Joe Espada’s parents proud their son ‘finally’ made MLB managerial debut

In Houston, Texas, Joe Espada, a veteran of the baseball world, acknowledged that Thursday’s visit to the ballpark held a unique significance for him, unlike any other he had experienced before.

Addressing reporters before his team’s season opener against the Yankees, Espada, now in his first year as manager of the Astros, shared his emotions, stating, “My first one as a manager, it means more.” He described the occasion as an “emotional roller coaster,” but expressed his readiness, noting that he had eagerly awaited this day for a long time.

Adding to the specialness of Opening Day 2024 was the presence of Espada’s family in attendance at Minute Maid Park, a rare occurrence indeed. His parents, Miriam and Loly, were there to witness their son’s debut as the Astros’ skipper, along with his niece Valerie, who proudly displayed signs showing her support for Joe.

Expressing their joy and pride, Miriam Espada shared, “We’ve looked forward to this moment for so many years,” emphasizing their happiness that Joe had achieved this milestone. She mentioned the family’s immense pride in his accomplishment.

Reflecting on the game after the opener, despite the Astros’ 5-4 loss, Joe Espada shared his gratitude for the support of his family, particularly highlighting the significance of seeing his father in attendance. He humorously mentioned that spending time with his mom after the game might involve some friendly second-guessing of his managerial decisions, a testament to their close relationship.

Miriam Espada admitted that even after all these years, she still experiences intense nervousness during her son’s games. She revealed her ritual of leaving her seat and walking to the concourse with eyes down and ears plugged, showing her unwavering support despite her nerves.

It was a moment filled with nerves, pride, and familial love, encapsulating the essence of Joe Espada’s journey to becoming the Astros’ manager.