Houston Astros World Series winner takes his turn in a radio booth

Josh Reddick has found retirement to his liking. The former Houston Astros star, who was part of their 2017 World Series team, lives outside of the Houston area with his family.

But, little by little, he became familiar with broadcasting. This week, Reddick slipped into the radio booth to provide analysis alongside the play-by-play voice of Robert Ford as the Astros took on the Oakland Athletics.

It was a strange convergence. Reddick played for Houston from 2017 to 2020 and for the Athletics from 2012 to 2016, with a short stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers via a trade between the two.

Reddick has done pregame and postgame work with the Space City Home Network, which broadcasts Astros games on local television. But, as he told MLB.com, getting into the booth to call a game was much more difficult.

“(Monday) night I got caught up in telling stories,” Reddick said. “Everyone knows me, I like to talk. I just kept going for a few at-bats, and even a few innings. I have to know when to shut up and when to speak.

Reddick’s stint will end with the conclusion of the series with the Athletics on Thursday. He joins Jeff Bagwell as former players who have replaced Sparks this season.

The 37-year-old said he has no plans to tackle more broadcasting than he currently does, citing family as the main reason. He hasn’t ruled out a bigger role once his children are older.

Being with them is a priority after a 13-year Major League career that ended in 2021 with Arizona. He was a lifetime .262 hitter. In his first season with Houston in 2017, he batted a career-best .314 with 13 home runs and 82 RBIs in 134 games.