Our Q&A with Astros sideline reporter Julia Morales — part of our Game Day Market THIS Sun, Sept 24 — about the expansion of her fan brand, Baseball Y’all, into additional sports.
How did you become a member of the Astros broadcast team?
I was a sports reporter and anchor in several smaller markets around Texas, working my way up! A job came open when a new network launched in Houston and they were looking for someone who would be a primary Astros field reporter and travel with the team. A dream job for a girl who loved baseball and was dying to travel! I get plenty of both!
Any pre-game rituals?
There’s a LOT I have to do before games! But they’re mostly how I prepare for my job and how I’m able to share stories during the broadcast. When I head down to the field for the game, I’ll pick up a black coffee, peanuts for Framber and a few pieces of candy for the middle innings. I have to be ready to take a pregame pic of the starting pitchers who aren’t throwing that day before the first pitch is thrown and then we’re off!
Best thing about being a woman in sports.
There’s a lot of great when it comes to being a woman in sports. My favorite part is that so many young girls are watching and seeing us. It’s not just on TV, women are in front offices, in clubhouses, in executive positions, it’s been wonderful to see the growth throughout the industry.
Tell us the origin of your collection Shop Baseball Y’all, which offers fan gear for women, men and kids.
The line started when I wanted to make a simple shirt with the phrase on it. Something I would say, write on social media platforms and I thought it would be fun. I thought it would be great to have options to wear to a little league game in the morning or a MLB game at night. Something that baseball moms could wear and style in different ways. That’s how it was born!!
You’ll launch new football and pickleball products at the Tidbits Game Day Market this weekend. Do you play pickleball?
My parents picked it up and the more I learned about it, the more I understand the hype. I wish I had time to do anything other than go to the ballpark during the season, I have said it might be something I try during the offseason!!
One thing we’d be surprised to learn about your job.
I come up with all my content. I don’t have a teleprompter. I travel on the bus and plane with the team. Also that I’m at the ballpark around 2 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game – sometimes they can be long days but never bad when you’re at a ballpark.
What’s unique about Astros fans?
We have the BEST fans… they show up at home, they show up at the road. They are smart, they are invested and it doesn’t go unnoticed by the team. They talk about it often. It’s unbelievable to see so many fans at road games, wearing their orange! I’ve have so many great interactions with fans daily, it feels like a family.
@juliamoralesclark
Tidbits Game Day Market | Sun, Sept 24, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
M-K-T, 600 N. Shepherd | Building 1 near La La Land
All tickets include a cocktail. Advanced tickets only; no walk-ups. Choose one or more ticket types: Hair Tinseling, Monogrammed Visor, Beyoncé Yoga and General Admission. All tickets include a cocktail.