The Baseball Project Returns With New Album, All Star Lineup

Although the origins of The Baseball Project date back almost 20 years between Scott McCaughey and Steve Wynn, it was not until 2007 that the band finally came to fruition. Apparently, their collaborative debut album Vol. 1: Frozen Ropes & Dying Quails turned out nicely enough to inspire a second volume of baseball-inspired rock songs with collaborators Linda Pitmon and Peter Buck. On March 1, The Baseball Project will open the 2011 season with their sophomore effort Volume 2: High and Inside on Yep Roc.

For those who followed the 2011 MLB playoffs closely, two songs from the upcoming LP have already been released. Craig Finn wrote lyrics and contributed vocals on the Minnesota Twin anthem “Don’t Call Them Twinkies,” while Scott McCaughey penned a Giants-inspired track titled “Panda & the Freak.” Both tracks can be streamed below.

In addition to Finn, Volume 2: High and Inside also features an all-star lineup of guests including Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, Yo La Tengo’s Ira Kaplan, Chris Funk and John Moen of The Decemberists as well as longtime friend and musical collaborator Robert Lloyd.

The Baseball Project will also spend a good portion of 2011 touring in support of Volume 2: High and Inside, including several Cactus League appearances in Arizona during Spring Training and a multi-show run at SXSW.

Volume 2: High and Inside tracklist:
1. 1976
2. Panda and The Freak
3. Fair Weather Fans
4. Don’t Call Them Twinkies
5. Chin Music
6. Buckner’s Bolero
7. Tony (Boston’s Chosen Son)
8. Ichiro Goes to the Moon
9. The Straw that Stirs the Drink
10. Look Out Mom
11. Pete Rose Way
12. Twilight of My Career
13. Here Lies Carl Mays