SCRANTON, Penn. — Indie-rock band The Menzingers announced today the release of their latest project, Life in Right Field: a concept album about coaching Little League baseball, sources close to the nostalgia-heavy outfit confirmed.
The album reportedly explores the perspectives of white men in their 30s “looking to establish roots in something greater than themselves.”
“This is just the logical progression from youthful, suburban angst, to setting good examples for youth through good sportsmanship,” said vocalist Tom May, organizing a schedule for the West Scranton Little League. “Our first couple records were about growing up; now, it’s time to explore our futures and our coaching stats.”
The band admitted their inspiration drew from longtime friends who maintained regular jobs back home, instead of touring as a rock band.
“We asked one friend if he wanted to tour with us in the spring and run merch, but he turned us down because he has a family now,” said bassist Eric Keen, tossing a baseball in the air. “That’s when we found our own family: the Scranton Townies — a co-ed, 9-to-12-year-old baseball team. They’ve shown us we still have so much more to write about.”
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The Menzingers believe Life in Right Field is their most personal work to date, including future sing-along classics like “Some Crying in Baseball,” “Home Run (Run Home),” and “Loser’s Pizza Party.”
“We saw the best minds of our generation destroyed by low-wage jobs and aimless pursuits. One day, you look around and realize you have a collection of records, but no legacy,” said May, gently applying baby oil to a well-worn leather mitt. “We wanted to focus on real-world issues: like having a kid you resent, or reclaiming your former stage glory on a Little League ball field.”
“Sure, this is probably some of our darkest material, but these are dark and trying times,” added Keen, sighing. “I’ll never be able to retire with a pension and a gold watch. But, if you can make those kids stars for just one season, you just might get your picture on a pizza parlor wall for a couple years.”
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Article by John-Michael Bond @bondjohnbond. Photo by Steve Watkins.