Casey at the Bat is based on the well-known poem of the same title, first published in San Francisco during the late 1800s by Ernest L. Thayer. This musical version of the famous story was commissioned by the Dallas Symphony and was given its first performance by that ensemble in April, 2001, with Pat Sajak serving as narrator. The composer subsequently arranged the work for wind ensemble at the request of Col. Michael Colburn, director of the "President's Own" Marine Band in Washington, DC.