EPISODE 78
Marysol Castro: From the Bronx to the Mic That Changed Baseball
Marysol Castro’s story begins in the Bronx, where curiosity, sports, and a belief that the world was bigger than her neighborhood set her on an extraordinary path. From earning a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school at age 13 to becoming the first Latina public address announcer in Major League Baseball and the first female announcer in New York Mets history, Marysol has consistently broken barriers while staying true to who she is.
In this conversation, Marysol reflects on growing up Puerto Rican in New York, the transformative power of education, and how being bilingual became one of the greatest assets in her journalism career. She shares candid stories about navigating media as a Latina, facing skepticism and microaggressions, surviving multiple industry layoffs, and reinventing herself again and again as the media landscape evolved. Through it all, sports remained her anchor—a source of discipline, resilience, and community.
Marysol also takes us inside the unforgettable moment she first stepped behind the microphone at Citi Field, becoming a visible symbol of possibility for the next generation. The conversation expands into women’s sports, entrepreneurship, representation in media, and the importance of opening doors rather than gatekeeping opportunities. Ultimately, Marysol’s story is about persistence, reinvention, and a belief that Latinos have always been part of the American story—
and always will be.
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ABOUT OUR GUEST
Marysol Castro is a journalist, media creator, and producer with more than two decades of experience creating compelling content that makes audiences feel seen, heard, and inspired. She is the Founder of LeadOFF Media, a women-led media company redefining how women’s sports are covered, valued, and experienced through culture, leadership, and lived experience.
Castro has spent her career challenging the status quo in television news and sports media, with roles spanning local and national platforms including Good Morning America, CBS News, ESPN, and WPIX-TV in New York City. She currently hosts a daily lifestyle show on PIX11, bringing curiosity, clarity, and cultural fluency to every conversation.
A trailblazer both on and off the field, Castro made history as the first female—and first Latina—Public Address Announcer for the New York Mets, a role she holds at Citi Field. Known for her ability to elevate underrepresented stories, she has covered major sporting events, conducted high-profile interviews, and hosted broadcasts ranging from the Invictus Games to Premier Boxing Champions and the Little League World Series.
In addition to her on-air work, Castro is a sought-after speaker and moderator, sharing her journey and insights on journalism, leadership, and sports equity. She is a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and Wesleyan University.
