros fall short to Kansas City although, turning things around yesterday afternoon to avoid the sweep with a final score of 7-3. Following the series loss with the Royals taking 2 of the 3 games from the Astros, Steve joins and shares a few notable takeaways from the weekend along with a few key players and things to be mindful of as we roll on through the schedule with the Astros set to take on the Tigers here at home next.

Joe Siddall, former MLB catcher and current Sportsnet Blue Jays analyst, joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to help diagnose Toronto's offensive issues following yesterday's 7-0 shelling. Joe shares his view on potential lineup changes to come, before sifting through the performances of Anthony Santander, George Springer, Alan Roden, and Alejandro Kirk. Later on, Astros analyst Steve Sparks (28:22) previews Ronel Blanco's start in Houston tonight. The trio also chat about what's changed in Josh Hader's approach in 2025, the aftermath of Alex Bregman's departure, what's behind Jose Altuve's move to the outfield, Jeremy Peña's development, and much more! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Coming out of a series loss to the Cardinals recently and teeing off their three game series on Friday statistically against the best team in the MLB thus far being the San Diego Padres, the Astros look to have gotten the ball rolling a bit following a series win over San Diego down at Daikin Park. Taking 2 of the 3 games from the Padres and almost gaining a series sweep over the leagues leader in the power rankings, Steve joins and shares his takeaways from this weekends mind-boggling series and what position this now puts the Astros in as they roll on now to take on a pretty solid Toronto Blue Jays team this evening. 

Concluding their three game series against the Anaheim Angels here at Daikin Park over the weekend, the Astros look to be stepping in stride as the season rolls on closing their series against the Angels 2-1 securing yet another series win. From Yainer Diaz obtaining his first career grand slam Friday evening springing the Astros into their Game 1 victory to Hayden Wesneski closing out the series yesterday afternoon following 10 K's and only allowing 3 runs, Steve joins and shares a few of his thoughts following the Astros explosive weekend against the Angels and what this says about the organization as the team continues to move forward in their schedule.  

Shaking back from their horrendous series against the San Francisco Giants finishing 0-3, the Astros look to have turned the page concluding their series against the Minnesota Twins finishing 2-1 yesterday afternoon. Grinding out a huge win yesterday to solidify the series win, Astros broadcaster Steve Sparks joins for his weekly segment with Sean and Dan and shares a few of his thoughts and takeaways from this series and yesterday's nail biting game. Also, following yesterday's gritty win, Steve also shares what does grinding out a win like this mean looking ahead as we've merely just scratched the surface of the 2025 season.

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Kicking off the official start of the MLB season following Opening Day last Thursday, the Astros take on Juan Soto and the New York Mets in their first series of the season. Finishing with a 2-1 standing over the Mets, the Astros win their first series of the season in regards to their not so great start last year against the Yankees, finishing with a start of 0-4. Looking to have turned things around following a new season filled with new prospects, the Astros look to step with a different stride rolling into this season. Assessing the Astros first series of the season, Steve Sparks joins for his weekly segment and shares a few things he saw and loved over the weekend along with what still needs work in order to ensure a stable season, hoping to lead to another postseason if not another World Series run.

Entering the final week of Spring Training for the MLB, Opening Day tips off Thursday afternoon with teams set to finalize their 40-man rosters before then as we get ready to kick into the 2025 MLB Season. Tampering and trading prospects along with a few veteran departures in the offseason this year, the Astros look to be ushering into a new era in the organization following the new young core they've acquired filled with lots of potential and talent. Assessing the Astros Spring Training this year and joining the show back for his weekly segment during Astros season, Astros broadcast announcer Steve Sparks joins Sean and Dan in what he's seen from this season's spring training and what he believes the starting lineup may tend to look like as we all anticipate for Opening Day on Thursday.

Broadcasters Robert Ford and Steve Sparks talk with Astros General Manager Dana Brown as the sun sets on the 2025 Spring Training campaign in West Palm Beach, FL. Get the latest thoughts and player updates from Brown as he and the Houston Astros prepare for Opening Day next week at Daikin Park. Astros Radio is your complete source for the 2025 season LIVE on SportsTalk 790 KBME, iHeartRadioApp, @MLBAtBat, MLB.TV, & SiriusXM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss Buster's top-10 starting pitchers in MLB, why Buster's son told him he was wrong, Buster's thoughts as he assembles his relievers list, and if Dave agrees with Buster's No. 1 at the other positions. Then, Todd Radom returns to shares tales of his travels, the changes to expect in this season's uniforms and his thoughts on the Boston Red Sox. Plus, Steve Sparks previews the Houston Astros and Jenny Cavnar previews the Athletics. CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS 4:12 David Schoenfield 24:25 Astros preview w/ Steve Sparks 28:26 Todd Radom 38:29 Athletics preview w/ Jenny Caviar 43:33 Bleacher Tweets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss Buster's top-10 starting pitchers in MLB, why Buster's son told him he was wrong, Buster's thoughts as he assembles his relievers list, and if Dave agrees with Buster's No. 1 at the other positions. Then, Todd Radom returns to shares tales of his travels, the changes to expect in this season's uniforms and his thoughts on the Boston Red Sox. Plus, Steve Sparks previews the Houston Astros and Jenny Cavnar previews the Athletics. CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS 4:12 David Schoenfield 24:25 Astros preview w/ Steve Sparks 28:26 Todd Radom 38:29 Athletics preview w/ Jenny Caviar 43:33 Bleacher Tweets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a pitching clinic as we get to know recently acquired RHP Hayden Wesneski and get reacquainted with RHP Forrest Whitley, the Astros 1st round pick in the 2016 draft. What are the expectations for Hayden and Forrest this spring? Will either RHP be part of Joe Espada's starting rotation or start the season in the pen? Listen to Steve Sparks and Robert Ford host the latest news Astroline from West Palm Beach with these two big arms of the Houston Astros. Astros Radio is your complete source for ‘25 Spring Training coverage on SportsTalk 790 KBME, astros.com, MLB.TV, & SiriusXM. 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

Manager Joe Espada joins us live from West Palm Beach to kick off the Astros Spring Training campaign. Will the x9 All Star 2B Jose Altuve play LF in 2025? Will RHP Lance McCullers, RHP J.P. France, RHP Christian Javier, or RHP Luis Garcia be healthy for the upcoming season? How about the young talent and other expectations is Espada looking for? Listen to Steve Sparks and Todd Kalas talk about the latest news from Astros camp with Houston's Skipper just before the Spring Opener at Cacti Park of the Palm Beaches. Astros Radio is your complete source for ‘25 Spring Training coverage on SportsTalk 790 KBME, astros.com, MLB.TV, & SiriusXM. 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 pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, it's time for the Astros to size up the competition in the American League West. Listen to Steve Sparks, Robert Ford, and Todd Kalas dissect the Division with broadcasters from AL West. Matt Hicks breaks down the Rangers off season moves, Gary Hill gives us the Mariners scoop, Terry Smith covers the Angels, and Johnny Doskow previews the A's latest moves. Astros Radio is your complete source for ‘25 Spring Training coverage. Listen throughout the season on SportsTalk 790 KBME & 740 KTRH-Houston, the MLB App., MLB.TV, & SiriusXM. 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

It's a pitching clinic as Steve Sparks hosts in depth conversations with RHP Hayden Wesneski and RHP Spencer Arrighetti. Wesneski talks about getting traded for Kyle Tucker and what it now means to become a member of the Houston Astros. Arrighetti, coming off his stellar '24 rookie season, gets into the weeds of his craft and reveals what he's learned after his first season in the bigs. Truly a must listen for pitchers at any level! 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

Just before the Kyle Tucker trade, SCHN's Kevin Eschenfelder and MLB.com's Brian McTaggart recapped the Winter Meetings and latest new on Alex Bregman. Then, relive the ‘24 AL West Champs with the Relaunch of the 9/24 broadcast between division rivals, as the Astros defeat the Seattle Mariners. Listen to Robert Ford and Steve Sparks call the action and celebrate from the Astros Clubhouse at Minute Maid Park. Astros Radio is your complete source for ‘25 Spring Training coverage. Listen throughout the season on SportsTalk 790 KBME & 740 KTRH-Houston, the MLB App., MLB.TV, & SiriusXM.   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 hour, Bruce Levine and Ryan McGuffey were joined by Cubs Radio play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes to discuss the club's acquisition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros. Hughes also shared his favorite memories from the 2016 World Series. Later, Astros radio color analyst Steve Sparks joined the show to share a scouting report on Tucker.

Unable to wrap up their last regular season series against the Guardians yesterday due to the rain inclement in Cleveland, the Astros come out on top winning both games Friday and Saturday, therefore stepping into the postseason a bit more comfortable ending the season with a few good wins. Looking ahead, tomorrow the Astros kickoff their Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers in a set of three afternoon games. Steve joins and shares his thoughts as the Astros roll into the Wild Card games along with a few things to be mindful of as the Tigers alike the Astros, look pretty solid heading into the postseason. 

Hear the Houston Astros AL West Clubhouse Celebration 2024 as Steve Sparks catches up with a number of players in the clubhouse, including Manager Joe Espada, GM Dana Brown, pitchers Hunter Brown and Spencer Arrighetti, sluggers Jon Singleton and Jason Heyward & more! 

Taking three out of the four games against the Angels, the Astros become just one game shy from clinching the AL West division. Kicking off another series against the Mariners, Steve Sparks shares thoughts on how far the Astros have come and what to look for come the postseason, in just ten days.

Wrapping up a phenomenal weekend, the Astros pull out the brooms against the Angels winning all three of their games down in Angel Stadium. Steve Sparks joins in assessing and evaluating the Astros turnaround weekend along with a few strengths to note as they climb deeper into the season.  

Steve Sparks, former MLB pitcher and Astros radio broadcaster, joins The Sean Salisbury Show following Sunday's 12-6 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his fourth start since missing over two months with neck stiffness, Justin Verlander allowed eight runs and eight hits with no strikeouts in three innings, his second-shortest start with the Astros. Verlander showed "encouraging signs with his velocity," but has put his playoff rotation spot into question following poor starts. "If anybody can fix it, he can," Sparks said. Despite a rough beginning to the month of September for Spencer Arrighetti, giving up nine runs in the first inning Wednesday, the Astros "pitching staff has been unbelievable," led by Yusei Kikuchi, Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez. The Astros hold a 4.5-game lead above the Seattle Mariners in the AL West and will host the Oakland Athletics for a three-game series starting Tuesday. "The Astros are going to have to slug to beat them."

Sean Salisbury and Brian LaLima of The Sean Salisbury Show react to the Houston Texans defeating the Indianapolis Colts 29-27 on the road Sunday to begin the season 1-0. Joe Mixon rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown, while Stefon Diggs recorded two touchdowns in their Texans debut. Sean and Brian talk with Steve Sparks, former MLB pitcher and Astros radio broadcaster, about Justin Verlander's recent struggles, recap the Longhorns defeating Michigan to move into the No. 2 spot in the Top 25, review Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' comments on his offensive line, discuss Tyreek Hill getting detained ahead of the Miami Dolphins game and more.

Bringing their four game series to an end in Baltimore yesterday afternoon, the Astros take two out of the four games from the Orioles in Oriole Park, resulting in a series split. Following Neris's return, Steve assesses the Astros weekend alongside a few updates regarding Bregman and Yordan.  

Bleav Hosts Robert Land & Stephen Kerr wonder if it's possible to trade Dameon Pierce, what the Texans can do with their WR depth, if Jalen Green's maturity has taken a stop & we re-visit the Kikuchi trade a couple weeks later. Plus, we look at rookies Shay Whitcomb & Pedro Leon. We also isten back to a classic clip from our HST vault with Steve Sparks' funny story on Phil Garner -who's dealing with Cancer. (1:14) Is it time to deal Dameon Pierce? (3:21) What should Texans do with WR surplus? (4:40) Christian Haris: A Concern? (5:57) Jalen Green's Next Step in Maturity & Leadership (9:27) Astros surge after getting rid of team jinx (10:46) Should Astros move Yainer to 1B? (15:05) Shay Whitcomb early thoughts? (16:59) Taking for granted Astros hot corner defense (17:52) Does Pedro Leon deserve more time? (20:57) Re-litigating Kikuchi trade way too early (23:30) Worth taking flyer on Hector Neris (25:54) Steve Sparks tells hilarious Phil Garner story (31:34) Coogs get new AD Eddie Nunez Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify, Apple & iHeart X @HSTPodcast #texans #dameonpierce #kikuchi #astros #philgarner

Finishing out their series against the White Sox yesterday afternoon, the Astros go on to win two straight after losing the opener Friday night 5-4. Now four games leading the AL West, Steve Sparks joins and assesses the Astros victorious weekend along with a few long awaited player updates.

Coming off a marvelous weekend in Boston the Astros pull out the sweep, winning all three of their games against the Red Sox in Fenway Park. From outstanding pitching performances to phenomenal offensive production, Steve evaluates the Astros weekend followed behind a few player updates to note. 

Last week the Astros acquired Yusei Kikuchi and Caleb Ferguson just before the deadline, looking to increase their bullpen depth. With Kikuchi's win Friday, the Astros lose the series to the Rays. Steve shares a few thoughts on the Astros production and coming out of an unpleasant weekend.    

The Astros take two of the three games in their highly anticipated series facing the Dodgers this weekend. With a shutout victory Friday, followed by a walk-off homer by Bregman Saturday, Steve Sparks speaks on the remarkable weekend by the Astros followed by the deadline now getting closer upon us.

On the July 22 edition of A's Cast Live, our weekly all baseball talk show Monday through Friday, Chris Townsend was joined by: Astros Radio Broadcaster, Steve Sparks (1:20) A's 2024 First-Round Pick, Nick Kurtz (46:40) A's General Manager, David Forst (54:20) 1988 AL MVP Jose Canseco (1:21:20) 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

Coming off of the All-Star break the Astros kickoff their three game series against the Mariners. Winning two out of the three games, the Astros are now on top as division leaders for the west. Steve joins in assessing the Astros weekend, player injuries, and possible trades likely to come. 

Finishing their last series against the Rangers, the Astros have turned things around drastically. Falling ten games behind five-hundred at the beginning, to just one game from division leaders, Steve analyzes the Astros first half of the season along with a few pointers to note moving forward.  

Over the weekend, the Astros took on the Mets for a shot at shooting over five-hundred. Falling short Friday, they emerge victorious the following two days with a huge team win with only the bullpen backing. Steve addresses the Astros will to win and what must they do to sustain this great run.  

Kicking off their three game series on Friday, the Astros seem to have got the ball rolling as they shutout a very solid Orioles team over the weekend. Winning 14-11 Friday, 5-1 Saturday, and 8-1 yesterday Steve joins in evaluating the positive takeaways from the weekend and sustaining this run.

Taking on the Tigers this past weekend, the Astros have had quite a few shocking turn of events. First being the release of Jose Abreu Friday afternoon. Still pulling the series win 2-1 and with injuries still a problematic issue, Steve sheds light on some of the Astros takeaways from the weekend.

Head to head against the Angels, the Astros pull out a 2-1 series win in Anaheim in their three game series. Unable to pull the sweep following yesterdays loss, Steve joins in assessing the Astros weekend along with player updates, and the hot topic of the leadership role in the clubhouse.    

Taking on Minnesota over the weekend the Astros begin to look as if things have turned around. However, in their three game series the Astros fall short in the series 2-1 which many believe the Astros should've emerged victorious. Steve joins in assessing the blunders over the course of the weekend.

Wrapping up another superb weekend the Astros pull the series victory with a 2-1 final standing over the Brewers. With things turning around, Steve joins in discussion of the Astros marvelous weekend, along with a few things to note as a couple of the starters beginning to inch at their return back.

Over the weekend, The Astros had a three game series against the Tigers in Detroit in which they emerged victorious from. Finishing the series out 2-1, they're home against the Athletics' today set to kickoff their 10 game home stand. Steve joins the guys in assessing the Astros from the weekend.

Cal Raleigh blasts the Mariners to another series win and we have the details. We will chat will Josh Rojas who is off to a fantastic start this season. Shannon Drayer sits down with Ty France and Steve Sparks will Tell us a Story. 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

What seemed to be a turnaround week last week for the Astros, didn't carry well into this weekend against the Mariners. The Astros lose the series 1-2 with the huge issue of constantly giving up runs. Steve shares what must be done before it becomes too late moving further into the season.        

Omar Lopez embarks on his 26th season with the Astros organization and begins his first as the teams' Bench Coach. Lopez joins broadcasters Steve Sparks and Micheal Coffin (AA Corpus Christi) to talk about his journey and life lessons through baseball. Top IF prospect Grea Kessinger made his big league debut in 2023 and joins his grandfather and uncle as the 3rd generation family member to play in Major League Baseball. Find out how Kessinger grew up loving and playing the game of baseball. Astros Radio is your complete source for ‘24 Spring Training coverage. Listen throughout the season on SportsTalk 790 KBME & 740 KTRH-Houston, the MLB App., MLB.TV, & SiriusXM. 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 this latest episode of Baseball Tonight, Buster Olney and ESPN.com Senior Writer David Schoenfield. react to the big news of Zack Wheeler signing a record-setting extension with the Philadelphia Phillies, Matt Chapman and the San Francisco Giants' agreement on a $54 million deal, Ronald Acuna Jr.'s injured knee and the Boston Red Sox's Vaughn Grissom's absence on opening day. Sarah Langs, also joins the show to play the numbers game, and then Anthony Gwynn Jr., radio and VT analyst for the San Diego Padres, jumps on with Buster to preview that team. Next, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, shares some amazing stories about Ryan Howard, Satchel Paige, Willie Mays and MLB The Show 24. Finally, Steve Sparks, color commentator for the Houston Astros steps in to fill you in on everything you need to know about that team before the season gets in full swing. Leave Buster a message by calling 406-404-8460 0:00 - MLB Latest News 4:00 - David Schoenfield  16:10 - Sarah Langs 25:15 - San Diego Padres Team Preview  33:55 - Bob Kendrick  55:28 - Houston Astros Team Preview 01:04:43 - Bleacher Tweets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this latest episode of Baseball Tonight, Buster Olney and ESPN.com Senior Writer David Schoenfield. react to the big news of Zack Wheeler signing a record-setting extension with the Philadelphia Phillies, Matt Chapman and the San Francisco Giants' agreement on a $54 million deal, Ronald Acuna Jr.'s injured knee and the Boston Red Sox's Vaughn Grissom's absence on opening day. Sarah Langs, also joins the show to play the numbers game, and then Anthony Gwynn Jr., radio and VT analyst for the San Diego Padres, jumps on with Buster to preview that team. Next, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, shares some amazing stories about Ryan Howard, Satchel Paige, Willie Mays and MLB The Show 24. Finally, Steve Sparks, color commentator for the Houston Astros steps in to fill you in on everything you need to know about that team before the season gets in full swing. Leave Buster a message by calling 406-404-8460 0:00 - MLB Latest News 4:00 - David Schoenfield  16:10 - Sarah Langs 25:15 - San Diego Padres Team Preview  33:55 - Bob Kendrick  55:28 - Houston Astros Team Preview 01:04:43 - Bleacher Tweets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices