With a name like Fastball, it’s almost natural to draw some kind of analogy to our nation’s favorite pastime. The smell of peanuts and the crack of the bat dance through initial thoughts.

It seems like an obvious choice, considering the music that is pumped out by this trio from Austin, Texas. But to reduce such a distinct and energetic sound to a trite expression does not do the band justice.

Fastball’s sound is far from the lazy days of summer. The punk/pop trio has paid its dues and is ready to be called up to the big leagues.

After years in and out of bands, the threesome of Miles Zuniga, Tony Scalzo and Joey Shuffield gathered together to try to get a band together. As they played their first chords, they knew the chemistry was there.

“It was obvious that we played good together,” Zuniga, Fastball’s guitarist and vocalist said. “We got together one night, and two days later we had a show.” He continued saying that it was easy to play because each member could play his instrument well.

The fact that the band even got together at all was luck. Zuniga had moved out to California and then spent some time in Europe. When he arrived in Austin, he gave himself an ultimatum.

“I gave myself a month to see if I could put something together,” Zuniga said. A mutual friend introduced him to Tony.

Just like that, the band was formed. After a multitude of name changes, ranging from Magneto to Starchy, they finally landed on Fastball.

“I think we got the name just so journalists could torture us with baseball analogies, saying things like ‘Fastball hit a home run’ or ‘Fastball struck out,'” Zuniga said jokingly.

“If we would have thought about that side of it, we probably would have come up with a different name. But it doesn’t matter,” he added.

Name in tact, it seemed the band had everything. It had three guys who loved to play their instruments and a name full of puns. The next move was to hit the road.

They worked the road, earning the praise and respect of many that came out to see them. Before long, the majors (record labels) came knocking.

“We were just going to do what we do: play our music, make a record and then put it out. We were ready to borrow money, then Hollywood record shows up and says, ‘hey we’ll help you with this,'” Zuniga said.

The result was the power packed 14-song CD Make Your Momma Proud .

Fastball’s sound, a combination of in-your-face punk and melodic-pop flow, pulls you in and sends you careening off walls.

It has been compared to everything from Green Day to Cheap Trick.

The Green Day comparison does have some merit because Fastball’s producer, Jerry Flinn, also worked with Green Day and Rancid.

But don’t expect to see Fastball pulling the puck punches. It fails the litmus test according to Zuniga.

“To me, punk is an ideology,” Zuniga said. “Too often people think punk is playing only two chords, and if you look at us, that way we’re not going to pass the test for punk rock.”

One of the great things about Fastball, Zuniga said, is that each member brings his own experience into its music.

“Joey hits the drums real hard,” Zuniga said. “Tony wanted to play the guitar. I think some of his frustration comes out on the bass. He’s super all over on the bass.”

It all blends together to comprise the sound that can only be described as Fastball.

“People probably think, ’10 years ago, these guys probably had hair down to their ass and played in a metal band,'” Zuniga said.

Fastball brings its act to People’s Bar and Grill tonight by opening for Matthew Sweet. Fastball kicks things off at 9:30 p.m.