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It can be said that Modern Baseball has been a turning point for the emo genre of music.
Although this notorious band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2017, Modern Baseball’s name has not left the minds of pop-punk and emo fans. One could go so far as to say that they are more popular now than when they were still together.
Modern Baseball, also known as Mobo, was formed by Bren Lukens and Jake Ewald in their hometown of Brunswick, Md. After Lukens and Ewald made their way to Philadelphia, Penn. to attend college, Ian Farmer and Sean Huber joined them.
Just to backtrack a bit, Ian Farmer and Sean Huber didn’t join them as soon as Lukens and Ewald came to Philadelphia. By the time Farmer joined, Modern Baseball had already released their first ep, “The Nameless Ranger” by themselves. Ewald then met Farmer at Drexel University and they started performing at house shows. It was only the three of them when Modern Baseball recorded their hit album “Sports” in 2012. Sean Huber then came into the mix, taking on the position of Modern Baseball’s drummer. Modern Baseball then started touring the U.S. and gaining more popularity.
After touring for a bit and joining other emo bands such as Marietta and The Hundred Acre Wood, Modern Baseball signed with Run for Cover Records. Then, in 2014, they released their sophomore long play, or LP, “You’re Gonna Miss It All.” This LP housed notable songs such as “Your Graduation” and “Rock Bottom.”
In 2016, they would release their third and final LP titled “Holy Ghost.” This album holds popular songs such as “Everyday” and “Note to Self.” Fans didn’t know this would be their last album when it was released.
In February of 2017, Modern Baseball announced their indefinite hiatus from music and canceled the remainder of their tour. They then announced a three-day hiatus break to play what was their final shows in October 2017. The band cited the cause of their disbandment was the band wanting to focus on their mental health issues and friendships, stating that the band had started to be a root of their anxieties.
Since Modern Baseball went on hiatus, we hadn’t heard much from Bren Lukens until very recently when they came out as nonbinary. With overwhelming support from fans, they have posted on their social media more regularly, giving their fans hope of a Modern Baseball comeback. Something else that has fans hoping for a Mobo comeback is Bren Lukens announcing that they will be performing with friends at a show called “Death Rosenstock in Chicago Forever” on July 21, 2026.
As for Jake Ewald, he can be found being the lead vocalist and guitarist for a different emo band, Slaughter Beach, Dog. Slaughter Beach, Dog has become wildly popular among Modern Baseball fans, almost filling that Modern Baseball sized hole in the hearts of their fans. Ewald is not extremely active on his socials, but posts at least once a year.
Ian Farmer joined Ewald as the bassist for Slaughter Beach, Dog. He also plays other parts in other bands. He is not super active on his socials, but according to his Instagram, he is married and still involved with many different music projects.
As for Sean Huber, he seems to be the most active on social media. He now has a brand called Steady Hand Social Club as well as a band called Steady Hands. He can be found traveling the world with his band.
I don’t know if Modern Baseball will come back together for what would be the greatest comeback in the history of comebacks. I do know that it is what every fan of Mobo can hope for. I don’t think anyone can count out a comeback after some recent activity on the Modern Baseball Instagram page and Lukens teasing music on their socials. Here is hoping for that comeback.
Until then, you catch most Mobo fans replaying their whole discography pleading that they get to see them in concert again someday.
