FP Santangelo on Playing in the MLB, Influence of Felipe Alou and Finding His Voice in Broadcasting

Join us as former MLB player FP Santangelo opens up about his inspiring journey from a young fan in Detroit to a professional baseball player, and eventually a broadcaster. Santangelo shares vivid memories from his career, including stories about childhood inspiration, college baseball, and his time with the Expos, Giants, Dodgers, and A's. He also discusses his transition to broadcasting, the influences of key mentors like Felipe Alou, and his thoughts on current baseball talents and management. This episode provides a deep dive into the highs and lows of a remarkable professional journey.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:20 Early Life and Baseball Beginnings02:22 High School and College Baseball Journey06:27 Draft Day and Minor League Struggles08:02 Major League Debut and Career Highlights11:34 Influential Managers and Playing Multiple Positions16:46 Switch Hitting and Memorable Moments19:51 Montreal Expos and Transition to Nationals23:01 Fond Memories of Montreal and Ottawa24:07 End of Career on the West Coast25:48 Postseason and 9/11 Impact30:09 Transition to Broadcasting33:42 Working with Bob Carpenter37:01 Return to the Giants43:35 Advice and ReflectionsIn the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro is your front row seat to one-on-one conversations with sports figures. Each episode we go beyond the bio and hear about the stories that made headlines. Our guests are hall of famers, gold medalists, record holders, trailblazers and more. We cover all sports and all eras to bring you amazing guests with incredible accounts of the moments that made them the athlete and person they are today. Join us as our guests share memories of their best, and worst, moments of their journey in sports and in life.