Swing, swing: All-American Rejects take in Fall League game

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Arizona Fall League is often referred to as a finishing school. But there’s a new descriptor for the circuit, courtesy of musician Tyson Ritter.

“It’s like a potluck,” the All-American Rejects lead singer said. “Every team brings their own…”

“Brings their own jersey,” lead guitarist Nick Wheeler provides the assist.

The All-American Rejects soaked in Peoria’s 9-6 win against Mesa on Friday at the Peoria Sports Complex before performing at the Arizona State Fair the next day.

Thank you @therejects for coming out to Peoria! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/HT77W3ME8X

— MLB's Arizona Fall League (@MLBazFallLeague) October 12, 2024

Wheeler threw out the ceremonial first pitch with Ritter following that up with a jog around the bases -- “I never made it around the bases as a child.” The full band then said “Play ball,” along with national anthem singer Lauren Frazier, who is a musical theater teacher at Ottawa University.

“There's a little dirt on it, which I think means it didn't quite make it all the way across the plate,” Wheeler said, holding up the ball. “But it did go in his glove eventually, so that felt good.”

Wheeler, who is a big baseball fan, noted the polite crowd and occasional organist at the game.

“Good time,” drummer Chris Gaylor added. “I've never been to a Fall league game before; it was fun.”

📩 CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO BEN'S BIZ

The band formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma while Ritter and Wheeler were in high school. One year earlier, former Major Leaguer Matt Holliday was attending Stillwater High School. The school is also the alma mater for his sons -- Orioles rookie Jackson Holliday and projected 2025 No. 1 overall Draft pick Ethan Holliday.

“That whole family is just made for that sport,” Ritter said.

Both Ritter and Wheeler were amazed by so much baseball talent coming out what is generally a football town. And the fact it was a former classmate’s kids already reaching these heights only added to the shock.

This was not the band’s first visit to the Peoria Sports Complex. They also performed here in 2005 at The Warped Tour. Rhythm guitarist Mike Kennerty’s face lit up as he looked at the outfield and unlocked the memory.

“I totally remember that,” he said with a laugh. “That’s wild.”

“I got a bad sunburn,” Gaylor recalled with the memory of a baseball manager. “We played in the middle of the day and the sun glared off my cymbals and just blasted me.”

Earlier this year, the band performed at South Bend’s Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs’ High-A affiliate. While they weren’t playing at this game, they were happy to be at another intimate setting -- with great acoustics.

“We're a working-class band from a working-class town and when we play these working-class stadiums, it feels like we're at home,” Ritter said. “It's really nice to be in a place where community and sports are still like a thing.

“So it's cool to be here and to still support these kinds of stadiums.”