Julia Morales lives up to inspiring, dynamic roots
Julia Morales, the talented and charismatic field reporter for Astros broadcasts, was taking an exam for a government class in college when she came across a question that she proudly and easily answered. It reminded her of her father’s important place in Texas history.
Who was the first Latino to run for U.S. Senate for either party in Texas?
The answer is Victor Morales, the father of the young lady who is now one of the most recognized figures in Houston sports as a reporter/host for AT&T SportsNet, and the Astros’ field reporter.
Victor Morales, a high school government teacher, captivated Texas in 1996 by canvassing the state on his truck as the ultimate underdog. He won the Democratic primary before losing to Phil Gramm.
His Quixotic campaign earned him plenty of media coverage, including a brilliant feature in Texas Monthly.
The elder Morales didn’t win a seat in the Senate, but his campaign helped ignite his daughter’s interest in journalism.
“The media circus and my experience with reporters and watching live coverage is what led me to my interest in live television and journalism,” Morales said of her father’s 1996 campaign. “That’s how I got where I am today.”
Now Julia Morales, a former member of the University of Texas’ renowned Texas Pom, is the one inspiring generations of young women, Latinas and otherwise, with her prominent place in Houston media.
She has danced her way into Astros fans’ hearts with substance and style while gaining the respect of the players, management and media. Even her latest Christmas card became a viral sensation, especially because of her father’s impressive dance moves.
Morales spoke to La Vida Baseball about her career, her talented family, her father’s family’s Monterrey, Mexico, roots and the Astros.
Jose de Jesus Ortiz: How did your father’s run for U.S. Senate inspire you?
Julia Morales: My dad, Victor Morales, was a government teacher and wanted change. He did the unthinkable and decided to run for U.S. Senate in 1996. He was a school teacher who campaigned by foot knocking on doors and by truck as he traveled around Texas introducing himself and encouraging folks to register to vote, if they hadn’t already. It was a fascinating campaign to media once they caught wind, and he drew a lot of attention. He was the David taking on Goliath in that race, but it was admirable and inspiring.
JO: What are some of your earliest memories of baseball?
JM: My little brother and I were athletes from the time we could walk. My mother was an excellent basketball player, who can still beat us all in a game of knockout, and my dad ran track in college and coached about every sport other than football. We played everything in a small town, so my first memories are of just being at the fields with my brother or other kids. When it came to pro baseball, it was Rangers games and my favorite, Pudge Rodriguez. He’s still my favorite player. In those days, you went to the games to watch home run hitters like “Juan Gone” Gonzalez.”
JO: Your Christmas card became a viral sensation. Who is the best dancer in your family?
JM: This is extremely tough. My parents met dancing. They would teach couples how to two-step, three-step, before taking the dance floor themselves. My aunt owns a dance studio and (danced) professionally. I took my entire life and was a Rangerette before dancing for Texas. And then there’s my brother. Jesse is gifted and moved to L.A. to pursue it where he’s been the last decade. But nobody beats dad’s moves or his swagger.”
JO: Julia, can you tell us about your Latino roots? I saw you mentioned that your abuela would have been proud when you were mentioned on a list of top Latinos in baseball. What was your abuela like?
Morales: My father’s side of the family traces back to Monterrey, Mexico. My grandmother, Helen Morales, was such a beautiful person in and out, and we lost her last year after she turned 95 years old. I loved to work on my Spanish with her as she spoke to me always in “Tex-Mex,” half of her sentences in Spanish but finishing in English. She made the BEST tamales. The. Best. We miss her dearly.
JO: You are one of the most prominent faces on the Astros’ broadcast and even rallied the fans before a playoff game last year. What are some of the biggest highlights of your career?
JM: That was one! Incredibly honored to have been on the field before an ALCS game with my teammates, Todd Kalas and Geoff Blum, to rally the home crowd. Highlights for me have to include Mike Fiers’ no-hitter. It was the first one I’ve seen in person and it felt like such a huge moment to be a part of that season. The celebration that followed the 2015 team clinching the first postseason appearance in a decade was nuts and incredible to be in the middle of, interviewing Alex Bregman seconds after he drove in the winning run in Game 5 of the World Series, being on the field for the trophy presentation and the parade. My gosh, the parade still doesn’t feel real. Almost an out of body experience seeing all those fans lined up in downtown Houston that day.
JO: You were an accomplished dancer in college. Did that experience help prepare you for this job?
JM: I think being on stage for dance recitals and a little acting in skits along the way helped me shake any discomfort of performing in front of an audience. I also think playing sports growing up helped to understand the mindset of an athlete, the dynamic of a coach/player or player/player relationship or just the general idea of a day. I was able to perform with the Kilgore College Rangerettes and Texas Pom, which kept me close to athletics as I was at all football and basketball games, including when Texas won the National Championship in 2005.
JO: You were featured in the Houston Chronicle because of your great collection of heels. How many do you have, and how do you select them before each game?
JM: This was a BIG topic in 2014. I think there was a pair or two lucky shoes that year. I had way too many years ago, like close to 100. I have donated a LOT of them now but have my few fun pair to keep things interesting. Hey, it’s a long season for me, too. I have to do something to mix it up for myself. I will tell you I’ve added a few pair of sneakers in the mix. Ballparks like Oakland Coliseum call for something a little more casual.”
JO: Who are some of the best personalities on the Astros’ roster?
JM: There are so many great personalities on this team. I think fans have gotten a good feel for guys who have been around like a George Springer, but we’re seeing him interact with his new best buddy, Michael Brantley, and together they are so much fun to watch. Gerrit Cole is extremely thoughtful and smart and is in the middle of most conversations. He’s great. Yuli Gurriel is the happiest and funniest guy and I love that his English is coming around so more fans will start to get to know him a little better, too.”
JO: Your husband has played in Japan and Mexico. What have you learned about baseball in Mexico and Japan?
JM: I’ve learned that those countries love the game. Just as much as we do. My husband’s crazy career has taken us all over the world, and for that I’m extremely grateful. Those experiences are so special to me. Even winter ball in the Dominican Republic was eye opening. The cultures are all different and the way they play is even a little different, but at the end of the day it’s still a beautiful game being played in a ballpark and that doesn’t get lost in translation.
JO: What advice would you give young Latinas who would want to follow your path?
JM: Dream big, ask questions and don’t be afraid of being afraid. The world is constantly changing and people prove every day that anything is possible, so dream up something really great for yourself. The job doesn’t even have to exist, yet. Maybe you’re the first. If you are hoping to follow the path of journalism or reporting of any kind, get ready to ask a lot of questions so start now. Why? How? Who knows what you’ll learn! And don’t let being scared stop you from anything. We all get told no, we all get rejected, we all mess up and you will, too. The sooner you try to become comfortable with that, the faster you’ll climb.”
Featured Image: Courtesy Julia Morales
Inset Images: Courtesy Julia Morales