Episode 15 - Mark Appel

Host George Martin (@AstrosFansUK) is joined by special guest, 2013 No.1 overall MLB Draft pick for the Houston Astros, pitcher Mark Appel (@markappel26). In a fascinating and revealing conversation, Appel sheds light on what he has been doing over the off-season and detailing how he is approaching setting goals for the 2023 season, after his emotional achievement of finally succeeding in making his Major League Baseball debut in 2022 for the Phillies. Following this, Appel opens up in detail over his troubled years trying to manage the immense expectations of signing with the Astros as a No.1 overall Draft pick, looking at the pressures and depression he faced en route to his lowest points. Afterward, Appel moves on to assess how he was able to make it through these difficult times and rebuild himself both as a man and a baseball player, finding himself emerging on the other side with a positive outlook on life. The discussion concludes with Appel's evaluation of the controversial rule changes introduced by Major League Baseball for the 2023 season and a view on the forthcoming 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic. #Astros #Ready2Reign #StrosAcrossTheGlobe Get over to the Apollo store for the fantastic Astros and Houston-based merch available so you can rep the best team in baseball and H-Town wherever you may be! All Houston. All Original.