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HOUSTON — Thanksgiving for Astros manager Joe Espada is a blend of cherished meals, desserts, and Puerto Rican traditions, making for a holiday filled with family and gratitude. The mix of food, music, and togetherness provides Espada with plenty to be thankful for each year.
This year, Espada, along with his wife Pam and their daughters, 13-year-old Eliana and 9-year-old Viviana, made the long drive from Houston to Dallas to celebrate with Espada’s parents, Miriam and Dolores. His sister Rebecca, who lives in Dallas, also helps care for their parents.
Espada shared that the family alternates holiday gatherings every year—spending Thanksgiving with his side of the family one year and Christmas with Pam’s family the next.
“It means a lot, because my parents are getting older and it’s hard for them to travel,” Espada said. “We make the time to drive up and see them, and the grandkids come and spend some time with them. We make the effort so we can be together.”
These moments with his parents are especially precious now, as his father’s health has declined in recent years. Espada’s parents were present at Minute Maid Park last March for his managerial debut when the Astros played the Yankees—one of the most memorable moments of his career.
Raised in Puerto Rico, Espada continues to honor his cultural traditions during Thanksgiving. His wife, Pam, hails from Florida, and their holiday gatherings reflect a blend of both cultures.
“We keep some of the Puerto Rican traditions, obviously, when it comes to the food,” Joe explained. “We also have some American-style dishes. Pam makes sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole, which my family loves. And then we have the typical Puerto Rican meals for Thanksgiving. It’s a mix of both—lots of people, lots of music, and a great time.”
One of the most popular dishes in Puerto Rico for the holiday is pasteles, which are similar to tamales but wrapped in plantains instead of corn husks.
“It’s like a plantain mash with meat and olives inside,” Joe said. “We have a ton of desserts too—cheesecakes, tres leches cake—and plenty of leftovers to last for days. We’ll start decorating for Christmas too. It’s a fun time for everyone.”
Football is also part of the holiday tradition. The adults watch the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game, while the kids enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on another screen.
And of course, baseball is a major topic of conversation around the dinner table. As the offseason heats up, Espada’s family peppers him with questions about the Astros, particularly about free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.
“It’s hard not to talk baseball with my dad,” Espada said. “He asks me the same questions fans are asking—‘Are we signing Breggy? Are we getting any starting pitchers?’ The first day is all baseball talk, but after that, things settle down.”